Battle of Red Banks

A historic marker in South Unicoi County indicates the site of the infamous Civil War Battle of Red Banks.  In 1864, the Union won a battle of mounted infantry and cavalry forces at Red Banks near the Nolichucky River.  On December 29, 1864, the Third Regiment of North Carolina mounted an infantry under Colonel George W. Kirk, engaged about 400 Confederate Infantry and Cavalry under Lt. Colonel James A. Keith at Red Banks of the Nolichucky.  Seventy-three Confederates were killed and thirty-two officers and privates were captured.  The Union forces sustained only three wounded men.