Perryville

When Donelson’s shattered regiments reached this position, nearly half of his men had been killed and wounded. Despite the appalling casualties, the Confederate attack continued to the west.

With Donelson’s 16th Tennessee Infantry Regiment taking the lead, the stubborn Confederate advance moved past the ridge in front of you. Driving the Union defenders away from the Widow Gibson cabin, Donelson’s persistent soldiers were finally stopped by a Union brigade commanded by Colonel George Webster.

With his brigade in shambles from the crossfire of several Federal batteries and the obstinate Union defense, Donelson’s men withdrew. Their losses were severe. In the four-hour battle, Donelson’s 16th Tennessee Infantry suffered nearly 60 percent casualties. These Tennesseans lost more men killed and wounded than any other Southern regiment in the battle.

We advanced through a field where the grapeshot and shrapnel were rattling against the cornstalks...

Confederate Private Davis Biggs

38th Tennessee Infantry

Marker can be reached from Park Road near Battlefield Road (Kentucky Route 1920).

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: