The Battle of Athens was fought in Athens, Alabama (Limestone County, Alabama), on January 26, 1864, as part of the American Civil War. The Union force was a detachment under Captain Emil Adams from the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry regiment. The Confederate force was the 1st Alabama Cavalry, under Lt. Col. Moses W. Hannon.

On the morning of January 26, 1864, at around 4:00 a.m., 600 Confederate cavalrymen attacked Athens, which was being held by a Union force of only 100. Even though the Union defenders had no fortifications and were outnumbered six to one, they were able to repulse the Confederate attack and force them into a retreat after a two-hour battle.

Battle of Athens
Part of the American Civil War
Date January 26, 1864 Location Limestone County, Alabama Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Capt. Emil Adams	Lt. Col. Moses W. Hannon
Strength
100 men from the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry	600 men from the 1st Alabama Cavalry
Casualties and losses
20	30