165 YEARS AGO: Confederates form a defense line across Kentucky while Federals open recruitment efforts, thereby ensuring that turmoil in the state will continue.
Category: Kentucky
The Invaders Must Be Expelled
165 YEARS AGO: The Unionist Kentucky legislature demands that Confederates leave the state, but Leonidas Polk refuses unless the Federals do the same.
I Am Now Ready for Paducah
165 YEARS AGO: Ulysses S. Grant, the new Federal commander in southeast Missouri, counters the Confederate invasion of Kentucky by invading the state with a force of his own.
The End of Neutral Kentucky
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Kentucky’s neutrality, which had been in question for several months, officially ends when Confederate forces enter the state and occupy the town of Columbus.
Threatening Kentucky’s Neutrality
165 YEARS AGO: Tensions escalate as Union camps challenge the supposed neutrality of Kentucky. This leads to growing conflict between Unionists and secessionists.
Neutral Kentucky Leans North
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Pro-Confederate Kentuckians boycott an election that results in Unionist candidates winning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.