Morgan's Last Raid
On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.
Erected in 1964
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.
European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of the first settlement known as Fleming Station in 1782. The county grew rapidly, and in 1798, it was officially established as Fleming County, incorporating several smaller settlements. The county seat was established in Flemingsburg, named after Colonel Fleming, and it remains the center of government and commerce to this day.
During the Civil War, Fleming County was deeply divided, with residents on both sides of the conflict. The county saw many skirmishes and several notable battles, such as the Battle of Flemingsburg in 1862. After the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and development, particularly in agriculture, with tobacco being a major cash crop.
In the 20th century, Fleming County faced various challenges and changes. The decline of tobacco farming and the rise of industrialization led to shifts in the local economy. Today, Fleming County is known for its beautiful rolling hills, rich farmland, and close-knit community. It continues to preserve its historical landmarks and embrace its Appalachian heritage, while evolving to meet the needs of its residents in the modern era.
Fleming County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fleming County, Kentucky.
- 1798 - Fleming County is established as one of the original nine counties of the Kentucky State.
- 1816 - The town of Flemingsburg, the county seat of Fleming County, is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Fleming County, like many other regions in Kentucky, is deeply divided during the American Civil War.
- 1892 - The Fleming County Courthouse, a landmark in Flemingsburg, is built.
- 1923 - Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park is established to commemorate the Battle of Blue Licks, which took place in Fleming County during the Revolutionary War.
- 1964 - The Daniel Boone National Forest is established, which includes parts of Fleming County.
- 1974 - The Fleming County Covered Bridge, a historic landmark, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2006 - The Fleming County Covered Bridge is destroyed by a flood.