1864 Attack on Frankfort
Historical marker location:In John Hunt Morgan’s last raid, a large CSA cavalry force moved into Ky. to tie down Union soldiers and obtain horses. After telegraph & rail lines were cut, a small force was sent to Frankfort on June 10 to attack Fort Boone, overlooking the town. Slaves building outer defenses of fort were ordered away to prevent their capture.
(Reverse) The fort was defended by a small force of militia & notable volunteers including Gov. Thomas Bramlette, future US Supreme Court Justice John M. Harlan, and General D.W. Lindsey. Emboldened by these leaders, the defenders held their ground. The next day, an attack from south side of the river failed & the CSA retreated to Georgetown
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.
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
In the early years of its history, Franklin County played a significant role in the development of Kentucky as a state. It served as the temporary capital of Kentucky from 1792 to 1794, before the capital was moved permanently to the current location of Frankfort. The county has always maintained a close relationship with Frankfort, with many government buildings and offices located in Franklin County.
The development of the bourbon industry in the 19th century also played a vital role in the history of Franklin County. The county was home to several distilleries, including the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is one of the oldest operating distilleries in the United States. With its fertile soil and ideal climate, Franklin County became known as the "Bourbon County" of Kentucky, producing some of the finest bourbon in the nation.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Franklin County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of railways and the expansion of industry brought economic prosperity to the area. The county became known for its manufacturing and processing industries, including tobacco, textiles, and automotive parts. Today, Franklin County continues to be an important center of commerce and industry in Kentucky, while also preserving its rich history and cultural heritage.
Franklin County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Franklin County, Kentucky.
- 1785: Franklin County is officially established on December 14.
- 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state, with Franklin County as one of its original counties.
- 1794: The town of Frankfort is officially established as the county seat.
- 1810: The first state capitol building is completed in Frankfort.
- 1839: The Old State Capitol building, now a historic site, is completed.
- 1861: During the American Civil War, Frankfort serves as the temporary capital of the Confederate government of Kentucky.
- 1865: The Old Governor's Mansion, now a museum, is completed.
- 1909: The new Kentucky State Capitol building is completed.
- 1936: The Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, established in 1783, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1984: Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.