Last updated: April 21, 2024
Place
Tour Stop #7: Confederate Fortified Camp at Beech Grove
NPS
Quick Facts
Amenities
4 listed
Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed
This stop is the location of part of the northern edge of the Confederate winter encampment. Along this northern edge was a line of formidable earthworks designed by military engineers. This winter encampment was located on a peninsula created by the Cumberland River and White Oak Creek. Confederate General Felix K. Zollicoffer chose this position, with his back to the river, believing it to be an easily defensible position, with the river covering any enemy attacks from the rear. His commanding officer, General George B. Crittenden disagreed with this, believing that Zollicoffer would be placing his troops in a precarious situation. If he was unable to fend off an attack from the north the river would make any evasive manuevers impossible.
Despite Crittenden's direct order not to cross the river, Zollicoffer established his winter encampment here at Beech Grove. The first thing he had his troops do was create earthworks and entrenchments to protect themselves from Federal attacks from the North.
Despite Crittenden's direct order not to cross the river, Zollicoffer established his winter encampment here at Beech Grove. The first thing he had his troops do was create earthworks and entrenchments to protect themselves from Federal attacks from the North.