Battle of Salyersville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Salyersville (or Ivy Point Hill)
Part of the American Civil War
Date April 13–14, 1864 Location Salyersville, Magoffin County, Kentucky Result Union victory
Belligerents
Confederate States of America	United States of America
Commanders and leaders
Colonel Ezekiel F. Clay	Colonel George W. Gallup, Colonel C. J. True
Strength
3rd Kentucky Mounted Rifles (1000)	Sub-District of Eastern Kentucky, reinforcements (4 regiments total)
Casualties and losses
24 killed and wounded, 50 captured	unknown

The Battle of Salyersville was a significant fight during the American Civil War. It's also known as the Battle of Ivy Point Hill or the Battle of Half Mountain. This battle was the largest of many smaller fights that happened in Magoffin County, Kentucky. It took place over two days in April 1864.

What Was the Battle of Salyersville?

The Battle of Salyersville was a clash between soldiers from the Confederate side and the Union side. It happened in eastern Kentucky, a state that was divided during the Civil War. This battle was part of a larger effort by Confederate forces to raid into Union-held areas.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On the Confederate side, the main leader was Colonel Ezekiel F. Clay. He led a group of about 1,000 soldiers who rode horses, known as mounted infantry. Their goal was to move into Kentucky.

The Union forces were led by Colonel George W. Gallup. He had soldiers from the 14th and 39th Kentucky Infantry regiments. He also received help from Colonel C. J. True, who brought the 40th Kentucky Infantry and the 11th Michigan Cavalry.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

The fighting began on April 13, 1864. Colonel Clay's Confederate troops first attacked a Union position in Paintsville. However, Colonel Gallup's 750 Union soldiers managed to hold their ground and defend their position.

After this first attack, Colonel Clay and his soldiers were tired. Their horses were also exhausted. They tried to rest near some creeks called Puncheon and Little Half Mountain. Colonel Clay thought that Colonel Gallup would not follow them, but he was wrong.

The Union's Clever Plan

Colonel Gallup was determined to catch Clay. Some stories say a young woman named Liza Whitaker helped guide Gallup's troops. Gallup divided his soldiers. One group, led by Colonel Orlando Brown, went down a ridge. Colonel Gallup led the rest of his troops down a different path.

This clever move allowed the Union forces to surround Colonel Clay and his men. Several other Union officers, including Colonel John S. Dils and Colonel David A. Mims, helped in this plan.

What Was the Outcome?

Near the end of the battle, Colonel Clay was injured. He had to leave the fight. He was later captured by Elijah Patrick and taken to a prison in Ohio. President Abraham Lincoln offered Clay a pardon, but Clay chose to wait until the war officially ended to be set free.

The battle ended in a victory for the Union forces. The Confederates suffered significant losses. About 60 of their men were killed or wounded, and 50 were captured. They also lost many horses, saddles, and weapons. The Union forces had only a few losses.