145th Anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs.

Conducting an Awkward Squad Drill with the Park Visitors

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January 19, 1862….It was dim, foggy morning when Union troops collided with their Confederate counterparts at the Battle of Mill Springs. The Confederates were carrying outdated rifles, the Union soldiers exhausted from marching through the mud and rain to meet up on this faithful date. One hundred fifty Confederates, and 50 Union boys gave their lives that day. Four hours was all it lasted, but those four hours are still being remembered today.

January 20, 2007….The day is cool, but clear. In the distance, you can hear the marching of soldiers’, and the beat of their drum. They are the 4^th Kentucky Infantry, here 145 years later, to honor the ancestors of the past.

Approximately 35 people, including visitors from as far away as Minnesota, gathered to observe the 145^th Anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs. Pulaski County Judge Executive Barty Bullock spoke of the vision and determination each side must have had, to fight for what they believed was right. “They feel their passions are the right ones,” said Bullock. “They are no different than our boys in foreign countries today. They have a vision and determination, the same as God or Christopher Columbus.”

Mill Springs Battlefield Association president Bill Neikirk presented Judge Bullock with the flag that flew over the battlefield from Memorial Day 2006 through the 145^th Anniversary Observance on January 20, 2007. A new flag was then raised by Boy Scout Troop 727 of Burnside. The 4^th Kentucky Infantry CS then followed up with 3 cheers for the Confederacy, 3 cheers for America, and a “tiger growl,” which Neikirk explained was the traditional Confederate battle cry.

Neikirk also gave special recognition to the men who would lay the commemoration wreath on the Confederate Mass Grave. “For these people, we owe where we are today.” Neikirk said. David Spurling, a soldier recently back home from Iraq, and Seth Marshall, a soldier, who was wounded in Iraq, carried the wreath to the grave. They were followed by others who had lost family members in the War in Iraq, or who had family still serving, as well as Judge Bullock. After the wreath was placed, members of the 4^th Kentucky followed up with a cannon salute to each side. “These boys had no dream we’d be here 145 years later.” declared Neikirk.