The Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, (8 April 1864) formed part of the Red River Campaign during the American Civil War, when Union forces were aiming to occupy the state capital Shreveport. The Confederate commander, Major General Richard Taylor chose Mansfield as the place where he would make his stand against the advancing Union army under Nathaniel Banks. Taylor concentrated his forces at Sabine Crossroads, knowing that reinforcements were nearby. Banks prepared for a fight, though his own army was not fully assembled either. Both sides were reinforced by stages throughout the day. After a brief resistance, the Union army was routed by the Confederates, consisting mainly of units from Louisiana and Texas, reportedly strengthened by hundreds of men breaking parole.