Near Munfordville in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Battle of Munfordville: Day 1
Battle and Siege of Munfordville
— Sunday, September 14, 1862 —
An “unauthorized and injudicious” attack ...
General James R. Chalmers was sent by General Bragg as a vanguard to Cave City. There, Chalmers learned from Col. John Scott of a weak Union garrison at Munfordville. Eager for glory—and without orders—Chalmers began a two-pronged attack against the Union fort, stockade and entrenchments.
By the end of the first day, his dead would have to be buried with shovels borrowed from the enemy. An irate General Bragg called it an “unauthorized and injudicious” attack, and moved the entire Army of the Mississippi to Munfordville to finish the job Chalmers began.
Erected by Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 1862.
Location. 37° 15.408′ N, 85° 53.369′ W. Marker is near Munfordville, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker can be reached from Charlie Dowling Road, 0.3 miles north of S. Dixie Highway (U.S. 31W). This marker is Stop #2 on the Battlefield Loop (Walking) Trail at the Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve; the above directions are to the trailhead. Parking is available at the Anthony Woodson Farm of the Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve, which is directly east of the trailhead, but is accessed from S. Dixie Highway (US 31W) 0.3 miles north of its intersection with Charlie Dowling Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Munfordville KY 42765, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kentucky and the Western War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Raider (about 400 feet away); Battle of Munfordville: Siege (about 500 feet away); Anthony Woodson Farm (about 500 feet away); The Woodson Farm (about 700 feet away); L&N Railroad Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Craig (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battle of Munfordville (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Munfordville.
More about this marker. The marker includes four maps showing and describing troop positions and actions at dawn, 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Also see . . . Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve. Official website of the preserve. (Submitted on September 6, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 887 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on September 6, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.