Forrest Reconnoitered (Greenville)
Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Forrest Reconnoitered. CSA General Nathan Bedford Forrest and cavalry came here 3 times on reconnaissance missions from Hopkinsville. Captured USA arms and equipment here, Nov. 24, 1861. Moved through here Dec. 28 on way to victory over larger USA force at Sacramento and returned for camp here that night. Jan. 1862, here to burn Pond River bridges, delay Union army. See the other side. Dedicated May 20, 1964.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his cavalry rode through Greenville three times on reconnaissance missions out of Hopkinsville during the winter of 1861–62. Here they captured Union arms and equipment, and in late December passed through on the way to a victory over a larger Federal force at nearby Sacramento. They returned in January to burn the Pond River bridges and slow the Union advance.
Why it matters
Forrest's raids around Greenville reveal the fast-moving cavalry warfare that shaped the contest for control of western Kentucky early in the Civil War.
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Related people
- · Nathan Bedford Forrest
Related events
- · Battle of Sacramento
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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