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Bulls Gap Battle Site

City: Bulls Gap, TN
Region: East Tennessee
Subregion: Northeast

 This was the site of several skirmishes and campsites during the Civil War. One of the bridges successfully destroyed by the Bridge Burners was Lick Creek Bridge in Bull’s Gap.

In November 1864, Major General John C. Breckinridge undertook an expedition into East Tennessee, anticipating that Confederate sympathizers would join his force and help drive the Yankees from the area. The Federals initially retired in front of this force and, on November 10, were at Bull's Gap on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad.rnThe Confederates attacked on the morning of the 11th but were repulsed. Artillery fire continued throughout the day. The next morning, both sides attacked;  the Confederates sought to hit the Union forces in a variety of locations but gained little. Firing occurred throughout most of the following day, but the Confederates did not assault the Union lines because they were marching to flank them on the right.rnBefore making the flank attack, the Union forces, short on everything from ammunition to rations, withdrew from Bull's Gap after midnight on the 4th. Breckinridge pursued, but the Federals received reinforcements, and foul weather played havoc with the roads and streams. Breckinridge, with most of his force, retired back to Virginia.rnThis victory was a temporary Union setback in the Federal plans to rid East Tennessee of Confederate influence.rn

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