CSA at Falmouth
During Confederate invasion into Kentucky, CSA troops in area on threat to North. Sept. 18, 1862, 11 home guards met 28 CSA here. CSA casualties 6, home guard one. Col. Basil Duke's CSA cavalry camped here and on Sept. 27, 1862, attacked Augusta. CSA losses there forced return to Falmouth. Plan abandoned to cross Ohio River and threaten Cincinnati. See map.
Erected in 1964
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.
The county was named after Edmund Pendleton, a prominent Virginia statesman and judge. Early settlers primarily relied on agriculture, with tobacco and corn being the main cash crops. The construction of the Licking River provided a vital transportation link for the county, enabling easier access to markets and encouraging economic growth.
During the Civil War, Pendleton County was divided, much like the rest of Kentucky, due to conflicting loyalties. There were residents who supported the Union cause, while others sympathized with the Confederacy. The county suffered significant damage during the war, as skirmishes occurred between Union and Confederate forces. However, after the war, Pendleton County slowly began to rebuild and restore its economy.
In the 20th century, the county experienced modernization and changes in its economy. Increased industrialization brought about new job opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture. The county also witnessed improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Today, Pendleton County continues to balance its rural charm with a growing suburban influence, attracting residents who appreciate its natural beauty and close-knit community.
Pendleton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pendleton County, Kentucky.
- 1798 - Pendleton County is established by the Kentucky General Assembly.
- Early 1800s - The county experiences significant growth as settlers from Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina move into the area.
- 1830s - The construction of the Covington-Lexington turnpike through Pendleton County promotes further development and trade.
- 1850s - The arrival of the railroad boosts economic opportunities and leads to the establishment of several new towns in the county.
- 1862-1865 - Pendleton County residents actively engage in the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers present.
- Late 1800s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county, with tobacco, corn, and wheat as primary crops.
- Early 1900s - The county faces economic challenges due to the decline in tobacco farming.
- 1937 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructs William H. Harsha Lake, providing both flood control and recreational opportunities.
- Late 1900s - Pendleton County experiences population growth and diversification due to its proximity to Cincinnati, Ohio.