Historical Marker

Civil War Skirmish

Historical marker location:
Edmonton, Kentucky
( 1608 Stockton St., Bowling Park, Edmonton)

On June 7, 1863, a 70-man scouting party of 5th Ind. (Union) Cavalry & 200 men of 1st Brigade of Morgan’s Cavalry skirmished here on farm of Mrs. F. E. Wood. Union losses were 2 killed, 4 wounded, and 15 taken prisoner. Confederates suffered no losses and freed 9 CSA prisoners. They pursued the Union soldiers to within six miles of Glasgow

  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 Confederate Army
During the Civil War, Kentucky was officially neutral, but the state was divided in its loyalties, with many citizens fighting on both sides of the conflict.
Kentucky random facts
Metcalfe County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the early 19th century. The county was named after Thomas Metcalfe, a prominent Kentucky governor and military leader. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Cherokee.

The pioneers began to settle in what is now Metcalfe County in the late 18th century. The early settlers were primarily farmers who cultivated crops such as corn and tobacco. The construction of the Green River covered bridge in the mid-1800s helped further develop the region, providing easier transportation and boosting trade and commerce.

During the Civil War, Metcalfe County saw its share of conflict. While it officially remained loyal to the Union, the county was divided in its allegiances, with some residents supporting the Confederacy. The county witnessed skirmishes and guerrilla warfare, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Metcalfe County experienced economic growth through advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. A railroad line was established, connecting the county to larger cities and facilitating transportation of goods. The construction of schools and hospitals also improved the quality of life for its residents.

Today, Metcalfe County continues to thrive as an agricultural community, with farming being a major economic force. The county is also known for its natural beauty, offering outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. Its rich history is celebrated through various local festivals and events, ensuring that the legacy of Metcalfe County continues to be cherished by its residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1801 - Metcalfe County is established.
  • 1805 - The county is named after Thomas Metcalfe, a former governor of Kentucky.
  • 1806 - The county seat is established in the town of Tompkinsville.
  • 1811 - The first courthouse is built in Tompkinsville.
  • 1818 - The town of Edmonton is established.
  • 1850s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Metcalfe County residents serve in the Confederate army during the Civil War.
  • 1930s - Metcalfe County is greatly affected by the Great Depression.
  • 1950s-1970s - The county experiences a decline in population due to the shift from agriculture to other industries.
  • 1985 - The Metcalfe County Public Library is established.
  • 2009 - The first Metcalfe County High School is opened.