The Battle of Chalk Bluff was a land battle of the American Civil War that took place from May 1-2, 1863. Commanding the Union forces was Brigadier General William Vandever who had the 2nd Division, Army of the Frontier and force under his command. Commanding the Confederate forces was Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke who had the Marmaduke Cavalry Division under his command. The battle took place in Clay County, Arkansas.

Union Brigadier General William Vandever pursed Confederate Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke to Chalk Bluff, Arkansas where the confederate forces lead by General Marmaduke planed to cross the St. Francis River. In an attempt to protect his men while they were fording the river, General Marmaduke set up a rearguard that he hoped would protect his troops as they forged the St. Francis River. On May 1-2 this rear guard sustained heavey casualties but delayed the Union forces long enough as to allow for the consution team to finish building the bridge and allow for the crossing of the river by Maramduke’s forces. However, because of the heavy casualties that were suffered by Marmaduke’s men while they were crossing and defended the bridge he was forced to end the expedition. While General Marmaduke tactical won the Battle of Chalk Bluff, the Union forces succered a Strategic victory because General Marmaduke was forced to end his expedition.