In December 1861, Confederate General Thomas Hindman came from Bowling Green to probe the growing Union strength at Munfordville, believing that if he could occupy the high ground at Rowletts Station the Union would retreat northward. On December 17, Hindman’s Brigade, including Terry’s Texas Rangers, occupied the heights and was met by the German immigrants of the 32nd Indiana Infantry, who repulsed them using Old World military tactics. Colonel Benjamin F. Terry, namesake of Terry’s Texas Rangers, was among the first casualties, and Lieutenant Colonel Henry von Trebra led the 32nd Indiana during the battle while Colonel August Willich was away when it began. With support from artillery on the north bank of the Green River, the 32nd Indiana withstood forces more than three times its number, and companies of the regiment held, pulled back, or fought off cavalry attacks, including a carrere or “Roman Box” maneuver learned in the Prussian army. After earlier Union defeats at Big Bethel, Bull Run, Ball’s Bluff, Wilson’s Creek, and Belmont, news of the Union victory at Rowletts Station spread in the Northern press, and when later Union successes at Mill Springs and Middle Creek were reported, Northern resolve to fight rebounded. The battle was credited with helping prevent an early end to the war and the dissolution of the Union.