Civil War Actions
On Sept. 21, 1862 cavalry men under Maj. George M. Jessee, a native here, attacked provost marshal Robert Morris' home guard. Guards surrendered men, horses, and 300 stand of arms. Dec. 13, 1864, Maj. Jessee and Confederate forces were defeated here after a spirited skirmish with state troops and home guards led by Capt. Jas. H. Bridgewater.
Cast in 1962, erected in 1963
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.
The famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-running and violent conflict between two Appalachian families, began in Kentucky in the late 19th century.
In the early 19th century, farming became the backbone of Henry County's economy. The county's abundance of rich soil and favorable agricultural conditions allowed for the growth of crops such as tobacco, corn, and hemp. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further stimulated economic growth, as it provided a means to transport goods more efficiently and opened up markets for local farmers.
The Civil War deeply impacted Henry County, as it did much of the surrounding area. Although geographically located in a border state, the county was firmly in Union control throughout the conflict. The war brought considerable hardships to the region, including the loss of lives and property as well as disruptions to the local economy and social fabric. Nonetheless, the county managed to recover and rebuild in the post-war period.
In the 20th century, Henry County saw significant changes and developments. As agriculture became more mechanized, the county transitioned from tobacco farming to more diversified crops, such as soybeans and hay. In recent years, Henry County has also experienced an increase in tourism, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and flourishing arts and culture scene. Today, the county continues to thrive as a vibrant and welcoming community that celebrates its history while embracing the future.
Henry County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Henry County, Kentucky.
- 1798: Henry County, Kentucky is established on December 14th.
- Early 19th century: Henry County grows rapidly with the establishment of mills and distilleries.
- 1837: New Castle becomes the county seat.
- 1860s: Henry County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- Late 19th century: Railroads bring increased economic opportunities to Henry County.
- 1937: The Henry County Courthouse, located in New Castle, is destroyed by fire.
- 1940s-1950s: The agricultural industry begins to decline, leading to an overall decrease in population.
- 1980s-present: Henry County undergoes efforts to diversify its economy and attract new industries.