Historical Marker

Oliver Loving


Born in Hopkins Co. on Dec. 4, 1812. He married Susan Morgan in 1833 and farmed in Hopkins & Muhlenberg Counties. In 1843, he moved his family to Texas, where he farmed and drove cattle. In 1861, he sold his cattle and tried to move from Texas. However, the Civil War had begun, and he was commissioned to drive cattle to Confederate forces along the Mississippi River.

In 1866, Loving combined his herd with that of Charles Goodnight to drive them to Ft. Sumner, N.M. The route later became known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail. He died at Ft. Sumner in 1867 and is buried in Weatherford, Texas. The 1985 novel Lonesome Dove is loosely based on their adventures. He was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1958.

Dedicated 2017

  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
The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Hopkins County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was officially established in 1806 and named after General Samuel Hopkins, a renowned soldier who fought during the Revolutionary War. Prior to its settlement, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.

The industrialization of Hopkins County began in the late 1800s when coal mining became a dominant industry. The vast coal reserves in the region attracted numerous immigrants and led to the establishment of mining towns such as Madisonville and Dawson Springs. These towns saw phenomenal growth as the coal industry flourished, and many residents found employment in the mines.

Hopkins County played a significant role during World War II as it housed a German Prisoner of War camp. The camp, located near Earlington, held around 1,800 German soldiers who provided labor for local industries and farms. This unique aspect of Hopkins County's history played a part in strengthening the local economy during the war years.

Today, Hopkins County remains an important contributor to Kentucky's economy. While the coal industry has declined in recent decades, the county has diversified its economy and focused on sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The historic sites, natural beauty, and vibrant community make Hopkins County an attractive place to live and visit, preserving its history while embracing the future.

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

  • 1806 - Hopkins County was established on January 2 by the Kentucky General Assembly.
  • 1812 - The first courthouse in Hopkins County was completed.
  • 1826 - The town of Madisonville was established and named after President James Madison.
  • 1854 - The first railroad, Henderson and Nashville Railroad, reached Madisonville.
  • 1900 - The first telephone exchange was established in Madisonville.
  • 1936 - The Great Flood of 1936 caused significant devastation in Hopkins County.
  • 1955 - The Pennyrile Electric Cooperative was formed, bringing electricity to rural areas of the county.
  • 1968 - Hopkins County Central High School was formed through the consolidation of several smaller high schools.
  • 1970 - Pennyrile State Forest was established in Hopkins County.
  • 1988 - The Western Kentucky Parkway was completed, providing improved transportation access.
  • 1999 - The Hopkins County Coal Mine Disaster occurred, resulting in the deaths of two miners.