Beech Grove, Kentucky: Investigation and Interpretation of an Early Confederate Encampment

From December 5, 1861 – January 19, 1862 Confederates encamped at Beech Grove, Kentucky. Historical and archaeological investigations of this encampment were conducted by Dr. Stephen McBride and Dr. Kim McBride of McBride Preservation Services, in cooperation with the Kentucky Archaeological Survey (KAS), and Joe Brent of Mudpuppy and Waterdog, Inc.. The project was funded by the American Battlefield Protection Program and Mill Springs Battlefield Association, and will help identify land for preservation. Following LiDAR mapping, metal detecting delineated four encampment areas. Unit and trench excavation was conducted on three encampment areas and one earthwork. Cellar features associated with huts or tents were recorded. The artifacts recovered provide insight into a well-furnished Confederate camp, situated close to supply lines early in the Civil War. To enhance public access to the information generated by the project, an ESRI-based Story Map was created.