19 January 1862, Kentucky, War Between the States

[ Home ] [ Up ]

MILL SPRINGS BATTLEFIELD ASSOCIATION

In 1990 Secretary of the Interior Manual Lujan, Jr., called for a protection plan involving public and private partnerships to save twenty-five Civil War battlefields threatened by development. "Battlefields," Lujan said, "especially Civil War battlefields, are a particularly important part of our national heritage, and they are worthy of our best efforts to protect them." Listed among these twenty-five priority battlefields was Mill Springs.

At first glance, Mill Springs might seem out of place in the company of sites in encroaching urban areas, under constant threat of the bulldozer. However, it is its rural, pristine nature that makes it so worthy of preservation. Save for a few modern houses and barns, the views on the Mill Springs battlefield today are those seen by the soldiers in 1862. These vistas deserve to be preserved for future generations. Of critical importance to Mill Springs is the fact that only a small portion of the overall field is in public hands. All of the remainder of the battlefield is privately owned.

The Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc., was formed in 1992 to preserve, interpret, and maintain the battlefield and surrounding areas, including Zollicoffer's camps at Beech Grove and Mill Springs itself. It is a publicly sponsored membership organization that seeks, acquires, and provides funding or financial assistance for the acquisition of land, placement of interpretive markers, scientific archaeological investigations, and maintenance of the battlefield lands. The Association has made important progress in acquiring over thirty acres of battlefield land, in the areas where the 9th Ohio Infantry formed for their bayonet charge, the site of the Confederate field hospital, and other locations. Several interpretive markers have been erected, tied in with a published walking and driving tour.

Much remains to be done. Other areas are threatened with development. A museum and interpretive center is planned, but it needs to be built and staffed. Artillery positions need to be marked by monument cannons, and additional period split-rail fencing needs to be installed. The Mill Springs battlefield is one of the most unspoiled Civil War sites in the nation. Your support will help preserve and enhance this legacy.

For annual membership dues of $15, you can join the Mill Springs Battlefield Association. In addition to helping in the implementation of the Association's goals, you will receive a quarterly newsletter and other periodic announcements of interest. Send your donation to:

Mill Springs Battlefield Association
P.O. Box 814
Somerset, Kentucky 42502
(606) 679-1859

You can also contact the Mill Springs Battlefield Association by e-mail:

     millsprings@prodigy.net or administrator@millsprings.net

Or visit the MSBA web page at  www.millsprings.net

The Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation for all purposes of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

Narrative provided by the Mill Springs Battlefield Assn.  The MSBA "Zollie Tree" logo is copyrighted by the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc., and may not be used without permission.

    Return to Battle of Mill Springs Homepage