Historical Marker

Octagon Hall


An antebellum landmark built by Andrew Jackson Caldwell, an ardent advocate of the southern cause. Many Confederate soldiers found shelter here. Bricks were made, wood cut and finished, stone quarried on the place. The house erected by Caldwell and his men. Three floors, with four large rooms, hall and stairway. Large basement provided hiding place.

Dedicated in August 1962

  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
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
Simpson County, Kentucky, situated in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans back several centuries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who utilized the fertile land for hunting and gathering.

European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, primarily from Virginia and North Carolina. In 1818, Simpson County was officially established and named after Captain John Simpson, a prominent state legislator and Kentucky militia officer. The land was well-suited for agriculture, especially tobacco and corn, which became the mainstay of the local economy during the 19th century.

During the Civil War, Simpson County witnessed significant unrest as it straddled the border between the Union and Confederate states. Both sides had strong support in the area, leading to frequent skirmishes and raids. The Battle of Franklin, a major engagement of the war, took place just outside of Simpson County in 1864.

In the 20th century, Simpson County experienced a shift in its economic base. Agriculture remained important, but the decline of the tobacco industry led to diversification, with the introduction of soybean and wheat farming. The county also embraced manufacturing and industrial growth, attracting businesses in automotive parts, plastics, and food processing.

Today, Simpson County is a vibrant community with a mix of historical landmarks, agricultural heritage, and a growing industrial sector. Residents take pride in their county's rich past and actively work towards its future development and prosperity.

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

  • 1799: Simpson County is founded and named after Captain John Simpson.
  • 1819: The county seat is established in Franklin.
  • 1836: The first newspaper, "The Guardian of Freedom," is published in Franklin.
  • 1861-1865: Simpson County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1908: The Kentucky Confederate Home, a retirement home for Confederate veterans, is established in Franklin.
  • 1925: The first radio station, WDBX, begins broadcasting in Franklin.
  • 1970: The population of Simpson County reaches its peak at 26,719.
  • 1997: The Simpson County Historical Society is founded in Franklin.
  • 2004: Simpson County celebrates its bicentennial.
  • 2018: The Simpson County Museum opens in Franklin, showcasing the history of the county.