Mill Springs Battlefield

https://www.nps.gov/misp/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill_Springs_Battlefield_National_Monument The Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument was the location of the Battle of Mill Springs (also known as Battle of Fishing Creek and as Battle of Logan's Crossroads) in January 1862. Several separated areas related to the battle have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Confederate Mass Grave Monument in Somerset, Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer Monument, and the Mill Springs National Cemetery. The US won a significant victory early in the Civil War at the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the rolling fields of Kentucky where the battle took place and learn about that state's strategic importance to both sides of the fight. The address of the Visitor Center and Museum is 9020 West Highway 80, Nancy, Kentucky 42544. The Visitor Center and Museum is located approximately eight miles west of Somerset, Kentucky along KY-80. Next door is the Mill Springs National Cemetery. Zollicoffer Park (Core Battlefield) is one mile due south of the Visitor Center along KY-235. From the Visitor Center, turn right onto KY-80 W head 0.3 of a mile. Turn left onto State Hwy 235 go 1 mile, Zollicoffer Park will be on your left. Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum The National Park Service operates the Visitor Center and Museum in Nancy, KY. A free 20-minute film about the Battle of Mill Springs is available for viewing in the Visitor Center. There are restrooms and a research library. The museum features the Combat on the Cumberland exhibit with Civil War artifacts and replicas. From Cumberland Pkwy - Exit 78 from Cumberland Pkwy to KY-80 E toward Nancy. Follow KY-80 for approximately 4.6 miles to the Visitor Center. From KY-914 W and KY-80 W - Head southwest on KY-914 W toward KY-3057. Take Patterson Branch Rd, Cr-1483 and Patterson Branch Rd to KY-80 W. Turn Left onto KY-80 W. In approximately 4.5 miles turn right toward your destination. Sunset on the National Cemetery A orange sunset over the white granite headstones in the national cemetery with silhouetted cannon. A glorious orange sunset back drops the Mill Springs National Cemetery. George Henry Thomas at the Battle of Mill Springs George Henry Thomas was a southerner who remained loyal to the United States during the Civil War. Commanding the US forces during the Battle of Mill Springs, Thomas demonstrated his capacity for high command and military strategy. Thomas' victory at Mill Springs was a direct catalyst to successful Federal movements into Middle Tennessee and the end of Confederate occupation of Kentucky during the Civil War. A black and white image of George Thomas in uniform sitting. Felix Kirk Zollicoffer at the Battle of Mill Springs Felix Kirk Zollicoffer was a Tennessee newspaperman, U.S. politician, and Confederate general. Zollicoffer was responsible for crossing the Cumberland River and establishing winter quarters for his Confederate force at Beech Grove. After George B. Crittenden took command, Zollicoffer commanded a brigade of Tennesseans on an attack of US forces during the Battle of Mill Springs. Zollicoffer was killed during the battle and his body was returned for burial in Nashville. A sepia toned image of Felix K. Zollicoffer. George Bibb Crittenden at the Battle of Mill Springs George Bibb Crittenden was the son of U.S. Representative and former Attorney General John J. Crittenden. George Crittenden commanded the Confederate forces during the Battle of Mill Springs. Crittenden allowed command on the field to Felix Zollicoffer during the battle. After Zollicoffer's death, Crittenden attempted to take control, but ultimately his force was routed. After crossing the Cumberland River, Crittenden was arrested for allegedly being drunk on duty. A black and white image of George B. Crittenden in uniform. Project Profile: A Strategic Approach to Building Forest Resiliency in Southeast Parks The National Park Service is addressing the climate change vulnerability of southeast park ecosystems. Fall-colored trees on a mountain slope. A tree is in the right-side foreground. THE CUMBERLAND GAP ARMY - GEN. SCHOEPF ORDERED TO SOMERSET - REBELS IN LARGE NUMBER; NEAR THE LATTER PLACE - CONDITION OF THIS WING OF THE ARMY - REBELS AFTER HOGS - JIM CHRISMAN, &c, &c. This article in the Louisville Daily Journal's December 6, 1861 edition discusses the movements of Confederate general Felix K. Zollicoffer, US Army general Albin Schopef, and local interests in Pulaski and Wayne County, Kentucky. A black and white photograph of Albin Schoepf in US Army uniform. To the Editors of the Louisville Journal - Speed S. Fry Discusses the Death of Zollicoffer This article in the Louisville Daily Journal's March 1, 1862 edition discusses an interview with Colonel Speed Smith Fry of the 4th Kentucky Infantry and his fatal shooting of Confederate general Felix K. Zollicoffer during the Battle of Mill Springs. A black and white photograph of Colonel Speed Smith Fry in US Army uniform. A Rebel Letter Describing the Situation on the Cumberland - Mississippian Elias Green Gore's battlefield letter. This article in the Buffalo (NY) Weekly Express' February 4, 1862, edition has an excerpt from a letter written by Corporal Elias Green Gore, 15th Mississippi describing the military situation to his parents. Gore was killed during the Battle of Mill Springs on January 19, 1862. A black and white image of Gore with rosy cheeks. The Battle of Mill Springs - Samuel Jennison discusses the 2nd Minnesota Infantry's part in the battle This article in the Southbridge (Mass) Journal's February 7, 1862 edition printed a letter from Captain Samuel Jennison to his parents describing the experiences of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry during the Battle of Mill Springs on January 19, 1862. A black and white image of Samuel Jennison in US Army uniform.

Mill Springs Battlefield National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Monument Kentucky ragffifisffigl MILL SPRINGS BATTLEFIELD ASSOCIATION During the American Civil War, Kentucky sat on the seam of a nation tearing itself apart. Each side sought control of the key border state. Troops clashed on muddy Kentucky fields on a cold January morning in 1862. As one of the first decisive Union victories, the Battle of Mill Springs boosted morale, assured Kentucky's place in the union, and contributed to further US Army victories as they advanced deeper into the Western Theater of the Civil War. Battle on the Border The question of secession split the Kentucky legislature, just as it divided families. Though a slave-holding state, Kentucky citizens held commercial and social ties to both their northern and southern neighbors. The state declared neutrality, but Kentucky's strategic location, large population, and assembly of rivers and railroads made it impossible for Union and Confederate forces to ignore. Both sides sent troops to fight for control. The Battle of Mill Springs began at dawn on January 19,1862. Recently reinforced A History of Community Engagement Over 200 men died in the Battle of Mill Springs. As the war dragged on and claimed more lives, Mill Springs faded from the nation's collective memory. Members of the local community became stewards of the land and its history, keeping alive the memory of the fallen soldiers. Many locals contributed over the years, creating a tradition of preservation. The Logan family donated a piece of the battlefield for a national cemetery where Union dead could be properly interred. A child who saw honors at that cemetery began decorating Union troops confronted and confounded a surprise Confederate attack. Rain, smoke, and fog muddled the field of battle. Union forces drove the Confederates back to Beech Grove camp and across the river, as cannon fire continued into the night. Twenty-four hours after they had started marching, the Confederates were scattered and defeated. Newspapers across the land reported on the first major fight in the Western Theater. The decisive victory bolstered Union morale and solidified Kentucky's loyalty. the Confederate gravesite too. This simple, but longstanding gesture inspired memorials, a county park, and more engagement. In 1993, the non-profit Mill Springs Battlefield Association formed to preserve the battlefield, and support research, education, and events. Just as the Battle of Mill Springs grabbed the nation's attention in 1862, the battlefield's 2019 designation as a national monument puts a new spotlight on the area. With help from its local partners, the NPS preserves and shares this place's part in a complicated and dark time in American history. Connecting the Monument's Sections CORE BATTLEFIELD AREA The Visitor Center and Museum sit at the northern end of the battlefield area, next to Mill Springs National Cemetery. A drive south along State Hwy 235 takes you through rolling hills where the battle played out. The heaviest fighting took place near Zollicoffer Park, named for Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer who died there. The government of Pulaski County donated this small park to the NPS. It includes a monument to the fallen general, Confederate mass grave and cemetery, and walking trail with informative signage. BEECH GROVE FORTIFIED ENCAMPMENT Confederate troops built their winter camp on this peninsula between the Cumberland River and White Oak Creek. Multiple Driving Tour stops with informative signs mark events of the battle. You will not find a ferry boat waiting at the old ferry landing site, but there are views of Lake Cumberland. MILL SPRINGS CROSSING FORTIFIED FERRY LANDING AND MILL SITE Built prior to the Civil War, the Brown-Lanier House and accompanying grist mill sit on the southern side of the Cumberland River (now Lake Cumberland). Home to the family that ran the mill, the Brown-Lanier House played host to generals from both sides—Confederate officers before the Battle of Mill Springs, and victorious Union generals afterward. Powered by numerous springs in the area, Mill Springs Mill is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and seasonally open to the public. WEST-METCALFE HOUSE The WestMetcalfe House in Wayne County served as Confederate headquarters and a battlefield hospital during the Battle of Mill Springs. It is currently not open to the public. The new national monument was made possible by land donations from The Mill Springs Battlefield Association and the government of Pulaski County, Kentucky. The National Park Service is working to acquire additional properties. Visiting Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Facilities developed by the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, including the Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum and Brown-Lanier House, are seasonally open to the public. The Association offers afilm,exhibits, gift shop, and