Atlas of Battles

battle, nineteenth century

Battle of Devil's Backbone

Battle of Devil's Backbone was a battle fought on 1 September 1863 at Sebastian County, in what is now Arkansas, United States. It was part of the Trans-Mississippi theater of the American Civil War. The recorded result: Union victory. Recorded strength: 1,500 against 1,250.

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Map of battlefield core and study areas. The ABPP narrowed the Study Area to follow more precisely the retreat route used by Cabell’s troops. The Study Area was expanded slightly around Old Jenny Lind
Map of battlefield core and study areas. The ABPP narrowed the Study Area to follow more precisely the retreat route used by Cabell’s troops. The Study Area was expanded slightly around Old Jenny Lind. American Battlefield Protection Program, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Record

Date1 September 1863
PlaceSebastian County, Arkansas, United States
35.178N, 94.311W
Part ofTrans-Mississippi theater of the American Civil War
KindBattle, nineteenth century
ResultUnion victory
BelligerentsUnited StatesConfederate States
CommandersCol. William F. CloudBrig. Gen. William L. Cabell
Strength1,5001,250
Casualties and losses1665
Battle of Devil's BackboneBattle of Devil's BackboneBattle of Massard PrairieBattle of Fort SmithVan Buren raidAmbush of the steamboat J. R. WilliamsBattle of Cane HillVan Buren raidBattle of Cane HillTulsaLittle RockFayettevilleConwayHot SpringsMuskogeeMcAlester100 km35.178N, 94.311W
The recorded site, with the nearest other engagements in the atlas. Present-day coastlines, rivers and borders; towns from Natural Earth.

Nearest engagements

In the same war

Elsewhere in 1863

Battle of Devil's Backbone is one of 2,483 engagements of the 19th century in the atlas and one of 1,031 in present-day United States (28 in Arkansas).

Sources

Identity, coordinates, dates and the war from Wikidata Q2457962, released under CC0. Result, belligerents, commanders, strength and casualties from the infobox of the English Wikipedia article Battle of Devil's Backbone, revision 1370109671, read 2026-11-14, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0; the article's text is not reproduced here. Present-day country and state from Natural Earth. Dates before 1582 follow the Julian calendar as recorded.