Near Munfordville in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The Texas Rangers
Battle of Rowletts Station
— December 17, 1861 —
These same Texans would return to these fields the next year to take part in the Battle and Siege of Munfordville and the smaller battle at Woodsonville three days later. Their letters, diaries—even their war song—attest to the impact that these early trials by fire in Kentucky had on the renowned Texas Rangers.
The Germans acknowledged that they never saw “Regular Cavalry” in the old country wars, surpass the rangers in daring, bravery, and apparent insensitivity to danger and death. They described them as swarthy complexion, a mixture of creoles, trappers, desperados, with long hair and shaggy whiskers, and even when lying wounded upon the ground exhibiting the fierceness of a wounded tiger.
– Rev. Richard L. Gunter, Chaplain, 15th OH Inf.
The Texas Ranger War Song
Aire: The Bonnie Blue Flag
We are a band of brothers from home and kindred far,
The glory of old Texas in Southern border war,
For like a fiery billow we dash upon the foe,
And well the music of our carbines the Yankee troopers know
Chorus:
Away! Away! to the battle front away,
Away! to the Enemy’s lines,
We lead the fight to day.
Through the blinding smoke of battle, like a red hot glare of flame,
Our star-crossed banner flashes, bearing our Terry’s name,
Leading us to our first battle, at Woodsonville he fell,
But since on many a field of blood we have avenged him well.
Chorus.
(Image Captions)
General Bragg commenced a retreat towards louisville KY. Genl Forests & Wheelers Brigades of cavelrey was left to cover his retreat on the 20th Buells advance come up to Woodsenville And we fought them on the same ground that we had one year and one month before.
John W. Hill
A Yankee General fell into the hands of the Rangers. They asked him his name and rank. He said, “General Willich.” “The same who commanded the 32nd Indiana Infantry as Colonel?” “Yes, the same, and who are you?” demanded the General. “Terry’s Texas Rangers,” was the reply. “Mein Gott,” said General Willich, “I had rather be a private in that regiment than to be a Brigadier General in the Federal army.”
J.K.P. Blackburn, 8th TX Cavalry
At the first fire Col Terry’s horse was slightly hurt, and raising in his stirrups Terry shouted in a clear loud voice,” “Charge them boys! Charge!” then bending low with drawn revolver he dashed forward toward the enemy ... Nothing could exceed the brilliancy & daring of that impetuous charge.
B.F. Batchelor, 8th TX Cavalry
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 17, 1861.
Location. 37° 14.656′ N, 85° 53.579′ W. Marker is near Munfordville, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker can be reached from S. Dixie Highway (U.S. 31W) 0.1 miles north of Kentucky Highway 335, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located 100 yards west of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Munfordville KY 42765, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Texas Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Rowlett's Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Battle of Rowletts Station (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Battle of Rowletts Station (approx. half a mile away); Battle of Munfordville (approx. 0.7 miles away); Battle of Munfordville: Day 1 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Battle of Munfordville: Siege (approx. 0.9 miles away); Col Robt A Smith Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Munfordville.
More about this marker. The marker includes a watermark image of soldiers of the 8th Texas Cavalry, Company C, an image of the Texas Ranger Flag, found on the field of Rowletts Station, and an image of Col. Benjamin Franklin Terry.
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Rowlett's Station - Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on September 4, 2015.)
2. Eighth Texas Cavalry (Terry’s Texas Rangers). From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on September 4, 2015.)
3. Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve. Official website of the preserve which includes lands of the Battle of Rowlett's Station. (Submitted on September 5, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 689 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 4, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.