Fix Bayonets, Charge!
Mill Springs Battlefield
— National Historic Landmark —
It was midmorning and the battle was raging when directly across the road Union Colonel Robert McCook ordered the 9th Ohio Infantry to charge the enemy. It was one of the few successful bayonet charges of the Civil War and was instrumental in bringing the Battle of Mill Springs to a close.
The Charge of the 9th Ohio
The 9th Ohio was a German-American regiment, and the only Union regiment present with battle experience. Major Gustave Kämmerling urged his men forward, saying, "If it gets too hot for you, shut your eyes my boys—forward!"
The bayonet charge flanked the Confederate left and turned it toward the high hill in the distance, The sustained charge of more than a mile created panic among the Confederates. Some Tennessee troops, who feared they would be outflanked and trapped, fled. It was the beginning of a full-scale Confederate retreat.
Inset:
If it gets too hot for you, shut your eyes my boys — forward!
Photo captions: Left side: Maj, Gustave Kämmerling 9th Ohio Infantry. Kämmerling and the men of his regiment had fought in the German revolution of 1848.
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this page online
Erected 2014 by Mill Springs Battlefield Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 37° 3.38′ N, 84° 44.394′ W. Marker is near Nancy, Kentucky, in Pulaski County. Marker can be reached from Kentucky Route 235 south of Route 761, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nancy KY 42544, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The General Commanding (a few steps from this marker); A Scene of Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Melee at the Fence (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle on a Sabbath Morn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Zollie Tree (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Felix K. Zollicoffer / "Zollie Tree" (about 300 feet away); A Fatal Mistake (about 300 feet away); Mill Springs Battlefield (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nancy.
Also see . . . Mill Springs Battlefield Association
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 24, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
