Perryville in Boyle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Donelson Persists
Perryville • The Battle For Kentucky
— October 8, 1862 —
With Donelson’s 16th Tennessee Infantry Regiment taking the lead, the stubborn Confederate advance moved past the ridge in front of you. Driving the Union defenders away from the Widow Gibson cabin, Donelson’s persistent soldiers were finally stopped by a Union brigade commanded by Colonel George Webster.
With his brigade in shambles from the crossfire of several Federal batteries and the obstinate Union defense, Donelson’s men withdrew. Their losses were severe. In the four-hour battle, Donelson’s 16th Tennessee Infantry suffered nearly 60 percent casualties. These Tennesseans lost more men killed and wounded than any other Southern regiment in the battle.
We advanced through a field where the grapeshot and shrapnel were rattling against the cornstalks...
Confederate Private Davis Biggs
38th Tennessee Infantry
(caption) This drawing, made after the Battle of Perryville, may depict Union Captain Samuel Harris’ 19th Indiana Battery and the 80th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Donelson’s attack aimed to overtake this battery. While it succeeded in pushing back several Union regiments, the attack ultimately stalled. From Harper’s Weekly
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 8, 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 40.279′ N, 84° 58.376′ W. Marker was in Perryville, Kentucky, in Boyle County. Marker could be reached from Park Road near Battlefield Road (Kentucky Route 1920). Located in Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1825 Battlefield Road, Perryville KY 40468, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Bloodbath at the Crib (here, next to this marker); Widow Gibson Cabin (approx. 0.2 miles away); “For God’s Sake, Save That Battery” The 38th Indiana at Perryville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Act of Mercy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sanctuary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Defense of Loomis’ Heights (approx. 0.2 miles away); Simonson’s Battery (approx. ¼ mile away); Starkweather's Hill (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perryville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "The Bloodbath at the Crib"
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.