Camp Wildcat Re-enactment taking place this weekend

Nita Johnson, The Sentinel Echo, London, Ky.
·2 min read

Oct. 18—The Civil War was underway and while most Kentuckians sided with the Union, Confederate troops were moving from Tennessee into eastern Kentucky toward Camp Dick Robinson, located outside the current city of Lancaster.

Confederate troops skirmished with Union troops at Barbourville, then moved along Wilderness Trail toward London. When Union leaders heard of the incident, Col. T.T. Garrard sent men to northern Laurel County at Camp Wildcat in hopes of stopping the Confederate advance. Another Union troop came in to assist Garrard, and by Oct. 21, 1861, the two opposing forces met at the site known as Camp Wildcat.

But the Confederate advance was thwarted by Union troops and they fell back, eventually retreating back into Tennessee — and marking the first Civil War conflict in Kentucky and the first Union victory.

Although casualties were light overall, the Union lost 4 men and had 18 wounded, compared to 11 casualties and 42 injuries to the Confederate troops. The Battle of Camp Wildcat then set the stage for the Battle of Mill Springs (in Pulaski County) just months later.

The history of that battle will take place once again this weekend at the battleground site in northern Laurel County.

Friday is School Day, where students from schools across the region come to learn about the historical battle. Participants don apparel native to that time period — the stovepipe hats, boots and jackets for the men, while the hoop skirts and bonnets for women signify the styles of that era. Tents resembling those animal skin shelters are also on hand, with cannons being used as the most intimidating weapon for battles.

Friday offers history of the Civil War and Camp Wildcat, with those attending witnessing the Skirmish of Rockcastle River. Saturday hosts the Ladies' Social inside the barn while those involved in the battle re-enactment prepare to fight at 2 p.m. Before, after and during the day, spectators can visit booths and buy food and souvenirs.

Sunday brings the Battle of London re-enactment at 2 p.m. But that is preceded by a church service at 10 a.m. and a memorial service at the original Camp Wildcat battlefield at 11 a.m.

Visitors have a selection of clothing, food and souvenirs available for purchase throughout the 3-day event. Raffle tickets for a variety of items will be sold, with the drawings taking place on Sunday afternoon.

For a taste of history that marks the role of London and Laurel County in the Civil War era, come watch history unfold before your very eyes.