Historical Marker

Civil War Skirmish/ Future President

Historical marker location:
Russellville, Kentucky
( 225 Armory Dr., Russellville)

On September 30, 1862, 600 Union troops led by Colonel Benjamin Harrison came here and surprised an element of Confederate Colonel John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry, led by Captain John Baker Dortch. After a sharp skirmish, in which thirty-five Confederates were reportedly killed and wounded, Morgan’s troops retreated.

Reverse
A Future President- Harrison, whose troops were victorious in the skirmish here, was a twenty-nine-year-old Indiana attorney. The Russellville fight was his first engagement; his military career continued throughout the Civil War, including service under Gen. W. T. Sherman in the Atlanta Campaign. In 1889, he became the 23rd president of the United States

  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 Union Army Presidents
Kentucky was originally part of Virginia and was known as the "Kentucky County" until it became a separate state in 1792.
Kentucky random facts
Located in the westernmost part of Kentucky, Logan County has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The county was established in 1792 and named after Benjamin Logan, a prominent pioneer and Revolutionary War soldier. Like many areas in Kentucky, Logan County was primarily settled by European colonists who were attracted to the region's fertile land and abundant natural resources.

During the 19th century, Logan County experienced rapid growth and development. The county became a major center for agriculture, with tobacco being one of the main cash crops. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further boosted the county's economy by facilitating transportation and trade. This period also saw the establishment of schools, churches, and other community institutions.

Logan County played a significant role in the Civil War. While Kentucky officially declared neutrality during the conflict, both Union and Confederate sympathizers were present in the county. The county experienced several skirmishes and raids, and many of its residents joined the fight on both sides. The Battle of Russellville in 1861, in which Confederate forces captured a Union garrison, was one of the key events during the war in Logan County.

In the 20th century, Logan County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The decline of tobacco farming led to a shift towards diversified agriculture, including livestock production and crop farming. The county also grew as a center of commerce and industry, with the development of manufacturing and service sectors. Today, Logan County continues to be an important agricultural and rural community, preserving its historical roots while embracing modern advancements.

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

  • 1792 - Logan County is established in the state of Kentucky.
  • Early 1800s - The county experiences growth as settlers move into the area.
  • 1818 - The town of Russellville is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • Late 1800s - The railroad reaches Logan County, bringing new opportunities for trade and transportation.
  • 1861-1865 - Logan County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1907 - The Lincoln National Bank, the first bank in Logan County, is established.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic challenges to the county.
  • 1941-1945 - Logan County contributes to World War II efforts.
  • 1950s-1960s - The county experiences increased industrialization and modernization.
  • 2000s - Logan County continues to thrive as an agricultural and industrial center.