Jan. 1862, Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant sent 5,000 USA troops from Cairo as demonstration against Columbus, a Confederate stronghold on the Miss. River. Combined forces led by Brig. Gen. J. S. McClernand from Ft. Jefferson at Wickliffe through here to Milburn and back to Cairo. It acquainted U.S. Army with the area. It "inspired hope" among many loyal Federal citizens.
