On Jan. 20, 1864, Confederate Partisan Rangers led by Col. John M. Hughes of the 25th TN Inf. and Maj. Willis S. Bledsoe of the 4th TN Cav. attacked Union forces of the 20th Connecticut, Co. B, under Lt. Col. William B. Wooster at Howard & Benham's Store in an area known as the Heading. During the fighting, one Union soldier was killed and two Confederates were wounded. After capturing the Union commander and others and attempting a surrender of Federal forces, orders were given to parole the prisoners. The Confederates left with overcoats, blankets, and other needed supplies, and this action made Tracy City, TN, temporarily useless as a source of coal for the Union.