The Battle of Sabine Crossroads took place on April 8, 1864, in Louisiana during the American Civil War. This confrontation was a component of the Red River Campaign, where Union forces aimed to capture Shreveport, Louisiana's capital. Confederate Major-General Dick Taylor decided to make a stand at Mansfield against the Union army led by General Nathaniel Banks. Although both sides awaited reinforcements throughout the day, the Confederates, primarily composed of units from Louisiana and Texas and possibly supported by paroled soldiers, decisively routed the Union forces.

In the lead-up to the battle, Union forces, consisting mainly of Brigadier General Albert L. Lee's cavalry division and parts of the XIII Corps, found themselves stretched across a clearing near Mansfield. As they waited for more reinforcements, Confederate forces, having a momentary numerical advantage, launched an aggressive assault around 4:00 pm. While Confederate forces on the east side of the road faced heavy resistance, resulting in Mouton's death, those on the west successfully encircled the Union position, causing significant disarray among Union ranks. The Confederates relentlessly pursued the retreating Union troops until they clashed with another Union defensive line formed by Emory's division, leading to a halt in Confederate advances.

The aftermath of the Battle of Mansfield was significant for the Union, which endured a loss of 113 killed, 581 wounded, and 1,541 captured. Additionally, they lost substantial equipment and resources. Confederate losses were roughly estimated at about 1,000 killed and wounded. Following this Confederate victory, the two forces would meet again in combat the very next day at the Battle of Pleasant Hill.