August 24, 1864

The Action at Ashley’s Station took place. Confederate brigadier general Joseph Shelby and 2,000 to 2,500 men set out toward DeValls Bluff (Prairie County) with the intent to destroy the railroad between there and Brownsville. DeValls Bluff was also home to major hay-cutting operations contracted to civilians but guarded by a Federal garrison. Shelby attacked this operation, burning 3,000 bales of hay as well as destroying ten miles of railroad and inflicting 977 Union casualties. About 500 of the Union casualties were captured soldiers. Shelby lost 173 men during the action.