The Battle of Athens was land battle of the American Civil War that occurred on January 26, 1864. Commanding the Union forces was Captain Emil Adams who had the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry under his command. Commanding the Confederate forces was Lieutenant Colonel Moses W. Hannon who had the 1st Alabama Cavalry under his command. The battle took place in Limestone County, Alabama.

On the morning of January 26, 1864, at around 4:00am, confederate cavalry (which numbered around 600 men) attacked Athens, Alabama, which was being held by only 100 union forces. Even thought the Union forces had no fortifications and were vastly outnumbered by the Confederate 6 to 1 they were still able to repulse the Confederate attack, and forced them into a retreat after a two-hour battle.