| Conflict: | Yazoo City expedition |
| Partof: | the American Civil War |
| Date: | May 4–21, 1864[1] |
| Place: | Yazoo County, Mississippi |
| Result: | Union victory[2] |
| Combatant1: |  United States (Union) |
| Combatant2: | CSA (Confederacy) |
| Commander1: | John McArthur |
| Commander2: | Wirt Adams |
| Units1: | Post of Vicksburg |
| Units2: | Adams' Cavalry Brigade |
| Strength1: | 2 brigades of infantry |
| Strength2: | brigade |
| Casualties1: | 5 killed 14 wounded[3] |
| Casualties2: | unknown |
The Yazoo City expedition was an expedition of Union forces from the Vicksburg garrison under General John McArthur against Confederate forces in central Mississippi under General Wirt Adams.
McArthur's expedition was in conjunction with a second Union raid under Samuel D. Sturgis in northern Mississippi. McArthur’s primary objective was to divert Confederate forces away from Sturgis’ front. Initially, Confederate department commander Stephen D. Lee showed little concern over these two raids concluding it was merely an attempt to divert attention.[4] However, McArthur’s expedition steadily drove Adams’ Confederates from their positions, skirmishing at Benton, Luce’s Plantation and Vaughn’s Station along the Mississippi Central Railroad.[5] Upon seeing the concentration of Confederate forces to his front, McArthur concluded his objective had been met, along with destruction of the Mississippi Central Railroad.[6] McArthur ordered Alfred W. Ellet and the Mississippi Marine Brigade to remain in Yazoo City while he returned to Vicksburg with the remainder of his force. Despite meeting his objectives, McArthur’s expedition was unable to prevent the defeat of Sturgis at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads. McArthur was still content with the showing of strength and proof Union forces could move into the interior of Mississippi when desired.[7]
Post of Vicksburg: Brigadier General John McArthur
Department of Alabama, Mississippi & East Louisiana: Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee