In late 1861, Confederate Gen. Felix Zollicoffer advanced into Ky. from Jamestown, Tn., ordered the seizure of area ferry boats to cross his army to the north side of the Cumberland River, and, unable to find adequate boats, had transports constructed at Mill Springs. On December 5, 1861, he crossed his army and established a winter camp at Beech Grove. There his army was supplied by the steamboat Noble Ellis. After the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Mill Springs on Jan. 19, 1862, the soldiers returned to their camp at Beech Grove, and that night several boats, including the Noble Ellis, carried them to the south side of the river to escape advancing Union troops. The Noble Ellis was then burned.