Historical Marker

Boneyville


One of several “free towns” in Lincoln Co. Created in 1867 from Hugh Hays’ estate and named for founder, Napoleon Bonaparte Hays (1838-1907). “Boney” earned freedom in 1864 enlisting at Camp Nelson as Pvt., Co. C., 12th Regt. U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery during Civil War. One of founders of AME Church in Stanford & the Boneyville School.

Reverse
Alfred Simpson (1828-1905), a former slave, purchased 225 acres in Boneyville. He helped establish one-room school after Civil War. It was used until about 1961. Marriage joined the Hays & Simpson families. Many descendants still reside in this area. Community supports two churches, Bethel AME and First Missionary Baptist

  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.

African American Baptist Church Civil War Schools Reconstruction Era
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Kentucky random facts
Lincoln County, Kentucky has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The area that is now Lincoln County was originally settled by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. European exploration and settlement began in the late 18th century, with pioneers from Virginia and North Carolina making their way westward.

The county was officially established in 1780, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. It was named after Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln. In the early years, Lincoln County was a frontier region, characterized by log cabins, subsistence farming, and frequent conflicts with Native American tribes.

During the 19th century, Lincoln County saw significant growth and development. The construction of turnpikes and railroads connected the county to major cities and markets, stimulating economic growth. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became a vital industry, while the Stanford Female College, founded in 1853, provided education opportunities for women.

The county also played a significant role in the Civil War. Despite its primarily pro-Union sentiment, Lincoln County experienced division and violence during the conflict. The Battle of Stanford occurred in December 1864, where Confederate forces led a raiding party in an attempt to disrupt Union supply lines. Ultimately, the county remained under Union control throughout the war.

In the 20th century, Lincoln County continued to evolve. The decline of tobacco farming led to diversification in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle becoming important commodities. Manufacturing and industry also emerged, contributing to the county's economic growth. Today, Lincoln County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a rich history and a thriving community.

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

  • 1780: Lincoln County is established as one of the original three counties in Kentucky.
  • 1785: Stanford becomes the county seat of Lincoln County.
  • 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1862: During the Civil War, Stanford is occupied by Confederate forces.
  • 1864: The Confederate forces retreat from Stanford, and the Union army takes control of the area.
  • 1949: Lincoln County High School is established.
  • 1958: The construction of Lake Cumberland is completed, partially flooding parts of Lincoln County.
  • 1994: Lincoln County celebrates its bicentennial.