Mistaken Identity - A Deadly Error

About 7 A.M., Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer rode forward to reconnoiter and, in the dim light and fog near this spot, encountered Union Colonel Speed Fry of the 4th Kentucky U.S. Volunteers. Each mistakenly believed the other was a fellow officer, and Fry rode up so closely that their knees touched as Zollicoffer said, “We must not shoot our own men,” and pointed out soldiers he identified as “our men.” As Fry moved away, Confederate Major H.M.F. Fogg rode out, shouted, “General, they are the enemy,” and fired at Fry. Fry was unhurt, turned and fired his pistol, and several nearby soldiers of the 4th Kentucky also fired. Zollicoffer and his aide were killed in the exchange, though no one knows who fired the fatal shot. His body was later placed under a large oak tree now known as the “Zollie Tree,” which is decorated each year in his honor.

Kentucky · United States