Historical Marker

Richmond Prelude


Confederates in Tennessee under Gen. E. Kirby Smith planned an invasion of the Blue Grass area. Finding Cumberland Gap protected, they entered through Rogers' Gap, heading for Lexington. US Gen. William Nelson sent Gens. M. D. Manson and Charles Cruft to oppose the invasion. The 2 armies, US 7,000, CSA 5,000, confronted each other 6 mi. below Richmond.

Reverse
Richmond-Battle - On Aug. 30, 1862, CSA forces repulsed the enemy in three separate engagements. Confederate Generals T. Churchill and P. Cleburne and Colonels P. Smith and John Scott led in battles at Mt. Zion Church, White's Farm, and at Richmond. The total dead, wounded, missing of both sides was 5,804. Federals retreated and scattered. The CSA moved on to Lexington

  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 Cumberland Gap E. Kirby Smith William Nelson Battle of Richmond
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Kentucky random facts
Madison County, located in central Kentucky, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who used the region's fertile land for hunting and farming. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with Colonel John Miller establishing the first permanent settlement, known as Millersburg, in 1785.

During the early 19th century, the county experienced rapid growth and development. The town of Richmond was founded in 1798 and quickly became the economic and cultural center of Madison County. The construction of the Kentucky River Turnpike in 1834 further enhanced the county's accessibility and spurred commerce and trade. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became the primary industry, with Madison County earning a reputation for producing high-quality tobacco.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Madison County, as it did on much of Kentucky. Despite being a border state, the county remained largely pro-Union, with many residents enlisting in the Union Army. However, there were also Confederate sympathizers, leading to intermittent conflict and skirmishes throughout the war. Following the war, Madison County underwent a period of reconstruction, with efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure and revitalizing the economy.

In the 20th century, Madison County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The establishment of Eastern Kentucky University in 1906 provided educational opportunities for the region, attracting students and contributing to economic growth. Industrialization also played a crucial role, with manufacturing facilities opening in the county and providing employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with a forward-thinking approach, offering residents and visitors a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic opportunities.

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

  • 1785: Madison County, KY was established on December 17th.
  • 1787: The first courthouse was erected in the county seat, Richmond.
  • 1810: The county's population reached 3,032.
  • 1829: The Richmond and Lexington Turnpike was completed, improving transportation in the area.
  • 1862: The Civil War had a significant impact on Madison County, with the Battle of Richmond taking place on August 29-30.
  • 1874: Berea College, an interracial and coeducational institution, was founded in Madison County.
  • 1911: The Eastern Kentucky State Normal School (now Eastern Kentucky University) was established in Richmond.
  • 1920: Madison County's population surpassed 20,000.
  • 1955: The founding of Blue Grass Army Depot brought economic growth to the county.
  • 1962: Interstate 75 was opened, further improving transportation in the region.
  • 1997: The completion of the Daniel Boone Parkway provided a direct link between Madison County and Hazard.