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The Battle of Mill Springs, fought on January 19, 1862, in Pulaski County, Kentucky, was an early and significant engagement in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. This battle was one of the early Union victories and played a crucial role in the Union's effort to control the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
The Mill Springs Battlefield National Historic Site is located at:
Mill Springs Battlefield National Historic Site
9020 KY-235
Nancy, KY 42544
Directions:
From Somerset, KY:
Head southeast on US-27, then turn onto KY-80 East. Continue for about 10 miles, then take a left onto KY-235 South, where the battlefield entrance will be on your left.
From Nancy, KY:
Head north on KY-235 for about 4 miles. The battlefield is on the right side of the road.
Once you're near the town of Nancy, Kentucky, you'll be close to the battlefield site.
All Park Hours
Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed Monday and Tuesdays. The grounds and driving tour are open from dawn till dusk, seven days per week. When the Visitor Center is closed passport stamps with current date and driving tour guides are available outside to the left of the front door.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Holidays
2025–2026
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | November 27, 2025 | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | Closed |
The address of the Visitor Center and Museum is 9020 West Highway 80, Nancy, Kentucky 42544.
The Visitor Center and Museum is located approximately eight miles west of Somerset, Kentucky along KY-80. Next door is the Mill Springs National Cemetery. Zollicoffer Park (Core Battlefield) is one-mile due south of the Visitor Center along KY-235. From the Visitor Center, turn right onto KY-80 W head 0.3 of a mile. Turn left onto State Hwy 235 go 1 mile, Zollicoffer Park will be on your left.
Areas to visit:
- The Observation Tower: Located near the visitor center, the tower offers an elevated view of the surrounding battlefield. From here, you can see the area where Union forces led by Major General George H. Thomas made their stand against Confederate troops, commanded by General Felix Zollicoffer.
- The Zollicoffer Park: This area, which includes the Zollicoffer Memorial, also offers great views of the battlefield. It provides a sense of how the terrain influenced the tactics of the battle. The memorial itself stands as a tribute to General Zollicoffer, who was killed in the battle.
- The Historic Roadways: Some of the historic roads through the battlefield allow visitors to drive and see the landscape that would have been similar to how the soldiers encountered it during the battle.
The park's natural beauty, along with its historical significance, makes a powerful way to connect with the past while experiencing Kentucky’s scenic landscape.
Entrance and parking fees:
There are no entrance fees to visit the Mill Springs Battlefield, making it a great destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Similarly, parking is free, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs for access.
Hiking trails:
The park has a few hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty:
The Battle Trail: This trail takes you to key locations related to the battle and is about 1 mile in length. It's an easy walk, suitable for most visitors.
The Nature Trail: This is another short trail that provides an opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna.
For more challenging hikes, visitors can explore the surrounding region, but within the park itself, the trails are generally on the easier side.
Mills Springs Battlefield Preservation:
Mill Springs Battlefield in Kentucky was designated as a National Battlefield on January 19, 2000, as part of a broader effort to preserve Civil War sites across the United States. The designation was made to help protect the historical site and allow for further development of the park, ensuring its preservation and providing educational opportunities for the public.
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The battlefield covers an area of about 358 acres.
As for land ownership, the battlefield was originally part of the property owned by the Givens family. The Givens farm was located near the site of the battle, which took place on January 19, 1862, during the Civil War. The land was later preserved through federal efforts and partnership with the local community.
Battle Summaries for Mill Spring Battlefield:
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Background:
Union Command: Major General George H. Thomas
Confederate Command: Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer
The Confederacy sought to establish a defensive line in eastern Kentucky to protect against Union advances and to maintain control over the region.
The Union Army aimed to push Confederate forces out of the state, establishing control over key positions and supply lines.
The Battle:
The battle began in the morning on January 19, when Union forces, under General George H. Thomas, advanced toward the Confederate position at Mill Springs (also called Logan's Crossroads).
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Confederate forces, commanded by Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer, had set up a defensive line along the high ground near the river.
The Union soldiers attacked the Confederates in a series of engagements. One key moment was when Zollicoffer, mistaking Union forces for his own troops, moved to the front lines, where he was shot and killed.
Union Strategy: Confederate Strategy:
The Union forces deployed artillery and infantry to break through Confederate lines. The death of Zollicoffer created disarray among the Confederate soldiers, which helped the Union forces gain momentum.
The Confederate forces, lacking leadership after Zollicoffer’s death, struggled to maintain their position. Some Confederate units attempted to retreat, but many were disorganized and cut off.
Outcome:
The battle ended in a decisive Union victory.
Confederate forces suffered approximately 200 casualties, while Union casualties numbered around 39.
The Union captured Confederate supplies and artillery, further weakening the Confederate hold in Kentucky.
This victory provided a morale boost for the Union Army and helped solidify General George H. Thomas's reputation as a capable commander.
The Battle of Mill Springs was one of the first major Union victories in the Western Theater.
It also marked the first significant defeat for the Confederacy in Kentucky, a state that was of strategic importance.
Following the battle, Union forces began to solidify their control over Kentucky, which would remain a contested region throughout the war.
As you stroll through the battlefield, be sure to check out the various monuments and memorials. Each one tells a story and honors the soldiers who fought bravely. Spend some time reading the plaques and reflecting on the sacrifices made. It’s a great way to connect with history and pay your respects.
There are marked trails that guide you through the area. To really soak in the experience, it’s a good idea to grab a map from the visitor center. This will give you a little background on what happened at each spot, making your walk both fun and educational.
Mill Springs Battlefield is a treasure trove of history and a fantastic spot for a day of exploration. Whether you’re learning about the Civil War, visiting monuments, or simply enjoying nature, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion:
Mill Springs Battlefield is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in history, nature, or just looking for a fun day out. I haven't been there, but I am planning to go this summer. Battlefields are a great way to learn about history.
If you have something you would like to submit to have posted on this website, such as a blog submission or a new hiking trail you think we should check out, please contact us below!
