On December 29, 1864, the Third Regiment of North Carolina Mounted Infantry under Colonel George W. Kirk fought about 400 Confederate infantry and cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel James A. Keith at Red Banks of the Nolichucky. Seventy-three Confederates were killed and 32 officers and privates were captured, while the Union forces suffered only three wounded men. From August 15 through 17 of 1894, veterans of the Third North Carolina Regiment held a reunion at the Red Banks battleground, where Kirk had defeated Keith's Confederate command. According to The Erwin Weekly Magnet, shelter, music, meals, social talks, a nightly campfire, and a Three C train stop were provided for all citizens.