Sacramento in McLean County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Surprise Attack Here

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 1, 2025

1. Surprise Attack Here Marker

Inscription. CSA cavalry from Hopkinsville under Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest surprised Maj. Eli H. Murray Dec. 28, 1861. Union Forrest sent dismounted men to forces attack both enemy flanks, and, under with the remainder mounted, he bore down road upon Union center, which broke and fled. Forrest pursued 4 miles, dispersed USA troops, returned to Hopkinsville.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 28, 1861.

Location. 37° 24.369′ N, 87° 15.704′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, Kentucky, in McLean County. It is at the intersection of Kentucky Route 81 and Route 85, on the right when traveling south on Kentucky Route 81. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11950 KY-81, Sacramento KY 42372, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region

and in the Western Coal Field.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the South,

in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

Globally, it is in North America,

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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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: William Worthington (1761-1848) (approx. 7 miles away); Livermore Bridge (approx. 8.6 miles away); Rumsey (approx. 8.6 miles away); Corp. James Bethel Gresham Memorial Bridge (approx. 8.6 miles away); County Named / Calhoun (approx. 9.1 miles away); Camp Calhoun Cemetery (approx. 9.1 miles away); Camp Calhoun (approx. 9.1 miles away); McLean County War Memorial (approx. 9.9 miles away).

Other markers no longer nearby. John W.I. Godman (was approx. 7.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Forrest Reconnoitered (was approx. 9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 1, 2025

2. Surprise Attack Here Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.