Perryville in Boyle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Starkweather's Hill
Perryville • The Battle For Kentucky
— October 8, 1862 —
Although nearing exhaustion, Maney’s brigade found the strength to attack up another steep slope. They killed and wounded most of the Federal artillerymen and captured the enemy cannon before, in the confusion of battle, they mistakenly fell back in retreat.
Regrouping at the road, the Confederates charged two more times. Amidst hand-to-hand fighting atop this hill, the ground became slippery with blood. Finally, Maney’s brigade, with Stewart’s Confederates attacking across the field to your right, drove Starkweather’s soldiers off the ridge.
Falling back, the Federals again formed on the hill behind you.
...we were soon in a hand-to-hand fight—every man for himself—using the butts of our guns and bayonets... Such obstinate fighting I never had seen before or since. The guns were discharged so rapidly that it seemed the earth itself was in a volcanic uproar. The iron storm passed through our ranks, mangling and tearing men to pieces.
Confederate Private Sam Watkins
1st Tennessee Infantry
(captions)
Union Colonel John Starkweather National Archives
Confederate Private Sam Watkins, 1st Tennessee Infantry (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 8, 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 40.47′ N, 84° 58.496′ W. Marker was in Perryville, Kentucky, in Boyle County. Marker could be reached from Whites Road west of Battlefield Road (Kentucky Route 1920). Located in Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1825 Battlefield Road, Perryville KY 40468, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Starkweather's Hill (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Starkweather’s Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Act of Mercy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Starkweather's Wall: Highwatermark of the West (about 500 feet away); The Cornfield (about 800 feet away); Sanctuary (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Battle of Perryville (approx. Ľ mile away); Union Monument (approx. Ľ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perryville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Starkweather's Hill".
Also see . . . Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Kentucky State Parks (Submitted on March 1, 2021.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,128 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 15, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.