Battle of Lebanon (Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Lebanon |
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| Part of American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Charles S. Hanson | John Hunt Morgan | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 350-400 of the 20th Kentucky Infantry | 2,460 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 41 | Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Lebanon happened on July 5, 1863, in Lebanon, Kentucky. It was a part of Morgan's Raid during the American Civil War. In this battle, soldiers from the Confederate side, led by Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan, fought for six hours. They were trying to defeat a small group of Union soldiers. After the battle, Morgan's troops continued their raid north through Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
Contents
What Was Morgan's Raid?
General Morgan and about 2,460 of his best cavalrymen started their journey on June 11, 1863. They rode from Sparta, Tennessee. Their main goal was to distract the Union forces. This would help the Southern armies in Tennessee.
Moving North
By July 2, Morgan's men had crossed the Cumberland River into Kentucky. On July 4, they faced a defeat by Michigan troops at the Battle of Tebbs' Bend. After this, Morgan changed his plan. He decided to go west, hoping to reach Louisville, which didn't have many defenders.
The Fight in Lebanon
General Morgan's troops surprised the Union soldiers stationed in Lebanon. The Union commander, Lt. Col. Charles S. Hanson, had little time to get ready. He quickly placed his 350 to 400 men from the 20th Kentucky Infantry. They used overturned wagons, fences, and anything they could find for protection.
A Refused Surrender
When Morgan arrived, he asked Hanson to surrender, but Hanson refused. Morgan's forces had many more soldiers. They quickly pushed Hanson's advance guards back through the town's streets. Many Union soldiers ended up trapped in the Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot. This brick building was strong and offered good protection.
The Battle's End
To try and force the Union soldiers out, Morgan ordered nearby buildings to be set on fire. The fight lasted for six intense hours. During the final attack, Morgan's 19-year-old brother, Lt. Thomas Morgan, was killed. Finally, General Morgan captured the remaining Union soldiers. He then released them on parole, meaning they promised not to fight again. After the battle, Morgan's men burned the offices of the Circuit Clerk and County Clerk, along with 20 other buildings in Lebanon.
