The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Battle of Rowlett's Station

Yesterday, I wrote about the Bloedner Monument, the oldest surviving Civil War monument, erected in January 1862 to commemorate the stand of the 32nd Indiana, a German regiment.

I'd never heard of the battle, so thanks to Wikipedia, I now know more.

It is also called the Battle of Woodsonville or the Battle of Green River and was fought December 17, 1861 in Hart County, Kentucky, and was inconclusive, but the Federal troops retained control of the railroad bridge over the Green River they were defending so could be called a Union victory.

It was the 500 men of the 32nd Indiana vs. 1350 Confederates including Terry's Texas Rangers. Lt.-Col. Henry von Treba had his men form a hollow square and lost 10 killed and 22 wounded. Confederates had 33 killed including Col. Terry. As a result of this victory over an enemy that outnumbered them, the 32nd gained national recognition.

Twelve who died were originally buried on a hilltop near the battle site. Christian Frederich August Bloedner was a private at the battle and decided the men should be honored, so by January had a monument for them.

In 1867, the men and the monument were moved to Cave Hill National Cemetery in Louisville. The years wore the limestone monument until it could no longer be read, but has now thankfully been saved.

Stuff You Didn't Know. --Old B-Runner

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