[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS

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                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
150th anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs and to honor the 
soldiers who fought and died in this significant battle during the 
Civil War 150 years ago today.
  The Battle of Mill Springs took place on January 19, 1862, in Pulaski 
and Wayne Counties in Kentucky and was the first significant victory 
for the Union Army in the west during the Civil War. The battle marks 
the death of Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer, who was the first 
general to die in the Civil War.
  The Battle of Mill Springs was the second largest battle to take 
place in Kentucky and engaged over 10,000 soldiers. The outcome of this 
battle broke the main Confederate defensive line that was anchored in 
eastern Kentucky and opened the path for the Union Army to move through 
Kentucky and into Tennessee, affecting the outcome of the war.
  The Mill Springs Battlefield is considered a National Historic 
Landmark, as the Mill Springs Battlefield Association along with 
countless volunteers have made significant strides in preserving the 
site and educating the public about this historic event.
  With the Mill Springs Battlefield Association Visitor Center 
providing visitors with battlefield tours, access to Civil War 
artifacts, and a Civil War library, there have been 50,000 Civil War 
enthusiasts who have traveled to this uniquely preserved, nearly 500 
acre historic battlefield. On this anniversary, I would like to honor 
and thank the Mill Springs Battlefield Association for preserving this 
important site, particularly Chairman Bill Neikirk, who has dedicated 
significant time and energy to the museum and battlefield acquisition. 
In honor of those who fought valiantly during the battle 150 years ago 
and in appreciation for all that Chairman Neikirk has done in 
preserving this historic site, an American flag will be flown over the 
Capitol Building on the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Mill 
Springs.
  Today I am also introducing non-binding legislation which 
commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs and 
its significance during the Civil War, as well as binding legislation 
that directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a study which 
evaluates the feasibility of incorporating the battlefield into the 
national park system. Such an addition will ensure its preservation for 
generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with the Mill Springs Battlefield 
Association and Civil War enthusiasts in commemorating this anniversary 
today and in seeking to preserve these hallowed grounds for tomorrow's 
visitors. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 150th 
anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs and to recognize those who 
bravely fought to help preserve the union of the United States.

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