Sack of Athens

Sack of Athens

Civil War; Events; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL

Like many north Alabama communities, Athens changed hands many times during the Civil War. In May 1862, one particular event would scar the citizens of Athens. After Union troops celebrated their victory at Shiloh, the federal Army of Ohio pushed further into the Confederacy. The troops seized the Charleston and Memphis Railroad. Citizens in northern Alabama were shocked at the occupation of Union troops. On May 2, 1862 Union forces under the command of Col. John Basil Turchin seized Athens. Once Athens fell to the Union, Turchin told his men: “I shut my eyes for two hours. I see nothing.” Union soldiers attacked businesses, plundered private homes, and assaulted many of the citizens. Damage to the town was estimated at $55,000. This traumatic event became known as the Rape of Athens.

Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama

Karamanski, Theodore J., "Civilians, Soldiers, and the Sack of Athens, Alabama." http://www.lib.niu.edu/1997/iht429748.html. Accessed July 14, 2015

Alabama Cultural Resource Survey

1862

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