Louisville Home Guard facts for kids

The Louisville Home Guard was a special group of soldiers who supported the Union during the American Civil War. They were formed early in the war in Louisville, Kentucky. This group, called a militia, helped protect weapons and supplies. They also patrolled the streets to keep things peaceful and to discourage people who supported the Confederates.

What Was the Louisville Home Guard?

The Louisville Home Guard was a local military group. It was made up of citizens who volunteered to protect their city. They were not part of the main Union army at first. Their main job was to keep order in Louisville and make sure important supplies were safe.

Early Days and Leaders

The first leader of the Home Guard was John M. Delph, who was the mayor of Louisville. When some Southern states decided to leave the United States (this is called "seceding"), Mayor Delph quickly took control of the state's weapons storage. He wanted to make sure these important supplies didn't fall into the wrong hands.

Later in 1861, different local groups of soldiers joined together. They formed one larger unit under Lovell Rousseau. However, this group was still controlled by the city, not the national Union army. Rousseau later left to join the official Union army. He helped create two new army units, including the famous Louisville Legion.

New Commander and Role

After Rousseau left, James Speed became the new commander of the Louisville Home Guard. James Speed later became a very important person. He served as the top lawyer for the United States, called the Attorney General, under President Abraham Lincoln.

The Home Guard members were not always well-trained or well-armed. They were often more for show, but they did important work. They helped guard the city's defenses, like walls and ditches built for protection. They also helped keep peace in Louisville during a very difficult time.

Protecting Kentucky's Borders

In September 1861, nearly 1,000 men from the Louisville Home Guard joined other Union soldiers. They traveled by train south from Louisville. Their mission was to stop Confederate forces led by Simon Bolivar Buckner.

Facing the Confederates

The Home Guard and other troops marched under the command of William T. Sherman. They headed towards Bowling Green, where Buckner's Confederate army was. Buckner's forces stopped in Bowling Green. Sherman decided to watch the larger Confederate army for about three months. During this time, the Home Guard returned to Louisville.

Guarding Key Locations

The Home Guard also patrolled roads leading south from Louisville. They protected important railroad and road bridges. These bridges were often targets for Confederate raiders, like the famous John Hunt Morgan. Protecting these routes was vital for the Union's movement of troops and supplies.

The Siege of Munfordville

The Louisville Home Guard took part in an important battle in September 1862. From September 14 to 16, they helped in the attack and capture of Munfordville and Woodsonville. These towns were held by Confederate forces.

A United Force

The Home Guard was part of a larger Union force of about 4,000 soldiers. This force included troops from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. It also included soldiers from the 18th U.S. Infantry. Their combined efforts led to the surrender of the Confederate troops in Munfordville.