In November of 1864, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest launched a daring and decisive attack against Union supply lines at Johnsonville, Tennessee. This strategic location served as a crucial depot for the Union Army, storing vast amounts of materiel essential for their operations in the western theater of the Civil War. The Confederate forces, numbering approximately 3,500, aimed to disrupt Union supply lines and diminish their capacity to conduct military campaigns in the area.

The bombardment commenced on November 4, with Confederate artillery positioning themselves near the base and opening fire on Union supplies. The attack was meticulously planned, leveraging Forrest's reputation for unconventional warfare and rapid movement. As the bombardment continued, Forrest's troops managed to destroy a significant portion of the Union's stored supplies, including food, ammunition, and equipment, leading to an estimated loss of $1.5 million in materiel. The assault lasted several days, significantly impacting the Union’s logistical support in the region.

This event highlighted the continued struggle for control of supply lines during the Civil War and the lengths to which Confederate forces would go to undermine Union advantages. The destruction at Johnsonville underscored the vulnerabilities of the Union Army’s supply network and demonstrated the effectiveness of Forrest’s cavalry tactics. Following the attack, the Union forces were forced to reevaluate their supply strategies in the face of aggressive Confederate operations, leading to changes in logistics and troop movements.