Historical Marker

Camp Crittenden


With the Louisville & Nashville Railroad running through Lebanon, during the Civil War the Union army frequently established camps here. In Sept. 1861, Col. John M. Harlan founded Camp Crittenden and org. the 10th Ky. Union Inf. at Lebanon. Later, troops led by U.S. Gen. Geo. Thomas camped here prior to fighting in the Battle of Mill Springs in Jan. 1862.

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Illnesses struck Thomas’s army and many men died of typhoid. Lebanon National Cemetery began as burial ground for these troops. In 1864, more than 2,000 African American recruits, mostly slaves, joined Union army here. Lebanon was one of the largest African American recruiting grounds in the state, behind Camp Nelson and Louisville

  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 Civil War Louisville and Nashville Railroad Union Army
The city of Owensboro, Kentucky, is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which honors the history and culture of bluegrass music.
Kentucky random facts
Marion County, Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1834. The region was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, who inhabited the area long before European settlers arrived. The county was named after the American Revolutionary War general, Francis Marion, who is known as the "Swamp Fox."

In the early 19th century, Marion County experienced rapid growth and development due to its fertile soil and location along the Rolling Fork River. The county became a hub for agriculture, with tobacco, corn, and wheat being the primary crops. This agricultural prosperity attracted many settlers from neighboring states seeking new opportunities.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers residing in Marion County. The Battle of Lebanon, which took place in 1863, saw Confederate forces briefly occupy the town before being forced to retreat. This event had a lasting impact on the county and its residents.

In the early 20th century, Marion County underwent economic changes as traditional agricultural practices gave way to industrialization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred economic growth, leading to the establishment of manufacturing industries and the growth of the town of Lebanon as a regional center. Today, Marion County maintains its agricultural roots while embracing modern industries and offering a rich historical heritage for residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1774: First settlers arrive in the area that would become Marion County.
  • 1834: Marion County is officially established as an independent county.
  • 1839: The county seat is relocated to Lebanon.
  • 1846: Marion County's population reaches over 9,000 residents.
  • 1861: Civil War begins, and many Marion County residents join the Union Army.
  • 1865: Civil War ends, and the county begins to rebuild and recover.
  • 1897: The Kentucky House of Representatives passes an act to establish a state normal school (now known as St. Catharine College).
  • 1937: Myrtle Reid becomes the first female mayor of Lebanon.
  • 1996: Marion County Knights win their first-ever state basketball championship.
  • 2015: Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto celebrates its 60th anniversary.