Near Portland in Robertson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Civil War in Tennessee
Invaders, North and South
In February 1862, Union Gen. Don Carlos Buell took Bowling Green, in southern Kentucky, and then moved down the railroad and occupied Nashville, the Tennessee capitol. Retreating Confederates destroyed railroad bridges, trestles, and facilities, but by April trains again operated between Louisville and Nashville, supplying the Union armies.
In May, Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan invaded Kentucky and destroyed railroad cars at Cave City. In August, he raided Gallatin, Tennessee, and closed South Tunnel between Portland and Gallatin. Late in December, Morgan again destroyed railroad equipment and tracks in Kentucky. After the spring of 1863, the line experienced little disruption. At many places, Union soldiers manned small forts to protect the railroads.
Follow the routes of the armies along the Tennessee Civil War Trails. Colorful markers at each stop tell the story of the war’s interesting people, places, and events. A free map guide to the Tennessee Trails network is available in the Welcome Center. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the beauty and history of the Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 36° 38.157′ N, 86° 34.423′ W. Marker is near Portland, Tennessee, in Robertson County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 65 at milepost 120, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the Tennessee Welcome Center on the I-65 southbound lanes immediately south of the Kentucky state line. Marker is not accessible from the northbound lanes of the freeway. Marker is also accessible from Lake Spring Road immediately north of Vaughn Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6111 Lake Springs Road, Portland TN 37148, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. AmVets Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Replica of Stone #38 (approx. 0.6 miles away in Kentucky); Triangular Jog (approx. 0.6 miles away in Kentucky); Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away in Kentucky); Duval-Groves House (approx. 1.2 miles away); Sandford Duncan Inn / Noted Dueling Ground (approx. 1½ miles away in Kentucky); Camp Trousdale (approx. 2 miles away); Birthplace of T.O. Chisholm / Noted Hymn Writer (1866-1960) (approx. 2.4 miles away in Kentucky). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 18, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.