General Ulysses S. Grant needed food for the men of the Army of the Cumberland, food that William Starke Rosecrans had been unable to provide. Using the plan of engineer "Baldy" Smith, Grant launched a night attack on the ferry that required his men to float directly under the Confederate line, on material to be used to build a pontoon bridge at the ferry. Striking without warning, and quickly reinforced by troops crossing the river at the ferry, the plan was a success.

More on the Battle of Brown's Ferry
Cracker Line