Richmond in Madison County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
General Charles Cruft
The Battle of Richmond, Kentucky
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 10, 2022
1. General Charles Cruft Marker
Lawyer and Businessman
Charles Cruft was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1826 and graduated from Wabash College in 1842. He taught school and worked at a bank before reading law and being admitted to the bar in 1848. An excellent businessman, Cruft became the president of the St. Louis, Alton & Terre Haute Railroad in 1857, and in 1860 bought the Terre Haute Express newspaper.
Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh
On a business trip to Washington, DC, in 1861, Cruft witnessed the Battle of Manassas. Back in Indiana, he contacted his friend, Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton, who appointed Cruft colonel of the 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The regiment traveled to Evansville and then Camp Calhoun in McLean County, Kentucky, where Cruft received a brigade command. Colonel Cruft led his brigade in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, Tennessee, where he was severely wounded at the "Hornets' Nest.” His performance earned him the rank of brigadier general.
Promoted to Brigadier General
In August 1862, Cruft distinguished himself as commander of a brigade of inexperienced troops at the Battle of Richmond. His brigade
this page online
Cruft's brigade was present but not engaged at the Battle of Perryville on October 8, 1862. He served with the Army of the Cumberland for the rest of the war, commanding a division in Granger's IV Corps in the Battle of Chattanooga. In 1864, he commanded a division at the Battle of Nashville that included the provisional United States Colored Troops brigade.
Return to Terre Haute
Cruft was brevetted major general in March 1865. After the war, he returned Terre Haute and his law practice. A Mason, Cruft became a member of the Supreme Commandery, Knights Templar of the United States. He died in 1883 and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.
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Gen. Charles Cruft, U.S.
The Hornet's Nest at the Battle of Shiloh, where Cruft was severely wounded in the leg and shoulder.
This stained glass window in the former Grand Army of the Republic hall in Terre Haute honors Gen. Charles Cruft.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is August 29, 1862.
Location. 37° 41.069′ N,
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 10, 2022
2. General Charles Cruft Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: General William "Bull" Nelson (here, next to this marker); General Edmund Kirby Smith (here, next to this marker); General Mahlon Manson (here, next to this marker); Patrick Ronayne Cleburne (a few steps from this marker); Reforming The Union Line (within shouting distance of this marker); An Inexperienced Army (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederates In Rogersville (within shouting distance of this marker); Advance To Kingstown (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Also see . . . Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Battlefield Park. Visit Richmond Kentucky website homepage (Submitted on May 18, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 426 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
