Eastern Kentucky and Northwestern Virginia, 1861–1862

Abstract

From May 1861 through 1862, Appalachian eastern Kentucky and northwestern Virginia stood at the forefront of many decisions by the governments of the United States and the Confederate States. These regions, with their topographical challenges, provided the perfect cover for guerrilla activity. Poor roads and isolated communities holding populaces with divided loyalties encouraged small-unit tactics. The contest for northwestern Virginia grew out of the want of control of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Quick and sharp, the war in northwestern Virginia ultimately resulted in the formation of a new Union state. It provided the fields for many important figures who would grow to prominence in the coming war, including Gen. Robert E. Lee and Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan. In eastern Kentucky, the armies competed for the important road connecting the Cumberland Gap to the Bluegrass region. The Battle of Mill Springs settled the question of who would control the region.