The Battle of Tazewell

The Battle of Tazewell Key to Cumberland Gap - A Civil War Experience

The 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as part of Col. John F. DeCourcey's 26th Brigade, marched south from their stronghold at Cumberland Gap toward the small town of Tazewell, Tennessee, on August 2, 1862. The purpose of their expedition was to find and acquire forage and supplies for the Federal garrison holding Cumberland Gap. During several days of foraging and extended trips further south of Tazewell, some periodic skirmishes with Rebel cavalry were encountered but the troops were successful in filling their wagons with much needed food and hay for their animals. Col. DeCourcey knew a large Confederate force was camped south of the Clinch River, not too distant from Tazewell, however, did not anticipate any major engagement would take place. On the Wednesday morning of August 6, however, DeCourcey would be confronted by a vastly superior Rebel force commanded by Col. Thomas Hart Taylor.

Be a part of this first annual event! 

FEATURES / AMENITIES

• Firewood and straw for camps
• Saturday evening supper
• 30+ Acres perfect for a reenacting:  a spring, open ground, woods, etc.
• Convenient to the town of Tazewell

REENACTOR REGISTRATION

• $3 Registration Fee. No Walk-on Increase.  Pay on-site
• All branches of service are welcome.  More on bounties, etc., to come
• $50 bounty to the first 4 registered artillery pieces
• Contact Kevin Wolfe, president of the Claiborne County Historical and Genealogical Society and 1st lieutenant of the 63rd Tenn. Vol. Inf. at (865) 585-0891 or via email wolfe1@wildblue.net.

DIRECTIONS

• Off Old Kentucky Road in Tazewell (follow signs from Hwy 33)
• 307-661 Old Kentucky Rd Tazewell, TN (no 911 address for the event site, long 36.449853 lat -83.559825)