During the early days of the Civil War, Camp Andy Johnson was set up at Barbourville to recruit soldiers from Tennessee and Kentucky and was located where Union College is today. In September of 1861, the first battle in Kentucky was fought when Gen. Felix Zollicoffer, who had recently brought his troops through Cumberland Gap, sent a detachment of troops to break up the camp. The Confederates, under the command of Col. Joel Battle, encountered a detachment of Union Home Guards who had been foraging just outside of town. The Union soldiers quickly formed to offer resistance, but to no avail--the Home Guards were driven away and Camp Andy Johnson was burned. The location of the battle is near the intersection of Cumberland Avenue and Daniel Boone Drive.
The Knox County Historical Museum in the Barbourville Municipal Building features exhibits and information about the battle.
CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL MARKER NEAR BARBOURVILLE:
Civil War Actions (State Marker 518, 1.5 mi. N of Barbourville, US 25E, Knox Co.)
For addditional information:
Kentucky Heritage Tours brochure
Knox County Historical Museum (606) 546-4300
WMTH Corporation, PO Box 51153, Bowling Green, KY 42102
