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Anthony Woodson’s fields and woods were the scene of a pivotal battle that played a role in who controlled Kentucky during the Civil War. His Kentucky farmstead overlooked the 1862 Battle of Munfordville. From the front porch of his house you could see the railroad bridge crossing the Green River. There was also a L. & N. Railroad station in the town. It is a historic site that provides a scenic place to have a meal and reflect on how we have healed from a conflict that killed so many.
Lincoln knew he had to keep Kentucky under the North’s control even though the state had declared itself neutral. Kentucky wanted to stay in the Union, while keeping slavery legal within its boundaries. Lincoln said, “I would like to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky”. Yankee General Buell knew Louisville was key to protecting Kentucky because it was home to the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and was a key port on the Ohio River. He marched his army double time from Nashville, Tennessee to beat the Confederates to Louisville. It took him only 10 days to move his entire army.
During the two-week period before the Yankees occupied Louisville, their citizens panicked with the prospects of being the scene of a huge battle. Two bridges were quickly built with connected barges and a wooden road to evacuate the women, children, and confederate sympathizers.
Kentucky’s rivers and railroads also made it an attractive target for the South.
Confederate General Braxton Bragg and Kirby Smith launched a plan to push to the Ohio River and take Kentucky. Bragg would leave Chattanooga to invade the heartland of Kentucky through Bowling Green and Smith would invade through The Cumberland Gap. They were successful at Munfordville and Richmond, but their divided approach prevented a common effort against Louisville. It slowed their armies down and forced them to rest and feed their troops.
The Campaign of 1862 ended with the decisive battle at Perryville. Buell came from Louisville with reinforcements to meet the Confederates. Both sides had large losses. The Confederates won the battle, but because of poor supply lines had to retreat and leave the state without adding a star to their flag.
Anthony Woodson’s historic farmstead is less than 10 minutes from the Munfordville Exit on I-65. Take US88 East toward Cub Run. It is well worth the stop.
www.civilwar.org/battlefields/munfordville.html
February 14, 2023
I've visited Perryville many times, but never heard of the battle in Munfordville. Thanks for the excellent tip!
I really had no idea until recently about how important the battle was. Good spot for a picnic. Thanks for reading!! Mike
I visited Munfordville, KY about two years ago when they re-enacted the battle. The same evening the town held a dance in the town square with people dancing in period costume. I did not dance but it was fun to watch.