Cumberland Gap during the war

[adamandnicole]

Is anyone aware of the role that the Cumberland Gap played during the war besides during Bragg's retreat in the fall of '62? Were there any signifigant actions there? The only things I can find on this area are from the '62 retreat and Kirby Smith's troops in August of '62. I pose this question, because I have viewed first hand a very important CS artifact recently that came out of that area. More to come later on that.

Any information is much appreciated.

Adam Dickerson

[Richmond Depot]

Re: Cumberland Gap during the war

Try using the OR's of the War of Rebellion. Should be quite a it of information there.

Also, try Edward O. Guerrant's memoirs. He spent alot of time in the area.

[MickCole]

Re: Cumberland Gap during the war

The 64th VA Mounted Infantry/Cavalry (in which several of my 1st cousins a few times removed served) was recruited for the specific purpose of defending SW VA, including Cumberland Gap.
"From a military point of view, the history of the entire regiment hinged on the first nine days of September 1863. The capture of two-thirds of the regiment's effective force at Cumberland Gap was never overcome."

http://members.aol.com/jweaver300/grayson/64vainf.htm

Jeffrey Weaver's book on the 64th VA provides useful information. You may want to try a google search: 64th va cumberland gap.
Mick Cole

[adamandnicole]

Re: Cumberland Gap during the war

Thanks for the info guys. Scott, what is the name of that memoir?

Adam Dickerson

[FDTaylor]

Re: Cumberland Gap during the war

Bluegrass Confederate: The Headquarters Diary of Edward O. Guerrant
Edited by William C. Davis and Meredith L. Swentor
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press; New Ed edition (April 2005)
ISBN-10: 0807130583