George Henry Thomas was a southerner who remained loyal to the United States during the Civil War. Commanding the US forces during the Battle of Mill Springs, Thomas demonstrated his capacity for high command and military strategy. Thomas' victory at Mill Springs was a direct catalyst to successful Federal movements into Middle Tennessee and the end of Confederate occupation of Kentucky during the Civil War.
George Bibb Crittenden was the son of U.S. Representative and former Attorney General John J. Crittenden. George Crittenden commanded the Confederate forces during the Battle of Mill Springs. Crittenden allowed command on the field to Felix Zollicoffer during the battle. After Zollicoffer's death, Crittenden attempted to take control, but ultimately his force was routed. After crossing the Cumberland River, Crittenden was arrested for allegedly being drunk on duty.
Felix Kirk Zollicoffer was a Tennessee newspaperman, U.S. politician, and Confederate general. Zollicoffer was responsible for crossing the Cumberland River and establishing winter quarters for his Confederate force at Beech Grove. After George B. Crittenden took command, Zollicoffer commanded a brigade of Tennesseans on an attack of US forces during the Battle of Mill Springs. Zollicoffer was killed during the battle and his body was returned for burial in Nashville.
