In December 1861 Union Col. Frank Wolford, with companies A,B,C,and H of the 1 st Kentucky Cavalry, was ordered to Camp Billy Williams, named for the owner of the farm on which the camp was located.
Soldiers at the camp hauled corn to Webbs Cross Roads (now the junction of SR 76 and US 127) about eight miles distant, following Damron Creek Road. Once there, they guarded the large stores of forage procured by 1st Kentucky Quartermaster Lt. Col. Silas Adams. The cumbersome supply lines, crucial to military movements, were a favorite target of Rebel raiders. The 1st Kentucky constantly scouted the heavily forested countryside surrounding Camp Billy Williams to keep the raiders at bay.
The location of Camp Billy Williams was chosen for its access south to Jamestown on the Cumberland River and west to the thriving community of Neatsville, a steamboat terminal on the Green River. Home Guards in Neatsville alerted the troops of an approaching enemy by striking an anvil or bass drums. William Honnell, a young Presbyterian minister, was with the 1st Kentucky throughout the war.
He stayed on the field during battles, caring for the wounded and encouraging deeds of valor.
Tradition holds that Honnell helped move the body of Confederate Gen. Felix Zollicoffer during the battle of Mill Springs to prevent it from being trampled.
Honnell was a graduate of Miami University in Ohio and completed theological studies at Centre College in Danville. He served as a missionary in Kansas and was influential in the decision making Kansas a free rather than a slave state.
Directional Signage:
1997 Dunnville Road -- Coming from the north on Hwy 55 (Campbellsville Road), enter Columbia city limits and turn left at the light onto Hwy 206 (Fairgrounds Street). Go 12 miles until the road splits near a brick church on the right. Bear right on Dunnville Road. Go 1.8 miles. Sign is on the right.
Coming from the south, go to Columbia Square. Exit on Hwy 55 N (Campbellsville St). At 2nd light, junction 206 (Fairgrounds St.) turn right. Go 12 miles until the road splits near a brick church on the right. Bear right on Dunnville Road. Go 1.8 miles, sign is on the right.
WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 792-5300 FAX 721-0004
