The Battle of Sacramento

The Battle of Sacramento has been shrouded in exaggeration and myth from the time it was fought more than 150 years ago. It is probable that few if any military engagements this small saw the beginning careers of so many future high-ranking officers. With a total of less than 500 men engaged here three future generals and five future colonels began their rise to military glory. And while a small skirmish we see here the same basic elements of warfare that have appeared since the beginning of recorded history. Initial developments leading to the cavalry engagement at Sacramento Kentucky on December 28 1861 occurred during the previous month. In November 1861 Confederate Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest's Tennessee cavalry battalion was assigned to Hopkinsville Kentucky at that time a major outpost on the Confederate defense line in Kentucky. On December 28 1861 at the onset of what is now known as the Battle of Sacramento Lt. Col. Forrest fired the first shot; and with about 150 men Forrest charged the Union advance. The author who grew up in the shadow of the battleground a two-year veteran of Vietnam writer and university graduate in history here opens up the facts of this skirmish. This well-documented account explores not just the battle but the men-and women-involved. Following an account of the prelude to the Battle of Sacramento and the battle itself; the Selected Personnel After-Action Activities section presents individual accounts of twenty-three participants. A section devoted to weapons includes: Colt Navy revolvers the Enfield rifle musket the Maynard carbine Sharps carbine and rifle and shotguns. Portraits vintage photographs and maps a bibliography and an index to full-names places and subjects enhance the text.