History of Fort Duffield
Fort Duffield stands above West Point, Kentucky as one of the earliest Union fortifications built in the Western
Theater of the Civil War. Constructed in November–December 1861 by the 9th Michigan Infantry and the 1st Wisconsin,
the fort guarded the vital supply line between Louisville and Elizabethtown and protected the strategic mouth of
the Salt River.
This section explores the fort’s origins, construction, daily life, and the people who lived and served here.
Each page below expands on a different aspect of Fort Duffield’s story.
Origins & Construction
How Fort Duffield was conceived, ordered, and built — including engineering details, labor, and the strategic
reasons for its placement on Muldraugh’s Hill.
Garrison Life
Daily life at Fort Duffield during the winter of 1861–62 — including housing, food, sickness, duties, and the
routines of soldiers stationed on the hill.
Military Practices & Training
The drills, manuals, and military procedures used by the 9th Michigan Infantry and other Union forces stationed
at West Point.
Books & Sources
A curated list of books, articles, and primary sources used in researching Fort Duffield and the 9th Michigan
Infantry.
West Point & the Civil War
The broader story of West Point, Kentucky during the Civil War — including supply routes, river traffic, and
the town’s role in Union operations.