The battle at Mine Creek was one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War, involving thousands of men and horses. Cavalry regiments played an important role by initially supporting infantry and artillery and screening their movements from the enemy. They also gathered information about the whereabouts and strength of enemy troops. After victorious battles they pursued and harassed retreating troops; in defeat they covered the rear of their own army and carried out defensive actions to delay the enemy's advance. Toward the end of the war, cavalry assumed a more offensive role, as it did at Mine Creek.