Bardstown’s best defense, good offense

Sometimes the best defense is a bold offense.

The Confederate Texas Rangers found that to be true near Bardstown Oct. 4, 1862.

The Rangers, commanded by Col. John Wharton, stopped just north of Bardstown realizing they probably could not seize Louisville, which was part of the plan of the Confederate Invasion of Kentucky.

As the Rangers were withdrawing, however, their rear guard found themselves encircled and outnumbered by four Union regiments. Wharton quickly sized up the situation, organized his troops into columns and ordered them to charge. The surprise attack broke the Federal lines, scattered the opposition and the Rangers continued on to Perryville where, four days later, they fought under the command of Gen. Joseph Wheeler.

The offensive maneuver was described as the Rangers “finest hour.”

Although their weekend re-enactments did not mirror the actual engagement of 1862, the Battle of Bardstown, conducted Sept. 11-12,  did give 100 visitors a glimpse of what took place 148 years ago. The re-enactment weekend was staged at Old Bardstown Village. One battle focused on an occupation by Union troops with an attack staged by Confederate forces. The action was reversed the following day.

The weekend also included demonstrations, drills and rifle firing in which spectators could participate.