Kentucky Uprising

The Kentucky Uprising was a revolt of Pro-Confederate southerners in the state of Kentucky beginning in May 1890. The build up to the uprising evolved slowly over a period of three decades following the end of the American Civil War in 1862. Kentucky was signed away to the Confederate States of America in the peace settlement between Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, but like Maryland, Kentucky did not remain with the Confederacy. An insurgency began almost immediately and in the decade after the civil war, Unionist and Confederate militia battled each other to a standstill. Eventually, the conflict petered out in 1873. In 1875, the Confederacy was prepared to send an army in to the state, but the Union threatened war. The Confederate States likewise threatened war if the United States sent forces in to Kentucky. Between 1875 and 1890, there was relative (if icy) peace.

Resumption of Conflict
On May 2 1890, pro-Confederate militia seized Fort DeRussy at Columbus, Kentucky. Known as the Gibraltar of the West this fort had been critical to the Confederacy's defense of the Mississippi River in 1862. With command of the heights, one had command of the river. General John Hunt Morgan, in command of the southern militia — which he named the Army of West Kentucky — then began his campaign to pacify the state.

Twenty days after the uprising began, the city of Paducah fell to General Morgan's band. Those that resisted the seizure of the town were all shot. The surviving wounded were subsequently executed.

Unionist Resistance
Three days after Paducah fell, General Stephen G. Burbridge called for volunteers for the formation of a Kentuckian army (Army of East Kentucky). Unable to wait very long, Burbridge appealed to the United States government for immediate materiel support which he would receive in less than seven days. By this time, a second round of supply had reached his counterpart General Morgan.

Bloody Thursday
The first Battle of Bowling Green took place on June 19 1890 which resulted in Union victory. Utilizing civil war-era battlefield maneuver, disorganized militia battled each other in the fields outside of the city with quick-firing artillery and bolt-action rifles. The losses sustained were of an order not seen since the American Civil War with both sides suffering a over 40% casualty rates. The day of the battle became known as Bloody Thursday.

Current Status
The Kentucky Uprising is currently ongoing as of October 1890 with the last major battle ending September 20 1890.