The turbulent years of the Civil War did not leave Edmonson County unscathed. It has been estimated that over six hundred men from the county fought for either side, with the majority siding with the Union Army.
On November 20, 1861, Brownsville experienced first-hand the effects of the War Between the States. John Hunt Morgan and his band of cavalry had been ravaging through south-central Kentucky collecting needed supplies for the Confederacy and the town of Brownsville was to be another of their targets. News of the on-coming invasion was quickly realized by the town's residents and many townspeople swam or rowed boats across to the north side of Green River. The Home Guards stationed themselves at the foot of a hill and waited for the invaders.
Morgan's men, numbering fifteen to twenty, rode into town, but did not attempt to cross the river. Probably to demonstrate their command of the situation, the invaders, using a small field piece, fired at the Home Guards. According to local lore, the Confederates fired artillery, missing people but striking a large beech tree. In retaliation, Tom Vincent, using Hiram Morris' big-bore rifle, took a shot at one of the rebels. Vincent was amazed when the bullet found its mark and the man fell dead into the creek. This was the only fatality of the skirmish at Brownsville.
Taking their slain man with them, Morgan's men withdrew. They carried out their assignment and took what supplies they needed from the town's businesses. It was during this process that Mrs. Hazelip, a Brownsville resident, suffered the loss of a fine saddle horse. Upon learning of the theft of her horse, Mrs. Hazelip mounted another horse and pursued the band. At Rhoda, the Confederates stopped to bury the dead soldier and she overtook them. Advancing to the leader, she informed the officer that she was a widow and that one of his men had stolen her horse. Locating the horse, Morgan, according to legend, said, "The South does not make war on women." He instructed that the horse be returned to her, thus ending the skirmish at Brownsville.
A re-enactment of the skirmish at Brownsville is currently being planned.
CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL MARKER IN BROWNSVILLE:
- Civil War Skirmish (State Marker 607, near Green River Bridge, KY 259, Brownsville)
For additional information:
- Edmonson County Historical Book
- Contact Norman Warnell (502)597-3970