A Forgotten Civil War Skirmish at Bloody Knox Cabin

A Forgotten Civil War Skirmish at Bloody Knox Cabin

Just off the side of the road in Clearfield County sits an unassuming log cabin with a dark and significant past. The site where Union draft dodgers went head-to-head with the Union Army and ultimately left 2 men dead.

Address: 6246 Curwensville Tyrone Hwy, Olanta, PA 16863

Category: Weird History

Duration: < 30 mins

Location

Bloody Knox Log Cabin is located at 6246 Curwensville Tyrone Hwy, Olanta, PA 16863. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Free parking is available on the side of the road or in the driveway.

Bloody Knox Cabin Site

Why was there a Skirmish?

The skirmish here was the flash point in the area known for draft dodgers. The previous year saw homes set ablaze and looting in Graham Township by draft dodgers and many shootouts. The August 1864 county draft roll had over 600 names on it, yet only 150 men answered the call. In October 1864, officer Col. Cyrus Butler was killed in Lawrence Township by draft deserter Joseph Lounsberry. Afterward, the government sent troops to the county to restore order and arrest the resistance.

On December 13, 1864, the Union Army was tipped off about a party at the cabin with known deserters in attendance. Troops from Philipsburg marched to Knox Township and surrounded the cabin. Tom Adams, a deserter and owner of the cabin, fired and killed Union Solider Edgar Reed of New Hampshire. By the end of the night, 18 men were arrested. The Civil War would end almost four months later.

Pennsylvania historical marker outside Bloody Knox Cabin

Exploring the Grounds

The grounds consist of a replica log cabin, sheds, and antique farming equipment including a box wagon, sleigh, carriage and threshing machine. Behind the log cabin sits a stand with a drawer that features a guest book and info on the Clearfield County Historical Society. A few picnic tables also sit under some trees near the cabin.

Shed with antique farming equipment

Every year, the Clearfield County Historical Society hosts an Apple Cider Outing at the cabin. The cabin is open and the event features cider making, free pumpkins for kids, and other goods to purchase.

Bloody Knox Cabin

Although this cabin is a replica, the interior has been made to be authentic of the time period. The cabin was not open when I visited, but visitors can peer inside the windows to get a look.

Interior of Bloody Knox Cabin

While the site doesn’t feature many things, it still serves as a unique and often overlooked aspect of the Civil War. It makes for a perfect place to sit with a lunch on a warm day, or take in the leaves during autumn. 

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to share the article and checkout these nearby places that you may enjoy!

© All Rights Reserved