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Civil War Sites in Webster County


The Battle of Slaughtersville - June 27, 1863
Hwy. 120 E. & Hwy. 630

Col. William Hollis of Webster County and 480 men of the CSA were camped near the railroad on the Dr. Tom Drake farm. The Union Army came upon them and attacked. They defeated the Confederates and among those killed were Col. William Hollis.


The Battle of Burnt Mill - September 15, 1861
Location: 10 mi. E. of Providence, Jct. KY 630 & 120

On September 15, 1861, a short skirmish took place between Northern troops and community militia. Union soldiers under Col. Jas. F. Buckner and Capt. Wm. Buckner camped in Tirzah (Burnt Mill) Church. Capt. Al Fowler and the Webster County Homeguard of Kentucky fought and captured the 25 soldiers. Area scene of activity by Johnson's Partisan Rangers. This was the first shot fired in the Civil War in the State of Kentucky.


The Burning of Dixon, Ky., Jail - August 10, 1863
Location: Dixon, Ky. Court House, Hwy 41A at Dixon, KY

Union soldiers that had been held in the log jail at Dixon, which confined Civil War prisoners only, burned the log jail and the county jail located at the side of the Court House.


The Battle of Dixon - August 8, 1863
Location: South 41A at Dixon, KY

Cpt. F.M. Headley CSA, Camp E, 8th Reg., was recruiting men in Tennessee and Kentucky in the area. Cpt. Headley and 30 CSA recruits were attacked outside of Dixon on their way to Clay, Kentucky. Only a few CSA men escaped. John Head, Rev. Wm. Dimmitt, John Headley, and Cpt. F.M. Headley were the only prisoners taken alive.


The Campsite of Gen. Nathan B. Forrest - Nov. 24 - Dec. 5, 1861
Location: Providence, US 41, KY 120-A

CSA General Nathan Bedford Forrest, on reconnaissance and foraging mission toward the Ohio River Nov. 24 to Dec. 5, 1861, passed here with 300 cavalry on way to Caseyville. There he found large supply of hogs and took some along. After he left, USA picked up remainder. While returning to Hopkinsville Forrest captured horses, cattle and more hogs.

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