Battle of Irvine
Irvine, Estill County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Battle of Irvine. Only Civil War battle in this area. Col. John S. Scott, CSA, and troops arrived here July 30, 1863, with plan to capture 14th Ky. Cavalry. Held Irvine only a few hours. Col. W. P. Sanders, USA, and his force pursued Scott, capturing some of rear guard. Col. Scott's troops crossed river at Irvine but fought with Col. Sanders' men from other side. Scott soon departed.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
On July 30, 1863, Confederate Col. John S. Scott and his troopers rode into Irvine intending to capture the 14th Kentucky Cavalry, but held the town only briefly. Union Col. W. P. Sanders pursued, catching part of Scott's rear guard, and the two forces exchanged fire across the river as Scott's men crossed and slipped away. It was the only Civil War engagement in this stretch of eastern Kentucky.
Why it matters
Small, fast cavalry clashes like Irvine were the everyday texture of the Civil War in the border and mountain South, where control of towns and river crossings shifted hour by hour.
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Related people
- · John S. Scott
- · W. P. Sanders
Related events
- · Battle of Irvine
Themes & tags
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