Skirmish at Rolling Fork

Advancing Federal forces fired on Confederate troops led by Gen. John Hunt Morgan on Dec. 29, 1862, during a rear-guard action. Acquaintances Col. John Harlan and Col. Basil Duke fought on opposing sides. Duke was wounded during the clash and recuperated at Bardstown. After the Civil War, Harlan became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and was known as the “Great Dissenter” for his persistent judicial opposition, including against the “separate but equal” principle of segregation. Duke recovered from his wounds and became a lawyer and lobbyist for the L&N Railroad that he had helped destroy during the war.

Kentucky · United States