Thursday, June 20, 2013

June 18, 1862---The Battle of The Cumberland Gap



JUNE 18, 1862:         

 The Battle of The Cumberland Gap. 

The Confederate line of defense that had stretched across Kentucky, Tennessee and into Missouri had been broken by Union victories at Mill Springs, Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, and other points. 

The center of the Confederate line was at Bowling Green, Kentucky, while its right flank lay at the Cumberland Gap. It was decided to take the Gap. The Union advance against the Gap was made over difficult terrain through enemy territory. Union forces reached the Gap without losing a single man. 

After a brief engagement, and faced with four full brigades, the understrength and isolated Confederate garrison at the Gap retreated in the direction of Chattanooga. 

This was a rare Civil War battle with no recorded casualties.


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