Union Army of Kentucky facts for kids

The Army of Kentucky was the name given to two different groups of soldiers during the American Civil War. These groups were part of the Union Army, which fought for the northern states. Both "Armies" were quite small and didn't last very long. They served in the state of Kentucky in the years 1862 and 1863.

The First Army of Kentucky: August 1862

On August 25, 1862, a general named William "Bull" Nelson took charge of the soldiers near Richmond, Kentucky. Even though there were only two small groups of soldiers (called brigades), General Nelson decided to call them the "Army of Kentucky."

Leaders of the First Army

The two brigades were led by Brigadier Generals Mahlon D. Manson and Charles Cruft. Many of these soldiers were new and had not fought in battles before.

Battle of Richmond and What Happened Next

Just five days after this "army" was formed, they faced a big fight at the Battle of Richmond. The new soldiers were badly beaten. The Army of Kentucky lost over 800 soldiers who were killed and 4,000 who were captured. General Manson was among those captured, and General Nelson was hurt. Because so many soldiers were lost, this first Army of Kentucky almost disappeared.

General Cruft officially stayed in command of his brigade for a short time. However, most of his soldiers had been captured. The remaining soldiers simply walked back to New Albany, Indiana. Later, Captain Charles C. Gilbert was put in charge of the few soldiers left. In September 1862, another general, Don Carlos Buell, added these remaining soldiers to a larger group called the III Corps of the Army of the Ohio.

The Second Army of Kentucky: October 1862

On October 7, 1862, Major General Gordon Granger brought back the name "Army of Kentucky." This new army started with three main groups of soldiers, called divisions.

Leaders of the Second Army

These divisions were led by generals Andrew J. Smith, Quincy A. Gilmore, and Absalom Baird.

Joining the Army of the Cumberland

This version of the Army of Kentucky was a bit unusual. On January 20, 1863, it became part of an even bigger army called the Army of the Cumberland.

General Baird's division fought in the Battle of Thompson's Station in March 1863. During this battle, almost an entire brigade of his soldiers was captured.

Later Structure and Battles

By April 1863, the Army of Kentucky had two infantry divisions led by Charles C. Gilbert and Absalom Baird. It also had a cavalry brigade led by Green Clay Smith. A larger cavalry division under David S. Stanley was also added, along with the soldiers protecting Franklin, TN.

In this setup, the army fought in the Battle of the Harpeth River on April 10. This battle is sometimes called the First Battle of Franklin. On June 8, 1863, the Army of Kentucky changed again. It became the Reserve Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, still under the command of General Granger.

Who Led the Army of Kentucky?

Here are the main commanders who led the Army of Kentucky:

• William "Bull" Nelson (August 25–30, 1862)
• Charles C. Gilbert (September 1–27, 1862)
• Gordon Granger (October 7, 1862 – June 8, 1863)

Important Battles They Fought In

• Battle of Richmond (when Nelson was in command)
• First Battle of Franklin (when Granger was in command)