Historical Marker

Civil War Drilling Camp


Site of Camp Wickliffe, named for Gov. Charles A. Wickliffe. Brigadier General William Nelson, U.S.A., chose location, near supply depot at New Haven, for observation purposes. His division (4th) made winter camp here (Dec. 14, 1861-Feb. 14, 1862), drilling daily. His strict efficiency led to wholesome food, warm clothing, and improved hospital facilities

  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.

Camps Civil War William Nelson Union Army
The word "Kentucky" is derived from the Native American word "ken-tah-ten," which means "land of tomorrow."
Kentucky random facts
Larue County, located in central Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the earliest settlements in the region. Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, once inhabited the area. In the late 1700s, European settlers began arriving, and the county was officially established in 1843. The land was named after John LaRue, an early settler and prominent figure in the community.

During the American Revolutionary War, Larue County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Hodgenville in 1782 saw a clash between Native American tribes and frontiersmen. The county's involvement continued during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, primarily as a recruiting and training ground for soldiers.

Larue County is most famously known as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln was born in a small log cabin near Hodgenville in 1809. Today, the Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the historical site and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Throughout its history, Larue County has been an agricultural community, with farming and livestock playing a vital role in the local economy. The county has seen both periods of prosperity and challenges, such as the Great Depression and the decline of the farm industry during the 20th century. However, the area continues to thrive, embracing its history while also adapting to the changing times.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Larue County, Kentucky.

  • 1801 - Larue County is established by the Kentucky General Assembly.
  • 1803 - The first permanent settlement is established in what is now Larue County.
  • 1804 - The first church, called Mill Creek Baptist Church, is founded.
  • 1818 - The county seat is established in Hodgenville.
  • 1846 - Abraham Lincoln's family moves to Larue County.
  • 1861-1865 - Larue County residents fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1878 - The last public hanging in Larue County takes place.
  • 1916 - The Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site is established.
  • 1936 - The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park is created.
  • 1955 - Interstate 65 is completed, providing improved transportation infrastructure.
  • 2012 - Larue County celebrates its bicentennial.