Grand United Order of Odd Fellows - Washington Lodge #1513
Historical marker location:GRAND UNITED ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF) was formed in 1843; virtually all other fraternal organizations of the era were whites-only. The GUOOF provided vital support to its members and the local black community following the Civil War. Its work continues to the present.
WASHINGTON LODGE #1513
Former slaves founded Washington Lodge #1513 in 1872, seven years after the end of the Civil War. The Lodge has owned this building since 1886; it has one of the few remaining nineteenth- century facades in New Castle. This lodge is the only active GUOOF lodge in Kentucky and is one of the oldest African American fraternal organizations in the state.
Dedicated August 17, 2017
The Reconstruction Era in the United States followed the Civil War and spanned from 1865 to 1877. It aimed to address the social, economic, and political challenges faced by the nation after the abolition of slavery. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key events during the Reconstruction Era:
1865: The Civil War ends with the surrender of Confederate forces. President Abraham Lincoln, who favored a lenient approach to reconstruction, is assassinated in April. Vice President Andrew Johnson assumes the presidency.
1865: The Freedmen's Bureau is established to provide assistance to newly freed slaves, including education, employment, and legal support.
1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
1866: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is passed, granting citizenship and equal rights to all individuals born in the United States, regardless of race or previous condition of slavery.
1867: The Reconstruction Acts are passed by Congress, dividing the former Confederate states into military districts and requiring them to draft new state constitutions that grant voting rights to African American men.
1868: The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens and granting citizenship to former slaves.
1870: The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
1870s: African Americans are elected to various political offices, including state legislatures and even the U.S. Congress. This period witnesses a significant increase in black political participation.
1873: The economic Panic of 1873 leads to a severe depression, undermining many of the gains made during the Reconstruction Era.
1876: The disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden results in the Compromise of 1877. As part of the compromise, federal troops are withdrawn from the South, effectively marking the end of Reconstruction.
1877: With the withdrawal of federal troops, Southern states begin enacting Jim Crow laws and implementing systemic racial segregation and discrimination, suppressing the political and economic rights of African Americans.
The Reconstruction Era was a complex and contentious period in American history, marked by progress in racial equality and political participation, as well as the subsequent rollback of those gains. It left a lasting impact on the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing quest for racial justice in the United States.
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.