Affair At Madison Station
May 17, 1864
The largest engagement of the Civil War in Madison County Alabama was fought during a driving rainstorm in Madison, Alabama at the site of the railroad depot.
Patterson was born in Morgan County, Alabama. He attended local schools and the Somerville Academy in Somerville, Alabama. In September 1861, early in the American Civil War, Patterson enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following year, he was commissioned a first lieutenant in the 1st Alabama Cavalry Regiment. Patterson was promoted through the ranks until he became a colonel and was assigned command of the 5th Alabama Cavalry Regiment.
Under the command of Col. Josiah Patterson, the Confederate forces (~1000 cavalry and a battery of artillery) crossed the Tennessee River near Triana and attacked a garrison of ~350 men of the 13th Illinois Infantry.
Union forces fell back along the railroad toward Huntsville to Indian Creek. They counterattacked after being reinforced by infantry from Huntsville. Confederates were forced back across the river after burning equipment and cotton at the depot. Casualties were light on both sides.