Historical Marker

Courthouse Burned


Twenty-two Kentucky courthouses were burned during Civil War, nineteen in last fifteen months: twelve by Confederates, eight by guerrillas, two by Union accident. See map on reverse side. The courthouse at Harlan was burned in reprisal for burning of Lee County, Va., courthouse, October, 1863. County records in clerk's office nearby were saved.

Erected in 1963

  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.

Civil War Courthouses Burned
The famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-running and violent conflict between two Appalachian families, began in Kentucky in the late 19th century.
Kentucky random facts
Harlan County, KY, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and varied history that spans over two centuries. The county was named after Silas Harlan, a prominent 18th-century pioneer and soldier, and was officially established in 1819. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Shawnee, but European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century.

In the early years, Harlan County's economy was primarily driven by agriculture, with crops like corn, tobacco, and timber being the main sources of income for many residents. The county's fertile lands and abundant natural resources made it an attractive area for settlement.

However, it was the discovery of coal in the late 19th century that would truly shape the future of Harlan County. The development of coal mines brought an influx of new residents and transformed the region into a thriving mining community. Coal mining became the backbone of the county's economy, providing jobs and prosperity for many years.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Harlan County. The area became known for its labor struggles, particularly during the 1930s and 1970s. Miners fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and the recognition of labor unions. The Battle of Evarts in 1931 and the Brookside Strike of 1973 were noteworthy events that showcased the determination and resilience of Harlan County miners and their families.

In recent years, Harlan County has faced economic challenges as the decline of the coal industry has resulted in job losses and population decline. However, the county continues to preserve its history and culture through attractions such as the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum and the Portal 31 Underground Mine Tour. Today, Harlan County is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich heritage, and the indomitable spirit of its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Harlan County, Kentucky.

  • 1790s: Harlan County is first settled by pioneers from Virginia and Tennessee.
  • 1861-1865: Harlan County residents divided during the Civil War, with some supporting the Union and others the Confederacy.
  • 1900s: Harlan County experiences a boom in coal mining, attracting many workers to the area.
  • 1930s: Harlan County becomes a center of labor disputes, with coal miners organizing strikes to demand better working conditions.
  • 1973: The documentary film "Harlan County, USA" depicts the violent confrontations between striking miners and company security forces.
  • 1980s: Decline of coal mining industry leads to economic struggles in Harlan County.
  • 1990s: Efforts are made to diversify the economy, focusing on tourism and natural resources.
  • 2000s: Harlan County continues to face challenges related to unemployment and poverty.