COL. JOHN F. DECOURCEY CROSSES PINE MOUNTAIN
THE FIRST BATTLE OF TAZEWELL
KEY TO CUMBERLAND GAP - A CIVIL WAR EXPERIENCE
August 1863
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The 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as part of
Col. John F. DeCourcey’s 26th Brigade,
marched south from their stronghold at Cumberland
Gap toward the small town of Tazewell, Tennessee
, on August 2, 1862. The purpose of their
expedition was to find and acquire forage and
supplies for the Federal garrison holding
Cumberland Gap. During several days of foraging and
extended trips further south of Tazewell, some
periodic skirmishes with Rebel cavalry were wagons
with much needed food and hay for their animals.
Col. DeCourcey knew a large Confederate force was
camped south of the Clinch River, not too distant
from Tazewell, however, did not anticipate any
major engagement would take place. On the
Wednesday morning of August 6, however, DeCourcey
would be confronted by a vastly superior Rebel
force commanded by Col. Thomas Hart Taylor.