Historical Marker

Harrodsburg Springs

Historical marker location:
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
( Moreland Ave., E. of US 127, Harrodsburg)

An exclusive spa was located here from 1820-1853, then sold to U.S. Government as Western Military Asylum for aged veterans. After main building burned, veterans were moved in 1859 to Washington, D.C. Ballroom and cottages were opened Oct. 8, 1862 to care for thousands of CSA and USA wounded from Battle of Perryville. Last of buildings had burned by 1885.

Erected in 1962

  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 Battle of Perryville Springs
The Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky, is the only state capitol in the United States that has a working railroad track running directly underneath it.
Kentucky random facts
Mercer County, Kentucky, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. The county was founded in 1785 and named after General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero. It was one of the first counties established in Kentucky, and its early settlers thrived due to the fertile land and strategic location along the Kentucky River.

In the early years, Mercer County was a bustling center of agriculture and industry. The area quickly became known for its productive farmland, leading to a flourishing agricultural economy. Tobacco and hemp were among the major crops grown, and the county was an important shipping hub for these products. As the 19th century progressed, Mercer County's agricultural prosperity continued to grow, attracting more settlers to the area.

The county also played a significant role during the Civil War. Being located on a major transportation route, Mercer County saw its fair share of military activity. Both Union and Confederate forces traversed the area, leading to skirmishes and battles. Despite the turmoil, Mercer County managed to rebuild and thrive after the war, with agriculture remaining the backbone of its economy.

In the 20th century, Mercer County underwent various changes and developments. The advent of modern transportation, such as railroads and highways, brought new opportunities for economic growth. Agriculture remained an important industry, but the county also began to diversify its economy with manufacturing and other ventures. Today, Mercer County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with a modern outlook, offering a blend of rural charm and urban conveniences.

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

  • 1776: Mercer County is established as one of the first counties in Kentucky.
  • 1785: Harrodsburg, the county seat, becomes the first permanent English settlement in Kentucky.
  • 1792: Kentucky is admitted as the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1801: Centre College, the oldest college in Kentucky, is founded in Danville, within Mercer County.
  • 1813: The Old Mud Meetinghouse, one of the oldest extant churches in Kentucky, is built in Harrodsburg.
  • 1835: The Harrodsburg, Danville, and Stanford Railroad, the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains, is established.
  • 1850: The population of Mercer County reaches over 15,000, including a diverse mix of settlers, including African-Americans and European immigrants.
  • 1924: The Blue Grass Ordnance Depot, a major military installation, is established in Mercer County during World War I and continues to operate through World War II.
  • 1957: The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show, a beloved tradition, begins and remains a popular annual event to this day.