Historical Marker

Sherman Here


USA General William T. Sherman with 4,000 troops made headquarters here, late September, 1861. Object to secure Muldraugh's Hill against anticipated onrush of Confederates toward Louisville and to rally Kentuckians to Union cause. CSA Gen. Simon B. Buckner took Bowling Green, establishing Confederate line across Ky., but failed to push north. No major action occurred

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Simon Bolivar Buckner Civil War William T. Sherman
The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Bullitt County, Kentucky, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the late 18th century. The county was officially established in 1796 and was named after Alexander Scott Bullitt, a prominent lawyer and statesman in Kentucky.

During its early years, Bullitt County was primarily an agricultural community, with settlers planting crops such as corn, tobacco, and hemp. The county quickly grew in population, attracting settlers from neighboring counties and states. One of the key events in the county's history was the construction of the Louisville and Nashville Turnpike in the early 19th century, which sparked economic growth and facilitated trade between Bullitt County and other regions.

In the mid-19th century, Bullitt County became known for its salt production. The discovery of salt deposits in the area led to the establishment of several salt mines and a thriving industry. The salt industry played a significant role in the development of the county, attracting more settlers and boosting the local economy.

During the American Civil War, Bullitt County experienced its share of turmoil. The county was geographically located between the Union and Confederate lines, and as a result, there were frequent skirmishes and military actions. The county suffered from both physical destruction and economic losses during this period.

In the 20th century, Bullitt County went through a period of modernization and growth. The county's population increased, and new industries, such as manufacturing and retail, emerged. Today, Bullitt County continues to grow and modernize, while still preserving its historical roots and celebrating its unique heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bullitt County, Kentucky.

  • 1796 - Bullitt County is founded and named after Alexander Scott Bullitt, the first Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
  • 1812 - Shepherdsville is established as the county seat of Bullitt County
  • 1862 - John Morgan and his Confederate soldiers raid the county during the Civil War
  • 1907 - Shepherdsville suffers a devastating fire that destroys much of the downtown area
  • 1929 - Ku Klux Klan activities are reported in Bullitt County
  • 1937 - Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is opened in Clermont
  • 1961 - Fort Knox Gold Vault is constructed in Bullitt County, becoming one of the largest gold depositories in the world
  • 1974 - The Bullitt County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  • 1996 - The Bullitt County History Museum is established in Shepherdsville