The intent of this cache is to provide an historical overview of the Battle of Mill Springs. You will travel by vehicle to four locations (approximately 10.7 miles one-way) to obtain answers - mostly from interpretive markers - as well as hike a one-half mile loop trail (moderate) and a 2/10th mile out-and-back trail (easy).
This IS NOT a park-and-grab cache and will require approximately 1-2 hours to complete. Add another hour or so if you wish to visit all the battlefield tour stops on the north side of Lake Cumberland. (There are also sites on the south side in Wayne County, but they are not part of this cache.) A driving tour map is available that provides a more in-depth history; each location is well marked and has safe areas to park.
THE BATTLE
On January 19, 1862, the small town of Logan’s Crossroads (now Nancy) erupted in a blast of artillery and musket fire, as Confederate and Union forces clashed at the Battle of Mill Springs. When the smoke cleared, 150 Confederates and 50 Federal soldiers lay dead on the field. The Union had its first significant victory of the Civil War and stopped southern forces from moving further north. It was the second-largest Civil War battle to take place in Kentucky.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
1. Required: Provide answers to the 9 questions listed below by sending a message through the link at the top of this page or from my profile page.
2. Required: Post a photo of you (or your GPSr or a “thumbs-up”) with any one (1) of the cannon found along your route. Cannon may be found at the Visitors Center, Rutledge’s Battery (between Zollicoffer Park and Last Stand Hill), and Beech Grove.
3. Optional: Feel free to post additional photos of you or your group exploring this battlefield.
Please do not post any spoiler images of the interpretive markers.
It is recommended that you obtain answers to the questions in the order listed below.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
The posted coordinates (N 37 04.127 W 084 44.154) will take you to the front of the Visitors Center and Museum (Driving Tour Stop 1), which houses an extensive collection of Civil War research books and other materials. (You do not have to enter the building to complete this virtual challenge.) Here you will find an interpretive marker.
Question 1: According to a soldier with the 10th Kentucky Infantry, how deep was the mud?
Walk around the front of Visitor’s Center to the “Union Dead” interpretive marker overlooking Mill Springs National Cemetery (N 37 04.124 W 084 44.188). The cemetery, established in 1867, is open from dawn to dusk, but you are not required to enter to complete this virtual. (The grave of Medal of Honor recipient Brent Woods is located adjacent to the American Flag pole base.)
Question 2: Who "has gone to his God," and how many men from his unit are buried here?
Return to your vehicle and travel about one mile to Zollicoffer Park (Driving Tour Stop 2) (N 37 03.339 W 084 44.367) on KY Highway 235.
After entering near the gazebo, bear right and follow the concrete walkway to reach the marker for the Confederate Mound (N 37 03.329 W 084 44.337).
Question 3: By what name is the Battle of Mill Springs called on the memorial stone?
Return to the entrance. To the north of the Zollie Tree, flag pole and Zollicoffer monument is a sign for “The Ravine Trail.” Follow this trail clockwise (easiest walking) to answer the next four questions. Benches are available at several locations if you need to rest.
Find the interpretive sign on your left (N 37 03.380 W 084 44.394) by the picket fence.
Question 4: What was the unique Civil War event described on this marker?
Continue clockwise, following grass path downhill through the picket fence to the ravine. Find the interpretive sign (N 37 03.390 W 084 44.288) on your right.
Question 5: Whose death is commemorated here, and what did he yell?
Continue to follow the path as it winds through the woods and back up the hill. You will come to another interpretive marker (N 37 03.358 W 084 44.214) on your right.
Question 6: What image is pictured on the bottom right corner of this sign?
Continue to follow the path back to the front of the property by the road to another interpretive marker (N 37 03.278 W 084 44.339)
Question 7: How did Colonel Speed Fry, 4th Kentucky Infantry (US), describe the Confederate retreat?
Return to your vehicle and travel approximately one-half mile to the Field Hospital (Driving Tour Stop 4). Locate the interpretive marker (N 37 02.773 W 084 44.106) by the parking area.
Question 8: Who was “Poor Charlie” and what was his last name?
Continue driving south on Highway 235 for about four miles and turn right onto Old Mill Springs Road (watch for signs). Proceed another 2.75 miles to the parking area for Confederate Fortified Camp at Beech Grove (Driving Tour Stop 7) (N 36 57.150 W 084 47.046). Walk up to the cannon, then follow the well-marked trail to the back of the property to the second interpretive sign (N 36 57.269 W 084 47.124).
Question 9: What has been placed here to mark the westernmost edges of the original “redoubt”?
Congratulations, you have now completed all the requirements, but you may wish to conclude your journey with a visit to the Ferry Crossing (Driving Tour stop 8) at end of this road. You may post a “Found It” log at any time, but know that failure to send your answers and post a photo will result in your log being deleted.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
Permission to place this Virtual Cache obtained from the Mill Springs Battlefield Association. All photos used for this cache were taken by the cache owner.