Book description
" The Civil War scene in Kentucky, site of few full-scale
battles, was one of crossroad skirmishes and guerrilla terror, of
quick incursions against specific targets and equally quick
withdrawals. Yet Kentucky was crucial to the military strategy of the
war. For either side, a Kentucky held secure against the adversary
would have meant easing of supply problems and an immeasurably
stronger base of operations. The state, along with many of its
institutions and many of its families, was hopelessly divided against
itself. The fiercest partisans of the South tended to be doubtful
about the wisdom of secession, and the staunchest Union men questioned
the legality of many government measures. What this division meant
militarily is made clear as Lowell H. Harrison traces the movement of
troops and the outbreaks of violence. What it meant to the social and
economic fabric of Kentucky and to its postwar political stance is
another theme of this book. And not forgotten is the life of the
ordinary citizen in the midst of such dissension and uncertainty.
"Specialists in Kentucky Civil War history should be
delighted with the concise, balanced interpretations and sound
conclusions."--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society"
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