Richmond | Aug 30, 1862 | 3:30 to 5:30 pm

As Confederate forces advanced into Kentucky, inexperienced Union troops rushed forward to meet them. By August 30, 1862, Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne's division, supported by Gen. Thomas Churchill, moved against Union brigades under Gens. Mahlon D. Manson and Charles Cruft near Richmond.

After a brief artillery exchange that morning near Mt. Zion Church, Cleburne attacked, while Churchill struck the Union right. Though Cruft’s brigade arrived to reinforce Manson, the pressure on both flanks proved overwhelming. The Union line broke before noon, and repeated attempts to rally along the Richmond–Kingston Pike failed as Confederate forces pressed forward.

By early afternoon, the Federals collapsed entirely and fled north toward Richmond in disarray. Gen. William “Bull” Nelson managed to form a final line at the Richmond Cemetery, but it quickly gave way under renewed attack. As Union troops streamed through the town in panic, Confederate cavalry cut off their escape, capturing many. Nelson, though wounded, escaped, but the battle ended in a decisive Confederate victory.