On Nov. 20, 1861, Brig. Gen. T. C. Hindman's force, reconnoitering to protect the Bowling Green portion of the CSA defense line, approached Brownsville and skirmished here with Union cavalry under Col. James S. Jackson, who was posted at Leitchfield. The Union lost 7 killed and 5 wounded, while the CSA had one wounded, and the Confederates succeeded in obtaining vital medical supplies.