Scottsville in Allen County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
An Army in Crisis
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 5, 2019
1. An Army in Crisis Marker
A Once Proud Army in Tatters
In early 1862, the Union Army of the Ohio numbered almost 70,000 men. New and veteran soldiers alike were eager for action. By November, the army was demoralized, angry that their commander, General Don Carlos Buell, had not stopped the Confederates from retreating to Tennessee after the bloody battle at Perryville, Kentucky. One-third of the men were absent. Some had deserted. Some were on leave. Many thousands were sick. Morale was very low.
“The spirit of the army was broken, its confidence destroyed, its discipline relaxed, its courage weakened, and its hopes shattered.”
Rosecrans Takes Command
Buell’s angry superiors gave command of his beaten and broken army to General William S. Rosecrans, who renamed it the Army of the Cumberland. Rosecrans had two tasks: relieve Nashville and protect the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In preparation, Rosecrans ordered the 12th Division—5,000 men—to Scottsville to rest and recuperate.
Dumont’s
this page online
General Ebenezer Dumont, an Indiana politician turned general, commanded the 12th Division. His men were mostly new recruits from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.
Dumont believed in discipline and training. He ordered his officers to shape the untried recruits into a fighting force. But first, they had to restore the tattered division’s health and morale.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 36° 45.546′ N, 86° 11.869′ W. Marker is in Scottsville, Kentucky, in Allen County. Marker can be reached from North Bedelia Street (Kentucky Route 1386) 0.1 miles west of Dumont Hill Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker located on Dumont Hill at Dugas Community Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 336 North Bedelia St, Scottsville KY 42164, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. An Army Restored (here, next to this marker); Ebenezer Dumont (within shouting distance of this marker); Lilly’s Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); A City of Tents (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scottsville, 1862 (about 500 feet away); Union Regiments at Scottsville (about 600 feet away); The Army’s Shopkeeper
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 5, 2019
2. An Army in Crisis Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 5, 2019
3. Dumont Hill at Dugas Community Park.
4. Gen. Ebenezer Dumont, U.S.A.
5. Gen. Don Carlos Buell, U.S.A.
6. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, U.S.A.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 13, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
