Historical Marker

Gibraltar of the West


Troops under Gen. Leonidas Polk fortified strategic line of bluffs here Sept. 3, 1861, marking CSA's first move in Ky. To prevent passage of Union gunboats, a huge chain was stretched across the Mississippi River. After Union success in Tenn., CSA evacuated on Mar. 2, 1862. Union troops moved in the next day and held position throughout the war.

Erected May 25, 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 Leonidas K. Polk State Parks
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Kentucky random facts
Hickman County, Kentucky has a rich history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and Shawnee, who utilized the land's resources for hunting and farming. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, drawn by the fertility of the soil and the opportunities for trade along the Mississippi River.

The county was officially established in 1821, named in honor of Captain Paschal Hickman, a Kentucky militia officer who fought in the War of 1812. The construction of the Fulton and Hickman Railroad in the 1850s further facilitated trade and transportation in the area, leading to the growth of towns like Hickman and Columbus. The county was also a key player in the tobacco industry during the 19th century, with many local farmers cultivating the crop.

During the Civil War, Hickman County was divided, with families and communities torn by conflicting loyalties to the Union and Confederate causes. The Battle of Columbus, fought in 1861, resulted in the town's occupation by Confederate forces. However, Union troops eventually regained control of the area, and the war took a toll on the county's infrastructure and economy.

In the 20th century, agricultural development and the growth of industries such as lumber and coal mining provided new opportunities for the people of Hickman County. The construction of the Kentucky Dam and Lake in the 1930s brought tourism and recreational activities to the region, further boosting the local economy. Today, Hickman County continues to be known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and charming small towns that reflect the area's diverse history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hickman County, Kentucky.

  • 1821 - Hickman County was established on December 19, 1821.
  • 1822 - The county seat was established in Clinton.
  • 1824 - The first courthouse was built in Clinton.
  • 1850s - Construction of the Hickman County Jail began.
  • 1861 - Hickman County was neutral during the Civil War, but later became occupied by Union forces.
  • 1877 - The second courthouse was built in Clinton.
  • 1883 - The first railroad, the Illinois Central, reached Hickman County.
  • 1909 - Clinton suffered a devastating fire that destroyed most of the downtown area.
  • 1917 - Construction of the current courthouse began in Clinton.
  • 1937 - The historic Columbus-Belmont Bridge opened, connecting Hickman County to Missouri.
  • 1966 - The Columbus-Belmont State Park was established.
  • 1997 - The Dorena-Hickman Ferry began operation, providing a link across the Mississippi River.