The Civil War Battle at Mill Springs - Logan's Crossing, Kentucky, January 19, 1862

The battle of Mill Springs in Kentucky was destined to be a pivotal conflict at the outset of the Civil War.  Securing  this territory would be a major victory for either side due to its proximity to the Mississippi River as well as its reputation for abundant livestock and wheat production.

Flanked by Northern and Southern states, Kentucky’s allegiance was divided between Union and Confederate causes.  In an attempt to keep the peace, Kentucky was granted a Declaration of Neutrality in May of 1861 by both sides of the General Assembly. In late 1861, Confederate Major General Leonidas Polk violated the declaration by invading Columbus. Securing this location was a key achievement as it was positioned on the edge of the Mississippi River and was the final stop of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. On hearing of the breach, Union General Ulysses Grant immediately ordered the capture of Paducah.

Neutrality broken, both sides attempted to gain further ground. There were numerous small conflicts in late 1861, but the most important occurred in early 1862. By January 17th, Union forces were encamped at Logan’s Crossroads, Mill Springs, Kentucky, under the leadership of Brig. General George Thomas. Thomas and his troops were awaiting the arrival of General Albin Schoepf for reinforcements to increase the Federal army to 4,500 men.

Confederate General George Crittenden was camped nine miles south at Beech Grove. Crittenden was planning on the heavy rains in the area to flood Fisher’s Creek, thereby delaying Schoepf’s arrival. This delay would allow him to out-number the Union soldiers, win the battle and gain the territory. He ordered General Felix Zollicoffer, commander of his first brigade, to move forward and attack before the Union reinforcements arrived.

At midnight, January 19, 1862, Confederate soldiers started the six-hour trek thru the rain and mud to reach Logan’s Crossroads. Crittenden’s troops, cold, wet and exhausted, were shocked to find the Union soldiers, including Schoepf’s troops, on watch and prepared. The two groups exchanged fire and the Union forces were pushed back but then held for just over an hour. Although the Confederates seemed to have the upper edge for quite some time, the combination of smoke from their guns, fog and their lack of experience resulted in Union soldiers regaining ground.

With the obscured vision and general disorder, Zollicoffer was certain that his troops were firing upon Confederate forces. He rode forward to warn them and was met by Union Colonel Speed Fry, commander of the 10th Indiana. He warned Fry not to fire upon friendly forces. Again, due to the lack of visibility, each was under the impression he was speaking to a member of this own side. Captain Henry Fogg of Zollicoffer’s division realized the mistake, rode out to warn Zollicoffer and fired his pistol at Colonel Fry. The Union soldiers fired back and killed Zollicoffer and, presumably, Fogg as well.

Without a commander, the rebel troops struggled. This allowed Fry and Thomas, with other Union forces, to surround and overpower the Confederates who dropped supplies and ran. Union troops gathered the deserted ammunition and tools. This win raised the spirits of the north and led to a string of subsequent battle victories.