Battle of Munfordville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Munfordville |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
 |
|||||||
|
|||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
John T. Wilder  Cyrus L. Dunham |
Simon Bolivar Buckner James Ronald Chalmers |
||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| Munfordville Garrison Army of the Ohio |
Army of Mississippi | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 4,148 | 714 | ||||||
The Battle of Munfordville was an important fight during the American Civil War in Kentucky. It was also called the Battle of Green River. This victory helped the Confederates control the area for a short time. It also made it harder for the Union to get supplies.
Contents
What Happened at Munfordville?
The Armies March to Munfordville
In August 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg led his army north. They marched from Chattanooga, Tennessee towards Kentucky. The Union Army under Major General Don Carlos Buell followed them.
Bragg's army reached Munfordville in mid-September. Munfordville was a key spot. It had a long railroad bridge over the Green River. This bridge was very important for moving supplies.
The Union forces at Munfordville were led by Colonel John T. Wilder. His troops were about 4,000 strong. They had built strong defenses around the town.
Chalmers' Surprise Attack
On September 14, Confederate Brigadier General James R. Chalmers arrived at Munfordville. He attacked without waiting for orders. Chalmers thought the Union troops were new and easy to defeat.
He demanded that Colonel Wilder surrender. Wilder refused. Chalmers then launched direct attacks on the Union defenses. The Union soldiers fought back hard. Chalmers' brigade lost many men and had to retreat.
General Bragg was not happy with Chalmers' attack. He called it "unauthorized and injudicious." But Bragg still wanted to capture Munfordville. He believed taking the town would turn their "defeat into victory."
The Confederates Surround the Town
Bragg decided to bring his whole army to Munfordville. His soldiers marched quickly, covering many miles overnight. By September 16, Bragg's large army surrounded the town. They had about 25,000 soldiers and 45 cannons.
Colonel Wilder realized he was greatly outnumbered. He also knew that Union General Buell's forces were getting close. Bragg sent another demand for surrender.
Wilder went into the Confederate lines under a flag of truce. Confederate Major General Simon Bolivar Buckner showed him the huge Confederate force. Wilder saw that fighting was hopeless.
The Surrender
Wilder agreed to surrender. The next day, the Union soldiers marched out of Munfordville. They were given new uniforms and sent home.
A Confederate soldier named W.L. Trask described the Union troops. He said they "were well clothed, looked fat and sleek and clean and neat." He noted they were very different from his "hungry, ragged and dirty looking rebels."
The Confederates captured over 4,000 Union soldiers and many supplies. But this victory also slowed them down. Historian Kenneth W. Noe said that taking Munfordville was a "three-day distraction." He felt it didn't help the Confederate plan much. It showed that Bragg often reacted to events instead of having a clear overall plan.
Historic Places at Munfordville
|
Battle of Munfordville Site
|
|
 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by Green R., US 31, Rowletts, and L and N RR tracks, Munfordville, Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Area | 164 acres (66 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Bridge designer | Albert Fink |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000866 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1999 |
Several places linked to the battle are now on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their historical importance.
Battle of Munfordville Site
The entire battlefield is a historic site. It includes the Green River Bridge, which was built in 1859. It also has Fort Craig, a star-shaped fort built by the Union. A small cemetery and other old buildings are also part of the site.
Smith Monument
The Colonel Robert A. Smith Monument is near the river. It honors Colonel Smith, who fought in the battle. There is also a monument to him in his hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Unknown Soldier
The Unknown Confederate Soldier Monument in Horse Cave marks a grave. It belongs to a soldier from Louisiana. He was accidentally killed while clearing trees for the Confederate army.
Protecting the Battlefield
The American Battlefield Trust works to save historic battlefields. They and their partners have helped protect 135 acres of the Munfordville Battlefield. This helps make sure these important places are preserved for the future.
Images for kids
-
The Battle of Munfordville.
