Historical Marker

A Warfield Skirmish


A plundering, burning, Confederate detached force, under command of Col. V. A. Witcher, harassed east Kentucky and West Virginia during most of the Civil War. In fall, 1864, they took horses and cattle in this area from friend and foe. While Witcher's men made barbecue, Home Guards from Louisa attacked from hill to west. After exchange of fire, both withdrew.

Reverse
Warfield - First Martin County seat, 1870. Established about 1850 as a coal, salt and lumber community by George Rogers Clark Floyd and John Warfield of Va. mountains. Products shipped by river boats to Catlettsburg. Floyd was son of one Governor of Virginia, brother of another. Coal mines used thru Civil War as hiding place against marauding by enemy

  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
The word "Kentucky" is derived from the Native American word "ken-tah-ten," which means "land of tomorrow."
Kentucky random facts
Martin County, located in eastern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the early Native American inhabitants. The area was initially occupied by the Cherokee and Shawnee tribes, who relied on the rich natural resources and fertile valleys for sustenance. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, establishing a presence and influencing the cultural and economic landscape of Martin County.

During the early 19th century, Martin County saw a surge in coal mining activity, attracting a diverse population of immigrants seeking employment opportunities. The discovery of extensive coal deposits revolutionized the local economy and brought significant growth to the area. As coal mining became the dominant industry, railroads were constructed to transport the valuable resource, connecting Martin County to larger markets and contributing to its prosperity.

Despite periods of economic success, Martin County also faced challenges. The region bore witness to the devastating impacts of the Great Depression, causing widespread unemployment and poverty. In 1945, a catastrophic flood struck Martin County, resulting in significant infrastructure damage and loss of life. The flood led to the construction of the Martin County Dam, aiming to prevent future disasters and stabilize the local economy.

Modern Martin County continues to be a predominantly rural community, with a focus on agriculture, coal mining, and outdoor recreation. The county's picturesque landscapes, including the scenic Appalachian Mountains and the Tug Fork River, attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Martin County strives to balance the preservation of its natural beauty with sustainable economic development, ensuring a prosperous future for its residents.

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

  • 1822: Martin County was established as a county in Kentucky.
  • 1870: Eastern Kentucky State Normal School was established in Paintsville, which later became the site for Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
  • 1886: The town of Inez was incorporated.
  • 1924: The first oil well in Martin County was drilled, leading to an oil boom in the area.
  • 1937-1942: The construction of the Paintsville Lake began, providing flood protection and recreational opportunities for the area.
  • 1954: A massive flood devastated Martin County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1973: The Buckeye Coal Mine disaster occurred, resulting in the deaths of 10 miners.
  • 2000: The Martin County water crisis occurred, due to a mismanaged coal slurry impoundment, resulting in contaminated drinking water for thousands of residents.
  • 2018: The reopening of the Martin County Airport, providing improved transportation options for the community.