In late November 1861, while on reconnaissance and searching for supplies, Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest's cavalry scouted this area and reported that Union forces under General T. C. Crittenden had gathered here. Forrest then moved west. Returning to the area on December 28, 1861, Forrest met and defeated a Union scouting force in the battle at Sacramento, then escaped capture by Union troops sent from Calhoun.