Historical Marker Database Search

Subject Search

Select a subject from the selection box below and press search to view all markers related to that subject.

 

Search Results

Confederate Defense Line
Marker Number 863
County Pulaski
Location Nancy, W. of Somerset, KY 80
Description Late in 1861, Confederates sought to prevent Union forces from occupying strategic points in Kentucky and Tennessee, to maintain rail shipments of vital Confederate supplies from Virginia south and west, and to set up bases for future offensive thru Kentucky and Ohio to divide eastern and western Union states. With those aims the Confederate Defense Line was formed from the Big Sandy Valley in east Kentucky thru Cumberland Gap, Mill Springs on Cumberland River, Bowling Green on L & N Ry., to Columbus, Ky. on the Mississippi River. The Forces Move In Brig. Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer in Nov. 1861 built CSA bases at Mill Springs and across Cumberland at Beech Grove, as part of plan. Maj. Gen. George B. Crittenden took command, Dec. 13, 1861. On Jan. 11, 1862, Union forces under Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas started from Lebanon, Ky. to join the Federals under Brig. Gen. Albin Schoepf at Somerset and to attack the Confederate base at Mill Springs. On Jan. 19 Gen. Crittenden moved out with his CSA troops to prevent the Union forces under Gen. Thomas from joining US army at Somerset.

(Reverse) Battle of Mill Springs In first hour, Gen. Zollicoffer was killed, which threw his CSA regiments into confusion. Rallied by Gen. Crittenden, battle continued three hours. USA reinforcements arrived, CSA retreated, fighting all day to reach river. They evacuated camp during night and withdrew into Tennessee. Casualties: CSA 125 killed, 309 wounded and 99 missing; USA 39 killed and 207 wounded. Large quantity of supplies abandoned by CSA, as well as 150 wagons and more than 1,000 horses and mules. Battle also called Logan's Cross Roads or Fishing Creek. Aftermath The way was opened for the Union to advance into Eastern Tennessee. Lack of provisions, bad roads and difficulty of crossing river made such advance impractical. Gen. Thomas' command joined Gen. Buell's Union force in move on Nashville. This Mill Springs victory with defeat of Brig. Gen. Humphrey Marshall by USA Col. James A. Garfield in the Big Sandy Valley broke the right section of the Confederate Defense Line. Thus began a series of events bringing Union control of Kentucky and upper Miss. River in first year of war.
Subjects Buell, Don Carlos , Civil War , Confederate Army , Garfield, James A. , Marshall, Humphrey , Mill Springs, Battle of
Felix K. Zollicoffer
Marker Number 1920
County Pulaski
Location 1 mi. S. of Nancy, KY 235
Description Brig. Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer, CSA, died here, Jan. 19, 1862, in Battle of Logan's Crossroads (Mill Springs). This Tenn. native was veteran of Seminole War, editor of Nashville Banner, and 3-term U.S. congressman. In heavy rain and smoke of battle, Zollicoffer was killed approaching USA lines, which he mistook for own troops. Over. Presented by Boy Scout Troop 79 of Somerset for the Kentucky Bicentennial.

(Reverse) "Zollie Tree" - This large, white oak has been decorated annually in honor of Gen. Zollicoffer since 1902, when Dorotha Burton began tradition. Over 100 CSA soldiers are in mass grave at rear of park. Zollicoffer is buried in Nashville. Boy Scout Troop 79 Trail follows Confederate retreat to Cumberland River. Over. Erected during 130th anniv. of the battle and the Ky. Bicentennial.
Subjects Civil War , Mill Springs, Battle of , Newspapers , Rivers
Mill Springs
Marker Number 75
County Wayne
Location E. of Mill Springs, KY 90 [old]
Description Near here, January 19, 1862, 4,000 Confederate troops were engaged and defeated by 12,000 Federalists. The southern leader, General Felix Zollicoffer, was killed in the action. The historic old mill was built in 1840.
Subjects Civil War , Mill Springs, Battle of
West-Metcalfe House
Marker Number 1275
County Wayne
Location Mill Springs Roadside Park, KY 1275
Description One mile south. First brick house in area. Built by Capt. Isaac West, Revolutionary soldier, who came here about 1798, received land grant in 1799, and built this house, in 1800, of bricks he made himself. Gen. Felix Zollicoffer, CSA, had headquarters here, 1861. Used as hospital after Battle of Mill Springs, 1862. Confederates buried then in family cemetery.
Subjects Civil War , Mill Springs, Battle of , Revolutionary War
Back to Top | New Search