Near Marrowbone in Cumberland County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Civil War Camp at Marrowbone
In June 1863, Gen. Edward H. Hobson was placed in charge of a Union camp at Marrowbone. Rumors were afloat that the notorious rebel, Gen. John Hunt Morgan, was planning another raid into Kentucky.
Morgan’s forces crossed the Cumberland on July 1 and 2, fighting a skirmish between here and Norris Branch on July 2. Brig. Shortly after that engagement, Brig. Gen. James M. Shackelford’s brigade arrived to support Hobson. Immediately, several cavalry and infantry regiments were dispatched, under Shackelford’s command, in pursuit of Morgan.
Then, the unfathomable happened. Three miles out the Burkesville Road Hobson’s superior officer, Gen. Henry M. Judah, ordered Shackelford to halt and return to Marrowbone. Col. Richard C. Jacob’s 9th Kentucky Cavalry was sent to guard the road and to intercept the Federal cavalrymen and turn them back.
Meanwhile, Morgan continued to force his way north. On July 3 he turned back the few Federal defenders at Columbia, on July 4 he bypassed a Federal position at Green River Bridge, and on July 5 he secured the surrender of Union forces at Lebanon.
General Judah did nothing. His force, immobilized by high water, waited to be ferried across the Green River at Vaughn’s Ferry in Green County. The responsibility of pursuing Morgan was given to General Hobson
In the months of January and February 1864, the 13th Kentucky Cavalry, USA, occupied the camp at Marrowbone while searching for rebel guerillas. In February they captured Capt. Littleton T. Richardson and several of Champ Ferguson’s men near here.
Erected by Kentucky Heartland Civil War Trails Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail in Kentucky series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1863.
Location. 36° 50.041′ N, 85° 30.97′ W. Marker is near Marrowbone, Kentucky, in Cumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of Glasgow Road (Kentucky Route 90) and Roadside Spur Road, on the left when traveling west on Glasgow Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marrowbone KY 42759, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Skirmish at Norris Branch (approx. 5.9 miles away); Smith Pharmacy (approx. 8.6 miles away); Raiders Entered Here (approx. 8.6 miles away); Lincoln's Father Here (approx. 8.6 miles away); Cumberland County (approx. 8.6 miles away); Morgan On To Ohio (approx. 8.6 miles away); Burkesville Ferry (approx. 9 miles away); Confederate Crossings at Neeley's Ferry (approx. 10 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 860 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 18, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.