Pikeville in Pike County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

James A. Garfield

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2019

1. James A. Garfield Marker

Inscription. Here Col. Garfield was commissioned Brigadier General in the Union army. The man who later became president was sworn in as general by Squire Charles of Pike County January 1862.

Erected by Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 52.)

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: #20 James A. Garfield, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1862.

Location. 37° 28.647′ N, 82° 31.115′ W. Marker is in Pikeville, Kentucky, in Pike County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Huffman Avenue and Main Street, on the right when traveling east. It is in Pikeville City Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pikeville KY 41501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Educator, Soldier, Congressman, President (here, next to this marker); Garfield at Piketon (here, next to this marker); Shady Grady Kinney • 1925 - 2001 (within shouting distance of this marker); To the Memory of the Revolutionary Soldiers (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pikeville College (about 700 feet away); “Spirit of the American Doughboy”

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(about 700 feet away); County Named, 1821 (about 800 feet away); Pike Co. Courthouse and Jail (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pikeville.

Regarding James A. Garfield. At the time of his promotion, Garfield was 30 years old and became the Union army’s youngest general. Squire Charles is reported to be John Charles (1827-1904), an elected magistrate of Pike County at the time. He served in the 39th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (Union).

Also see . . . The Battle that Built a Future President. Article by Samantha West. Excerpt:

... Around 1 pm on January 10th, [Union] Colonel Garfield and his men arrived at the fork of Middle Creek [28 miles northeast near Prestonburg]. Not knowing where the Confederates created their post, the Union soldiers had to use special tactics. Garfield ordered a squad of twenty cavalrymen to dash into the valley and draw fire. This ploy sprung [the Confederate] trap. A volley from the cavalry companies revealed the Confederate’s position. Seeing this, Garfield ordered his troops to come forward and begin deploying. However, it was not so easy to simply charge his men forward.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2019

2. James A. Garfield Marker and Others
With confederate support from several surrounding cavalries, Garfield knew he was likely outnumbered. After only showing 20 of his men, he ordered his remaining men to get into formation and march around the mountain and valley below. While his men only circled, [Garfield] knew that from above it would appear to the Confederates that the opposing infantry was triple what was expected.

This ploy worked! [Confederate] General Marshall ordered his men to retreat, fearing tragic bloodshed. While pushing them back into Virginia, the Unions claimed another Kentucky victory. ...

(Submitted on March 5, 2020.)

Brigadier General James A. Garfield image. Click for full size.

Mathew Brady. In the Library of Congress collection., circa 1865

3. Brigadier General James A. Garfield

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 323 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 5, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.