Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Battle of Richmond

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6,850
  
6,500

Result
  
Confederate victory

Dates
  
29 Aug 1862 – 30 Aug 1862


5,353 total (206 killed 844 wounded 4,303 captured/missing)
  
451 total (78 killed 372 wounded 1 missing)

Location
  
Madison County, Kentucky, United States

Combatants
  
Confederate States of America, Union

Similar
  
American Civil War, Battle of Perryville, Battle of Munfordville, Battle of Mill Springs, Battle of Camp Wildcat

Civil war battle of richmond kentucky life ket


The Battle of Richmond, Kentucky, fought August 29–30, 1862, was a stunning Confederate victory by Major General Edmund Kirby Smith against Union major general, William "Bull" Nelson's forces, defending the town. It was the first major battle in the Kentucky Campaign. The battle took place on and around what is now the grounds of the Blue Grass Army Depot, outside Richmond, Kentucky.

Contents

Battle of Richmond Battle of Richmond Civil War Mural Commissioned by Kiwanis Club of

Battle of richmond scenes from 1862


Background

Battle of Richmond Battle of Richmond Kentucky August 2930 1862 Battle Reports

In the fall of 1862, two Confederate armies moved on separate paths into Kentucky, hoping to restore the Confederate government of that state into power, threaten Union cities along the Ohio River, and recruit men to join the army. First to move was Kirby Smith, leading the Confederate Army of Kentucky, whose ideas provided the initiative for the offensive. General Braxton Bragg, commanding the Army of Mississippi, moved on a roughly parallel track to the west. Smith departed Knoxville on August 13, Bragg left Chattanooga on August 27.

Battle

Battle of Richmond ONCE A CIVIL WAR August 30 1862THe Battle of Richmond Kentucky

Brigadier General Patrick Cleburne led Smith's advance with Colonel John S. Scott's cavalry out in front. The Confederate cavalry, while moving north from Big Hill on the road to Richmond, Kentucky, on August 29, encountered Union troopers and began skirmishing. After noon, Union artillery and infantry joined the fray, forcing the Confederate cavalry to retreat to Big Hill.

Battle of Richmond The 1862 Battle of Richmond The Confederacy in the Balance

At that time, Brigadier General Mahlon D. Manson, who commanded Union forces in the area, commanded a brigade to march to Rogersville, toward the rebels. Fighting for the day stopped after pursuing Union forces briefly skirmished with Cleburne's men in the late afternoon. That night, Manson informed his superior, Bull Nelson, of his situation, and he ordered another brigade to be ready to march in support, when required.

Battle of Richmond Richmond showing the battle of Chickahominy

Kirby Smith ordered Cleburne to attack in the morning and promised to hurry reinforcements (Brigadier General Thomas J. Churchill's division). Cleburne started early, marching north, passed through Kingston, dispersed Union skirmishers, and approached Manson's battle line near Zion Church. As the day progressed, additional troops joined both sides. Following an artillery duel, the battle began, and after a concerted Confederate attack on the Union right, the Union troops gave way. Retreating into Rogersville, they made another futile stand at their old bivouac.

Battle of Richmond Battle of Richmond Benjamin Bradford Publish with Glogster

By now, Smith and Nelson had arrived and taken command of their respective armies. Nelson rallied some troops in the cemetery outside Richmond, but they were routed.

Aftermath

Nelson and some of his men escaped, but the Confederates captured over 4,300 Union troops. Total casualties were 5,353 (206 killed, 844 wounded, and 4,303 captured or missing) on the Union side, 451 (78 killed, 372 wounded, and one missing) for the Confederates. The way north towards Lexington and Frankfort was open.

Civil war historian Shelby Foote remarked that Smith "accomplished in Kentucky the nearest thing to a Cannae ever scored by any general, North or South, in the course of the whole war."

References

Battle of Richmond Wikipedia