Near East Bernstadt in Laurel County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Camp Wildcat / Union Civil War Camp
(Side One)
Camp Wildcat
Led by Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer, 7,500 Confederates on October 21 1861, attacked the entrenched camp of 5,000 Union men under Gen. Albin Schoepf. Union’s natural defense advantage in the Rockcastle Hills stopped the Southern troops, who retreated to Tenn. This was major battle during 4 days of skirmishes, attacks, and heavy gunfire. Over.
Presented by Laurel County Bicentennial Commission and Forest Service, USDA
(Side Two)
Union Civil War Camp
The Camp Wildcat position was considered crucial for each side. Union forces camped two miles north of here to prevent Confederate attack into the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Confederates wanted to prevent Union advance into eastern Tennessee, where many citizens remained loyal to the Union.
Presented by Laurel County Bicentennial Commission and Forest Service, USDA
Erected 1992 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1919.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1861.
Location. 37° 13.676′ N, 84° 11.98′ W. Marker is near East Bernstadt, Kentucky, in Laurel County. Marker is on N. Laurel Road (U.S. 25) 0.1 miles south of Hazel Patch Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: East Bernstadt KY 40729, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Camp Wildcat and the Wilderness Road (here, next to this marker); Camp Wildcat (approx. 0.4 miles away); Skaggs Trace (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named Camp Wildcat and the Wilderness Road (approx. 2.2 miles away); Nerve Center for the Union Army (approx. 2˝ miles away); Battle of Camp Wildcat (approx. 2˝ miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Camp Wildcat (approx. 2˝ miles away); The Battle of Wildcat (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Bernstadt.
Also see . . . Battle of Camp Wildcat - Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on June 13, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 498 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 13, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.