Civil War Army Base at Catlettsburg
Catlettsburg, Boyd County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Civil War Army Base. USA post located here to protect Ohio River traffic. Became supply base and communication center for Union forces in the Big Sandy region. In winter 1861-62, troops under Col. J. A. Garfield, later 20th President U.S., drove CSA from area by victory at Middle Creek. Area cleared of CSA again in 1864 by USA Kentucky forces under Col. George W. Gallup. May 2, 1964.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
During the Civil War, a Union post here guarded traffic on the Ohio River and grew into a supply base and communications hub for Federal forces in the Big Sandy region. In the winter of 1861–62, troops led by Colonel James A. Garfield—the future twentieth president—drove Confederate forces from the area with a victory at Middle Creek. The region was cleared of Confederates again in 1864 by Kentucky Union troops under Colonel George W. Gallup.
Why it matters
The base anchored Union control of a vital river corridor and launched the wartime reputation of James A. Garfield, who would rise from Kentucky battlefields to the White House.
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Related people
- · James A. Garfield
- · George W. Gallup
Related events
- · Battle of Middle Creek
Themes & tags
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