Historical Marker

Morgan's Last Raid


On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse

  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.

Stephen G. Burbridge Civil War Battle of Cynthiana Lexington John Hunt Morgan Mt. Sterling
The word "Kentucky" is derived from the Native American word "ken-tah-ten," which means "land of tomorrow."
Kentucky random facts
Mason County, located in the northeastern part of Kentucky, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1788. The county was named after George Mason, the influential Virginia statesman who is best known for his drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The land that would become Mason County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began arriving in the area and established a permanent settlement known as Limestone (later renamed Maysville). This strategic location on the Ohio River made Maysville a significant transportation and trading hub. The early economy of Mason County was centered around agriculture, with tobacco being the primary cash crop, along with hemp and flax.

During the 19th century, Mason County played a prominent role in the development of the American frontier. It was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, with many escaped slaves finding refuge and assistance from local abolitionists. The county was also known for its prominent citizens, including Albert Sidney Johnston, a Confederate general during the Civil War, and Rosemary Clooney, the famous actress and singer.

In the 20th century, Mason County continued to evolve with the establishment of industries such as glass manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, and oil refining. Today, the county remains an important agricultural region, known for its production of corn, soybeans, and tobacco. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several historic sites and festivals that celebrate its diverse history.

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

  • 1788 - Mason County was established as one of the nine original counties in the Kentucky Territory.
  • 1794 - Maysville, the county seat of Mason County, was founded.
  • 1807 - The Maysville Road was authorized by the federal government, connecting Maysville to Lexington.
  • 1811 - The Old State Capitol, also known as the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, was built in Maysville.
  • 1830s - Maysville became a significant crossing point for steamboats on the Ohio River.
  • 1849 - The Maysville and Lexington Railroad was completed, providing a new transportation option.
  • 1856 - Construction of the Paxton Inn, a notable antebellum hotel, was completed in Maysville.
  • 1861-1865 - Mason County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1888 - The Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, connecting Maysville to Aberdeen, Ohio, was completed.
  • 1932 - The historic Washington Opera House reopened after renovations and became a center for entertainment.
  • 1997 - The John H. Knauf Masonic Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places.