Historical Marker

Morgan's First Raid


CSA General John H. Morgan's first Kentucky raid covered 1,000 miles, July 4 to July 28, 1862-24 days. Left Tenn. with 900 men, returned with 1200, captured 17 towns, 300 horses, destroyed Union supplies. Here, July 21, Morgan took over telegraph line and countermanded USA orders to pursue. Destroyed commissary stores, wagons, arms. Moved on to Monticello. See map.

Erected in 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 John Hunt Morgan
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Kentucky random facts
Pulaski County, Kentucky is a county located in the southeastern part of the state. It was established on December 10, 1798, and named after Casimir Pulaski, a Polish hero of the American Revolution. The area that is now Pulaski County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.

In the early 19th century, settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the rich natural resources and fertile land. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought further growth and development to the county, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people. Agriculture played a major role in the county's economy, with tobacco, corn, and wheat being the primary crops.

During the American Civil War, Pulaski County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county experienced several skirmishes and raids, including the Battle of Mill Springs in 1862, which was a Union victory and helped secure control over eastern Kentucky.

In the 20th century, Pulaski County experienced significant industrial growth and economic diversification. The construction of Lake Cumberland in the 1950s provided opportunities for recreation and tourism, as well as hydroelectric power generation. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant communities.

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

  • Pulaski County, KY was formed on December 10, 1798.
  • In 1800, the county's first courthouse was built in a small town called Mill Springs.
  • The county saw significant growth in the mid-1800s with the arrival of the railroad in 1869.
  • In 1927, the Wolf Creek Dam was completed, creating Lake Cumberland and becoming a major attraction for tourism in the area.
  • During the 20th century, Pulaski County experienced several devastating floods, including the catastrophic flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
  • Pulaski County remains an important agricultural and manufacturing center in Kentucky.