Battle of Mount Sterling facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Mount Sterling
Part of the American Civil War
Date June 8–9, 1864 Location Mount Sterling, Kentucky Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
General Stephen G. Burbridge	Colonel Leroy Cluke General John H. Morgan Colonel R. M. Martin Colonel H. L. Giltner
Strength
300
Casualties and losses
4 killed, 10 wounded	8 killed, 13 wounded

The Battle of Mount Sterling was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in June 1864 in a town called Mount Sterling, Kentucky. This battle was part of a bigger plan by Confederate forces. The Union army eventually won this battle.

Why Mount Sterling Was Important

During the American Civil War, both the Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) armies wanted control of Mount Sterling. It was a key location. In March 1863, about 300 Confederate cavalry soldiers, led by Colonel Leroy Cluke, took over the town. They captured many Union soldiers and a lot of supplies. Sadly, the town's courthouse was burned down. This meant many old records about the town were lost forever.

The Battle Begins

On June 8, 1864, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and his cavalry attacked Mount Sterling. They wanted to capture a very important supply depot. This depot held many supplies for the Union army. Confederate forces, led by Captain Edward Barlow, attacked the Union camp. They managed to capture 380 Union soldiers and a lot of supplies. They also took money from the local Farmers' Bank.

After the first attack, General Morgan left some of his soldiers with Colonel H. L. Giltner. Then, he moved west with the rest of his troops.

Union Counterattack

Early on June 9, 1864, Union forces launched a surprise attack. General Stephen G. Burbridge led his troops against the Confederates. The Confederates were camped on Camargo Pike, under the command of Colonel R. M. Martin.

Colonel H. L. Giltner brought his Confederate soldiers from Levee Road to help Colonel Martin's men. However, both Confederate groups were pushed back through the town. The Confederates tried to fight back, but they could not defeat the Union forces. Both sides had soldiers who were killed or wounded.

Aftermath of the Battle

The fighting continued in the areas around Mount Sterling. Even today, people sometimes find old ammunition and swords buried in the ground. The battle ended with the Confederates losing. They were outnumbered by the Union army. This battle was the last major fighting in Montgomery County, Kentucky during the war.

After the battle, the Confederates had 8 soldiers killed and 13 wounded. The Union army had 4 soldiers killed and 10 wounded.