Russellville in Logan County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
A Civil War Skirmish / A Future President
A Civil War Skirmish
On September 30, 1862, 600 Union troops led by Colonel Benjamin Harrison came here and surprised an element of Confederate Colonel John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry, led by Captain John Baker Dortch. After a sharp skirmish, in which thirty-five Confederates were reportedly killed and wounded, Morgan’s troops retreated.
A Future President
Harrison, whose troops were victorious in the skirmish here, was a twenty-nine-year-old Indiana attorney. The Russellville fight was his first engagement; his military career continued throughout the Civil War, including service under Gen. W. T. Sherman in the Atlanta Campaign. In 1889, he became the 23rd president of the United States.
Erected 2015 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2471.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #23 Benjamin Harrison, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 30, 1862.
Location. 36° 51.218′ N, 86° 53.478′ W. Marker is in Russellville, Kentucky, in Logan County. Marker can be reached from Armory Drive, 0.1 miles west of Frances Drive. Located near the parking lot of the library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 225 Armory Drive, Russellville KY 42276, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Confederate Soldiers Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); Russellville (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lewis and Clark in Kentucky / Death of Meriwether Lewis (approx. 0.6 miles away); To Honor Generals (approx. 0.6 miles away); Thomas S. Rhea (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bowie, A Kentuckian (approx. 0.6 miles away); Governors from Logan (approx. 0.6 miles away); County Named, 1792 (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Russellville.
Also see . . . Benjamin Harrison: Life before the Presidency. (Submitted on September 17, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 570 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 17, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.