Historical Marker

Courthouse Burned

Historical marker location:
Mt. Sterling, Kentucky
( Courthouse lawn, US 60, Mt. Sterling)

Twenty-two Kentucky courthouses were burned during Civil War, nineteen in last fifteen months: twelve by Confederates, eight by guerrillas, two by Union accident. See map on reverse side. Dec. 2, 1863, CSA cavalry burned courthouse at Mt. Sterling to stop its use as a USA garrison. Clerk's records, in rear, saved. Circuit court records destroyed.

Erected January 8, 1964

  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 Courthouses Burned
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Montgomery County, located in the eastern part of the state of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The early history of the area is closely tied to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who inhabited the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers.

The first recorded European exploration of Montgomery County occurred in the late 17th century, when French explorers made contact with Native American tribes in the area. It wasn't until the late 18th century, however, that permanent settlements began to be established in the county. In 1775, the legendary American frontiersman Daniel Boone explored the area and played a key role in opening up the Kentucky frontier to further settlement.

Montgomery County was officially established in 1797, named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and by the early 19th century, it had become an important center of trade and commerce. The county seat, Mount Sterling, was founded in 1792 and became a thriving town with the development of industries such as bourbon distilleries and textile mills.

During the Civil War, Montgomery County was divided in its loyalties. While there were Confederate sympathizers in the region, the majority of the county's residents remained loyal to the Union. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids throughout the war, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Today, Montgomery County is a vibrant and growing community with a mixture of rural and suburban areas. It is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and strong agricultural heritage. The county continues to attract visitors and residents alike with its charming small towns, historical sites, and natural beauty.

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

  • 1776 - Montgomery County is created by the Virginia General Assembly
  • 1796 - Mount Sterling is established as the county seat
  • 1806 - The county courthouse is built
  • 1822 - The first public school is established in Montgomery County
  • 1850 - The county's population reaches over 10,000
  • 1862 - Union soldiers occupy Mount Sterling during the Civil War
  • 1875 - A railroad line connects Mount Sterling to Lexington
  • 1911 - The Montgomery County Courthouse is destroyed by fire
  • 1922 - The current Montgomery County Courthouse is completed
  • 1961 - Interstate 64 is constructed through Montgomery County
  • 1976 - Montgomery County celebrates its bicentennial
  • 1997 - The Clay Community Center opens in Montgomery County
  • 2017 - The Montgomery County Farmers Market is established