The Battle of Devil's Backbone was a land battle of the American Civil War the occurred on September 1, 1863. Commanding the Union forces was Colonel William Cloud who had the 2nd Kansas Cavalry, 6th Missouri Cavalry, and two sections of Rabb’s 2nd Indiana Battery under his command (about 1500 men). Commanding the Confederate forces was Brigadier General W.L. Cabell who had the Cabell Brigade under his command (about 1200 men). The battle took place in Sebastian County, Arkansas.

After the Battle of Honey Springs Union Major General James G. Blunt occupied Fort Smith and on September 1, 1863 dispatched Union Colonel William F. Cloud to purse the Confederates that had withdrawn from Fort Smith. Col. Cloud chased the Confederate forces lead by Brig. Gen. W.L. Cabell to old Jenny Lind. At the base of the Devil's Backbone General Cabell’s forces ambushed the Union forces and for a moment halted the Union advance. However, Under the cover of artillery Col. Cloud and the Union forces were able to regroup and force the Confederate to withdraw in disorder to Waldron.

In a battle that lasted 3 hours, the Union forces lost 16 men while the confederate forces lost 65 men. The Battle was considered a Union Victory.