In Erwin, Tennessee, just off Exit 40 of Interstate 26, a historical marker notes the site of the only major Civil War battle to take place in Unicoi County in Eastern Tennessee. The location, Red Banks, is now the newest riverside location of USA Raft Adventure Resort, where we have the honor of preserving and respecting the land, waters, and headstones of this historic site. This is the story of the Battle of Red Banks and the Civil War in Erwin, Tennessee.
The Scene
On December 29, 1864, about 400 Confederate infantry and cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel James A. Keith had stopped to camp in an open field that sloped down to the Nolichucky River at a location that is now known as Red Banks. What they didn’t know is that directly across the river about 900 men, the Union Army’s Third Regiment of North Carolina Mounted Infantry under Colonel George W. Kirk, had been stationed in a house that still stands today.
The Battle
Realizing that the Confederate troops had not yet ascertained the vulnerable position they were in, the Union commander ordered his troops to position themselves along the high red banks overlooking the river, where they opened fire on the Confederate soldiers. As the battle progressed, it quickly became clear to the Confederates that they were in no position to defend themselves.
Confederate troops retreated down what is now Temple Hill Road and into Madison County, North Carolina. After the battle, the Union regiment continued their intended march into Knoxville, Tennessee. The advantage the Union troops had in holding the high ground is obvious in the casualty list: in the Battle of Red Banks, 73 Confederate soldiers were killed and 32 officers and privates were captured, while only 3 Union soldiers were wounded.
The Legacy
Surviving Confederate soldiers referred to the conflict at Red Banks as the “Battle of the Bloody Chucky,” while some locals called it “The Running Battle,” referencing the Confederate soldiers’ scattered retreat into Madison County along different routes.
Today, Red Banks, as well as the two cemeteries on the land, are owned by USA Raft Adventure Resort. While the land had previously been under plans to be developed into a hospital, we are now proud to preserve it for generations to come.
USA Raft Adventure Resort and Red Banks
Red Banks is our newest riverside location in Erwin, Tennessee. Just a 5-minute shuttle ride or a 20-minute paddle from USA Raft Adventure Resort, Red Banks is home to our new outfitter store, primitive camping sites, and RV sites, with even more new, exciting plans in the works. To stay up to date on USA Raft Adventure Resort and learn how you can create your own history on the shores of Red Banks, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or on the web.
About USA Raft Adventure Resort
USA Raft Adventure Resort is the premier adventure destination on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Northeast Tennessee. More than just premier rafting experiences, USA Raft offers riverside lodging, the most beautiful riverside taphouse in Appalachia, caving, fishing, SUP, Onewheel, hiking, tubing, and more! To learn more, visit usaraft.com.
