Historical Marker

Courthouse Burned


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. Courthouse and records at Stanton and other buildings were burned by guerrillas, spring of 1863. Buildings rebuilt. June 1, 1864, jail and records again burned.

Dedicated June 3, 1963

  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 largest non-nuclear explosion in US history occurred in 1958 in Fleming County, Kentucky, when a natural gas storage cavern exploded, killing several people and destroying nearby homes.
Kentucky random facts
Powell County, Kentucky is located in the Eastern Coal Field region of the state. It was established in 1852 and named after Lazarus W. Powell, who served as the Governor of Kentucky from 1851 to 1855. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the late 18th century, and by the 19th century, the region had become a center for agriculture and coal mining. The development of the railroad in the late 1800s further contributed to the growth of Powell County, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people.

The county experienced a boom during the early 20th century with the discovery of vast coal reserves. This led to an influx of workers and an increase in population. However, the coal industry declined in the latter half of the century, impacting the county's economy.

Today, Powell County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Red River Gorge, located within the county, offers hiking, climbing, and camping opportunities, attracting tourists from all over the country. The county continues to work towards diversifying its economy and promoting tourism as a means for growth and development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Powell County, Kentucky.

  • 1799: Powell County is established as part of Clay County.
  • 1852: Powell County separates from Clay County and becomes its own county.
  • 1862: During the American Civil War, Powell County is occupied by Confederate and Union forces throughout the conflict.
  • 1869: Stanton, the county seat of Powell County, is incorporated.
  • 1915: Natural Bridge State Park is established in Powell County to protect and showcase the unique natural arch formation.
  • 1933: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is established in Powell County, becoming a popular tourist destination.
  • 1956: The Mountain Parkway, a major highway, is completed, improving transportation connections to and from Powell County.
  • 1972: Powell County Historical Society is founded to preserve the local history and heritage.
  • 1997: Torrent Falls, a popular rock climbing site, is opened to the public in Powell County.