Regimental History of the First Kentucky Brigade,1861-1865

Author

Staff

Title

Regimental History of the First Kentucky Brigade

Date

1861-1865

Repository

Kentucky Historical Society. Special Collections & Archives.Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-1931

Conditions Governing Access note

Access at KHS only. Use microfilm, transcriptions or images when available.

Preferred Citation Note

[Identification of item], Regimental History of the First Kentucky Brigade, 97SC116,Library Special Collections and Archives, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort.

Extent

5 items

Biography/History

The First Kentucky Brigade was part of the Confederate Army. It became known as the "Orphan Brigade" after Union troops captured Fort Donelson (1862), leaving the brigade cut off from its home state for the duration of the war. Dispite this, the Orphan Brigade distinguished itself on and off the battlefield by maintaining high morale, discipline, and effective military tactics. The brigade lost two brigadier generals in battle: Roger Weightman Hanson and Benjamin Hardin Helm. Regiments from the brigade fought with distinction in the Battles of Shiloh, Cornith, Vicksburg, Stone's River, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge. Only about five hundred of the original four thousand ment survived to the wars end. The brigade was one of the last Confederate groups east of the Mississippi to surrender. The Kentucky Encyclopedia, p. 698-699

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a regimental history, a morning report, and a roster for the second regiment of the First Kentucky Brigade. The regimental history lists the names of servicemen with remarks. The roster list names, dates of entry into regiment, dates and cause of vacancy, and the names of their successors with the same information. The collection also includes an undated photograph of R. B. Willis taken at Camp Douglas.

Arrangement: Chronological; roster removed to oversized container.

Subjects

• United States--History--Civil War (1861-1865)--Regimental histories
• Confederate States of America--Army--Kentucky Brigade, First
• Confederate States of America--History--Civil War (1861-1865)
• Kentucky--militia