In December 1862, Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest led a recently organized Confederate cavalry force out of Middle Tennessee to strick the vital network of railroads and telegraph lines being maintained by the Union forces throughout West Tennessee. Jackson was only one of many serving as important links in this supply and communication network, and Union authorities felt certain that General Forrest's main attack would be there. Union General Sullivan, commanding the District of Jackson, ordered troops to reinforce the garrison. Colonel Lawler, commanding the post at Jackson, was ordered to strengthen his defenses. The Union commanders were undoubtedly filled with anxiety.

By December 17, General Forrest had crossed the Tennessee River and on December 18, defeated the Union forces near Lexington, capturing 158 Union soldiers and two artillery pieces. The remaining Union troops fell back toward Jackson.

On the evening December 18, Colonel Adolph Engelmann was ordered to advance from Jackson with the 43rd and 61st Illinois Infantry regiments east on the Lexington Road toward Cotton Grove. He was also to take command of all Union troops falling back from Lexington. About three and one-half miles out, the infantry encountered elements of the 5th Ohio Cavalry, the llth Illinois' Cavalry, and the 2nd West Tennessee Cavalry. Colonel Engelmann pulled his force back and placed the cavalry across his front in a skirmish line and sent patrols out on his flanks. The infantry camped in a field not far from the Salem Cemetery. No campfires, which might betray their position, were permitted, and the men shivered through the night, aware of the Confederate campfires one and one-half miles to the east.

On the morning of December 19, the Union infantry was placed in battle line on the wooded ridge in and about Salem Cemetery, with the 61st Illinois Infantry behind the fence in the cemetery, and the 43rd Illinois Infantry in the timber across the road. Both regiments were well concealed. Not long after sunrise, General Forrest sent Colonel T. G. Woodward's two cavalry companies and Colonel J. B. Biffle's cavalry battalion against the Union skirmish line. Skirmish fire broke out and continued as the Union cavalry slowly fell back. The main body of Confederate cavalry advanced along the Lexington Road with skirmish lines extended on both flanks. In the meantime, General Forrest positioned Captain Freeman's battery of artillery in support. The Union cavalry withdrew to the main battle line, still concealed. When the Confederate column came within 30-50 yards of the cemetery, the Union infantry opened fire, causing several casualties and confusion among men and horses. The Confederate cavalry withdrew as Captain Freeman's battery opened fire on the Union infantry, compelling them to withdraw to a position out of the range of the Confederate shells. After an hour or so, General Forrest withdrew his troops from the field as additional Union troops arrived from Jackson.

The battle of Salem Cemetery thus ended. Casualties for both sides were light, and exact numbers are difficult to determine due to conflicting reports. No great victory could be claimed although Union commanders surely felt that they had stopped General Forrest from attacking Jackson, there is good reason to believe that no such attack was intended. Prior to and during the Salem fight, General Forrest had sent Colonel G. G. Dibrells cavalry regiment north of Jackson to destroy railroad tracks and telegraph wires, and Colonel Russell's and Major Cox's commands to the south to destroy bridges and culverts. After the Salem fight had drawn attention and Union troops to Jackson, General Forrest swiftly and successfully attacked his intended targets—the smaller garrisons along the railroad, north to Union City.

Compiled by Jack D. Wood - excerpt from Jackson & Madison County Pictorial History - by Williams, Smothers and Carter