Historical Marker

County Named, 1843

For Richard M. Johnson, native of Kentucky, US Vice-President, 1837 to 1841, US Rep. 1807-19, 1829-37, US Senator 1819-29, intimate of President Jackson. His tactics as Colonel of Ky. Mounted Riflemen, War of 1812, won Battle of the Thames and earned him title: "Father of American Cavalry." Johnson was formed from parts of Lawrence, Floyd and Morgan counties.