What Is Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument?
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument preserves the site of the decisive Federal victory that kept Kentucky as part of the Union!
What Makes It Historical?
After the outbreak of the Civil War on April 12, 1861, the state of Kentucky was quick to declare neutrality! It had cultural and financial ties to both sides and did not want to pick favorites, but by September 4th of that year, there was already a Confederate fort at Columbus, KY. The race to gain Kentucky was on!
From the South, Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer crossed the Cumberland River from Mill Springs in December to set up a winter camp at Beech Grove. From the North, Generals George Thomas and Albin Schoepf moved in on their location in January, surprising everyone who thought they were going to take the winter off of warfare! The first shots rang out on January 19, 1862, and in the smoke and confusion, General Zollicoffer started shouting orders to Union soldiers, who shot him!
From there, it was kind of a route! The Union soldiers pushed the Confederates back to their base at Beech Grove and shelled them all night long! The Confederates escaped back across the river to Mill Springs, and the Union pursued, securing Kentucky for the Union and opening a pathway to invade Tennessee!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument!
- Donate to the Mill Springs Battlefield Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
9020 West Highway 80
Nancy, KY 42544
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open daily from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, while the greater park is open from sunrise until sunset!
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