Perryville in Boyle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

The Slaughter Pen

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 16, 2019

1. The Slaughter Pen Marker

Inscription. "God knows that our regiment, almost to a man, had unbounded respect and confidence in the 22d Indiana and the 59th Illinois, as proved on many a hard-fought battlefield—Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold and many others. But first and worst of all was that slaughter pen of Perryville, Kentucky."
—Lieutenant J.L. Newton, Company H, 75th Illinois

The climax of the Battle of Perryville happened in the field in front of you. Late in the day, the long awaited reinforcements arrived from Union Third Corps, just as all seemed lost for Union First Corps. These reinforcements were led by the 30th Brigade, commanded by Michael Gooding. Forming their line behind John C. Russell's house, they attacked through Russell's yard, driving the remnants of S.A.M. Wood's brigade before them. Soon, however, St. John Liddell's Arkansas brigade arrived on the scene and tore into Gooding. To meet Liddell's threat, the 22nd Indiana was moved from the right of the brigade, to the left. By this time, it was dark. The scene was only illuminated by a bright full moon. There was a pause because there was confusion on both sides as to who was friend and foe. The opposing lines were within shouting distance. When correct identification was made, Liddell's brigade opened a devastating

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five, inflicting almost 40% casualties on the unsuspecting Federals. This final slaughter ended the Battle of Perryville. (Marker Number 44.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 37° 40.132′ N, 84° 58.636′ W. Marker is in Perryville, Kentucky, in Boyle County. Marker can be reached from Hays Mays Road east of Whites Road, on the right when traveling west. Located at Interpretive Marker 44 on the Perryville Battlefield Trail System (Slaughter Pen Trail). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1825 Battlefield Rd, Perryville KY 40468, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cleburne's Advance (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Russell House (about 600 feet away); Harris' Battery (about 700 feet away); General Polk Behind Enemy Lines (about 700 feet away); Widow Gibson Cabin (about 700 feet away); 80th Indiana (approx. 0.2 miles away); George P. Webster's Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away); The John C. Russell House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perryville.

Also see . . . Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Kentucky State Parks (Submitted on February 28, 2021.)

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 16, 2019

2. The Slaughter Pen Marker

Close up of the map shown on the bottom portion of the marker.

The Slaughter Pen image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 16, 2019

3. The Slaughter Pen

View looking from the marker to the west towards Dixville Crossroads.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on February 28, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 27, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.