Historical Marker

Civil War Actions


Civil War Actions - First skirmish in eastern Ky. On Sept. 19, 1861, Zollicoffer's CSA troops approached Barbourville. Home guard obstructed bridge. CSA took another route, were repulsed twice before guards retreated. Considerable property destroyed in town. CSA Gen. Kirby Smith's hdqrs. here Aug. 18 to 25, 1862 while preparing for invasion of central Ky

  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
Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and began his boxing career there.
Kentucky random facts
Knox County, located in southeastern Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who relied on fertile land and plentiful game for sustenance. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, drawn by the region's natural resources and opportunities for trade.

In the early 19th century, Knox County witnessed a period of rapid growth and development with the arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The railroad expanded transportation options, encouraging the establishment of new businesses and industries, including coal mining and lumber. The county became a vital economic hub in the region, attracting immigrant workers from Europe and African Americans from the South to sustain these industries.

Like many communities in the United States, Knox County was not immune to the challenges of the Civil War. Divided loyalties resulted in conflicts and skirmishes in the area. Following the war, the economy of Knox County suffered, as traditional industries declined and agricultural practices faced challenges from changing markets and technologies.

In the 20th century, Knox County underwent a transformation with the advent of mechanized mining and the expansion of educational opportunities. Mining companies became major employers, shaping the local economy and culture. Additionally, education saw significant improvements with the establishment of public schools and institutions like Union College, enriching the intellectual and cultural landscape of the county. Today, Knox County continues to evolve, with a focus on attracting new industries, preserving its historical heritage, and improving quality of life for its residents.

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

  • 1799 - Knox County is established as one of the original nine counties of the state of Kentucky.
  • 1847 - The town of Barbourville is founded and becomes the county seat of Knox County.
  • 1861-1865 - Knox County, like many other counties in Kentucky, is divided during the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate sympathizers present in the area.
  • 1900s - The coal mining industry becomes prominent in Knox County, leading to economic growth and population increase.
  • 1937 - The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is established, providing recreational opportunities and preserving the region's history.
  • 1946 - Union College, a private liberal arts college, is founded in Barbourville.
  • 1957 - Knox County High School is established, providing secondary education to students in the area.
  • 1986 - The Daniel Boone National Forest is established, protecting thousands of acres of land in Knox County and the surrounding region.
  • 2001 - The Fort Harlan Historic District, showcasing the history of early settlement in the region, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.