Prestonburg, Kentucky | The story of this historic site begins January 10, 1862, when an unknown colonel, James A. Garfield (who would later be President of the United States), was pitted against the experience of Brig. Gen. Humphrey Marshall.

Civil War
Historic Site
Ivy Mountain Battlefield
You are here
SHARE THIS
Kentucky
U.S. 23
Ivel, KY 41642, USA
Website: www.prestonsburgky.org/battlefield/
In the fall of 1861, General William "Bull" Nelson, Union commander in northeastern Kentucky, was ordered to break up a large Confederate recruiting camp in Prestonsburg. In what would be the first major clash in eastern Kentucky, Confederate Capt. Andrew Jackson May's recruits took up positions at this site, where they waited in ambush. The Battle of Ivy Mountain ended the first phase of the struggle for the Big Sandy Valley.
East Bernstadt, Kentucky | In October 1861 this historic site saw the earliest major Civil War battle and first Union victory in Kentucky.
Campbellsville, Kentucky | This battlefield, a National Register site, is a 3-mile long loop road (Old Cambellsville-Columbia Turnpike) that contains 12 stops, 10 of which have wayside interpretive exhibits.
Nancy, Kentucky | Fought on this historic site on January 19, 1862, the Battle of Mill Springs was the first significant victory for the Union in the Civil War.
Join t Fight
Donate today to preserve Civil War battlefields and the nation’s history for generations to come.
EXPLORE THE WARS
American Battlefield Trust Store

53,000
ACRES SAVED

The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 53,000 acres in 24 states!
SEE THE LAND WE'VE SAVEDShop and Preserve
Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. Every purchase supports the mission.
Give with Confidence!
The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education.