The Blockhouse
Historical marker location:Built in 1858 by townspeople for civil defense against guerrillas. Located in middle of intersection. Measured 12 by 18 feet with loopholes on all sides. Manned by townsmen when alarm sounded. Several encounters with gangs attempting to raid town. Torn down in 1870 when civil law and order were assured, and marauders had been dispersed.
Reverse
Martin's Raid - In August 1864 Captain David (Black Dave) Martin and gang attempted raid on courthouse to secure guns stored there. Thomas C. McGrath, merchant, J. H. Masonheimer, tailor, and others defended town against raiders. Three guerrillas were killed, and McGrath wounded. Mission failed. Martin died in 1896 and was buried in Grove Hill CemeteryApril 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 town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
One of the key figures in Shelby County's early history was Colonel William Shannon, who settled in the area in 1775. Shannon played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as a representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. His influence helped shape the development of the county.
In the early 1800s, the city of Shelbyville, named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky, was founded as the county seat. Shelbyville quickly grew into a bustling hub of business, agriculture, and commerce. The Shelbyville Historic District, featuring numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, stands as a testament to the city's past.
Over the years, Shelby County developed a reputation as a significant agricultural center. The fertile land provided ideal conditions for farming, particularly for tobacco and thoroughbred horse breeding. The county's agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Shelby County Fair and the Shelbyville Horse Show, both of which attract visitors and locals alike.
Today, Shelby County is a thriving community that embraces its history while also looking to the future. The area's rich heritage, diverse economy, and close-knit community continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, and explore for residents and visitors alike.
Shelby County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shelby County, Kentucky.
- 1776: Shelby County, KY was established on June 19, 1776.
- 1780: The county was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and later the first governor of Kentucky.
- 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state admitted to the Union, with Shelby County as one of its original counties.
- 1803: The town of Shelbyville is established as the county seat.
- 1812: Shelby County sends soldiers to fight in the War of 1812.
- 1837: The Louisville and Shelbyville Turnpike is completed, improving transportation and commerce in the county.
- 1846: Sentiment in Shelby County towards slavery divides the community during the abolitionist movement.
- 1861-1865: Many residents of Shelby County fight in the American Civil War on both sides.
- 1873: Shelby County Agricultural and Mechanical Society holds its first fair, becoming an annual tradition.
- 1895: The Shelby County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival-style building, is completed and still stands today.
- 20th century: Shelby County experiences periods of agricultural growth and economic development, along with the challenges faced by rural communities.
- 2000s: Shelby County continues to grow and develop, balancing its agricultural heritage with modern industries and amenities.