Perryville in Boyle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Webster's Brigade
Perryville • The Battle For Kentucky
— October 8, 1862 —
In these fields, a Union brigade commanded by Colonel George Penny Webster supported the main Union battle line. Webster's troops, numbering more than 3,000 men from Ohio and Indiana, were new soldiers who would soon experience the horrors of battle for the first time. Many of the men carried antiquated Prussian muskets that were old and unreliable. During combat, many of the guns would not fire at the oncoming enemy.
Posted on high ground in support of Captain Samuel Harris' artillery battery, Webster's infantry formed a second line against the brunt of the Confederate attack. When the Federal brigade in front of them finally retreated, the advancing Southern troops hit Webster's men squarely for the first time. As the enemy swarmed near them, Colonel Webster was shot in the hip, and he fell from his horse. Taken to a field hospital, Webster eventually died from his wound. Inexperienced and hindered by their outdated weaponry, his troops quickly retreated to the west.
The Battle of Perryville was a vicious baptism of fire for these raw troops. The brigade suffered 90 killed, 345 wounded, and 144 missing. Their experience was indicative of many Union soldiers who fought at Perryville. Untested in battle, many of these men were forced to retreat when threatened by veteran Confederate soldiers.
(Webster) told me he thought he was mortally wounded, and prayed for God to have mercy on his soul. He also said, "Tell my dear wife and children they were last in my thoughts."
Union Sergeant Major Duncan C. Milner
98th Ohio Infantry
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. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 40.197′ N, 84° 58.794′ W. Marker was in Perryville, Kentucky, in Boyle County. Marker was on Whites Road east of Hays Mays Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Perryville KY 40468, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. George P. Webster's Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 80th Indiana (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Polk Behind Enemy Lines (about 300 feet away); Harris' Battery (about 400 feet away); Illinois Soldiers at Perryville (about 500 feet away); The John C. Russell House (about 500 feet away); Russell House (about 600 feet away); Dixville Crossroads (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perryville.
Also see . . .
1. Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Kentucky State Parks website entry (Submitted on September 16, 2015.)
2. Perryville. Civil War Trust website entry (Submitted on September 16, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on March 1, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 15, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 4. submitted on February 28, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 5. submitted on September 15, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.