A Masterful Retreat from Cumberland Gap
Beattyville, Lee County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
A Masterful Retreat. Gen. George W. Morgan's 9,000 USA force occupied Cumberland Gap June 18 to Sept. 17, 1862. Cut off from supplies, Morgan began 200-mile retreat. Searching for supplies the command came this way. CSA had burned flour mill night before. Retreat from Gap to Greenup on Ohio River, made in 16 days despite harassment by CSA Morgan's Raiders. Map other side. Originally erected in 1964.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
After occupying strategic Cumberland Gap from June to September 1862, Union General George W. Morgan found himself cut off from supplies and forced into a daring 200-mile retreat. Searching for provisions, his 9,000-man command passed this way, finding a flour mill the Confederates had burned the night before. Harassed the whole way by Confederate raiders, Morgan brought his army safely to the Ohio River at Greenup in just sixteen days.
Why it matters
Morgan's escape from Cumberland Gap stands as one of the Civil War's remarkable feats of endurance and leadership under pursuit in the rugged Kentucky mountains.
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Related people
- · George W. Morgan
Themes & tags
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