How to Do A Figure 8 Middle Creek National Battlefield
The Middle Creek National Battlefield looks like a simple field which is exactly what it is. In 1862, this field held a battle which ended the Confederates strategic advantage in Kentucky and created a stepping stone for Garfield to become President.
The field is still used as farmland to grow hay but it has a path to follow around is mowed down to a nice walking area on one circle of the field and a nice paved path on the other side.
This rock is the start point and your first job is to choose to go the Union trail to the left, or the Confederate trail to the right. I went to the left.
Depending on what time of year go, the field is covered with growing hay. But they cut down the area from walk ways.
They have wonderful signs throughout the walk which go in a circle.
They have this great little forest area in the middle of the field.
The battle was in January so during the battle the field would have been cleared, muddy, and possibly snowy but also cold.
As you come through the forest, you will be able to complete the circle and get to a smaller circle which makes the figure 8. Walking around the Confederate area.
The second circle is an easier walk and back to the vehicle. But check out all the signs with the history of the battle, men, and leaders that were part of it.
Brief History
Brigadier General Humphrey Marshall lead his Confederate force into Kentucky to recruit new volunteers. He raised over 2,000 men by January but was having a hard time getting them the equipment that they needed.
At about this point, Colonel James A. Garfield was ordered to lead his men and force Marshall to retreat back to Virginia. Garfield with 1,100 men meet Marshall and his 1,967 men meet at Middle Creek on January 10, 1862.
The Battle of Middle Creek started about noon and lasted until about 4 pm when Garfield’s reserves arrived. Marshall withdrew his troops and retreated with the loss of twelve men and fifteen wounded. Garfield would loss three men and have eighteen wounded.
This battle and the Battle of Mill Spring nine days later would allow the Union armies to push back the Confederate from Kentucky. It also allowed the Union to invade Tennessee.
But it also brought into doubt Humphrey Marshall’s military competence. Marshall was a Mexican War hero and a Kentucky politician but former Ohio Senator James Garfield was able to defeat him on the battle field. The national attention that this little battle would be used by Garfield as a stepping stone to the White House.