Camp Boone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of Tennessee |
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1864 standardization flag
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| Active | November 1862 - April 1865 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Role | Premier Confederate Army in Western Theater |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
Camp Boone was an important training camp during the American Civil War. It was located in Tennessee, very close to the Kentucky border, near Clarksville, Tennessee. Kentucky had decided to stay neutral at the start of the war. This meant it wouldn't pick a side. So, Camp Boone was set up just inside Tennessee. This allowed people from Kentucky who supported the Confederacy to join the army without breaking their state's neutrality.
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What Was Camp Boone?
Camp Boone was a major training center for the Confederate States Army. Many soldiers from Kentucky who joined the Confederacy started their military service here. It was a place where new recruits learned how to be soldiers. They practiced drills, learned to use weapons, and got ready for battle.
Why Was Camp Boone Important?
Camp Boone was a key spot for the Army of Tennessee, a main Confederate army. It helped train many soldiers, especially those from Kentucky. For example, the 2nd Kentucky Infantry regiment officially joined the army at Camp Boone on July 17, 1861. Just three days later, the 3rd Kentucky Infantry also joined there. This shows how quickly and effectively the camp helped organize new units.
Who Started Camp Boone?
The camp was first planned in early 1861 by three men: William T. Withers, Robert A. Johnson, and James Moss. They were given permission to create a Kentucky regiment for the Confederacy. Soon, Robert J. Breckenridge, Jr., and Lloyd Tilghman joined them.
Early Leaders at Camp Boone
Jefferson Davis, who was the President of the Confederacy, asked William Temple "Temp" Withers to help recruit soldiers from Kentucky. Withers was a veteran of the Mexican–American War and was temporarily made a General. He was put in charge of Camp Boone.
Another important early leader was Simon Bolivar Buckner. He was a colonel at the camp and later became a brigadier general. He even became the 30th Governor of Kentucky. Roger W. Hanson also brought a group of Kentucky State Guards to the camp. This group then became the Confederacy's 2nd Kentucky Infantry Regiment. Other Kentucky units that started at Camp Boone included the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Kentucky Cavalry Regiments.
Where Was Camp Boone Located?
The location chosen for Camp Boone was very good. It was only about 3.5 miles from the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. It was also just over a mile from a railroad line, which made it easy to transport supplies and soldiers. This railroad line is still used today. The camp also had a good supply of fresh water from Spring Creek, which flowed around two sides of the camp.
Today, a historical marker from the Tennessee Historical Commission (marker #3C 40) shows where Camp Boone was located. You can find it on US Highway 79 East (Guthrie Road) in Clarksville, Tennessee.
