Fort Mitchell in Kenton County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Confederate Financier / Confederate Benefactor
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2021
1. Confederate Financier Marker side
Confederate Financier. Eli Metcalfe Bruce, vital link to equipment and food for Southern cause, is buried nearby in Highland Cemetery. He amassed a fortune in meatpacking before War, then moved plants south. He acquired blockade runners to export cotton and bring supplies. Twice elected to CSA Congress; on staff of Gen. J. C. Breckinridge as noncombatant.
Confederate Benefactor. Ell M. Bruce (1828-66) used wealth to assist destitute Confederate soldiers and their families after the War. He helped many stranded Kentuckians home and provided funds for education of disabled CSA Ky. soldiers. Pardoned by Pres. Andrew Johnson, Bruce then bought and renamed Southern Hotel in N.Y.C. for penniless ex-Confederates.
Erected 1978 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Transportation; presented by Bruce Family. (Marker Number 1633.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 39° 2.705′ N, 84° 33.171′ W. Marker is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, in Kenton County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Beechwood Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Mitchell Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away); A Confederate Thrust (approx. ¾ mile away); Fort Mitchell Country Club Centennial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gen. Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Fort Mitchel (approx. one mile away); Fort Wright (approx. one mile away); Revolutionary War Patriots (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Mitchell.
Also see . . . Eli Metcalfe Bruce (Wikipedia). (Submitted on June 3, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2021
2. Confederate Benefactor Marker side
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2021
3. Confederate Financier / Confederate Benefactor Marker
Matthew Brady / Public Domain
4. Eli Metcalfe Bruce
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 3, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
