The Battle of Richmond, which took place on August 29–30, 1862, near Richmond, Kentucky, stands as one of the most comprehensive Confederate victories during the American Civil War. Commanded by Major General Edmund Kirby Smith, the Confederate forces squared off against Union troops led by Major General William "Bull" Nelson. This engagement marked the inaugural significant battle in the Kentucky Campaign, with the battleground now residing on the grounds of the Blue Grass Army Depot.

In the lead-up to the battle, Confederate forces, eyeing a strategic advance into Kentucky, aimed to reinstall the shadow Confederate government of the state and bolster their ranks through recruitment. The Confederate Army of Kentucky, spearheaded by Smith, began its move in mid-August, with General Braxton Bragg's Army of Mississippi paralleling their efforts to the west. The actual conflict ignited when Confederate cavalry, under Brigadier General Patrick Cleburne, clashed with Union forces. Despite initial skirmishes, the Confederate troops, with timely reinforcements and strategic positioning, managed to outmaneuver and overpower Union regiments, culminating in a robust Confederate assault that sent Union forces into a retreat.

The aftermath of the battle was devastating for the Union. Not only did Nelson and a portion of his troops flee, but the Confederates also captured over 4,300 Union soldiers. The casualties were heavily skewed, with the Union incurring 5,353 losses compared to the Confederate's 451. The victory paved the way for Confederate advances northwards towards Lexington and Frankfort. Esteemed Civil War historian Shelby Foote notably commended Smith's tactical prowess in the battle, equating it to the historical Battle of Cannae in terms of its decisive nature.