Campbellsville Baptist Church
Taylor County's oldest congregation began with Pitman Creek, organized 1791, and Robinson Creek, founded by 1793. They combined to form the "Church Pitman," which became Campbellsville Baptist Church, 1852, located on No. Columbia Ave. Frame building there was used by court during the Civil War after Confederates burned the courthouse. Presented by Campbellsville Baptist Church.
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Campbellsville Baptist Church - In 1889, Shuttleworth Memorial Baptist Church, now the Library, replaced 1852 building. In 1915-1916, a church with domed ceiling and four walls of stained glass windows was erected; destroyed by fire, 1962. The present Greek Revival edifice was erected in 1963. Of group's origin, only Pitman and Robinson church cemeteries still remain. Presented by Campbellsville Baptist ChurchApril 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.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
During the Civil War, Taylor County played a significant role as it lay along the dividing line between the Union and Confederate territories. The Battle of Tebbs' Bend, fought on July 4, 1863, was a critical engagement in the region, where Union forces successfully repelled Confederate troops. This victory had lasting effects, helping to secure Kentucky's allegiance to the Union and safeguarding Taylor County from further Confederate incursions.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Taylor County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1885 fueled economic progress, connecting the county to larger markets and bringing new opportunities for trade and commerce. The town of Campbellsville, the county seat, emerged as a bustling center of industry and education. Campbellsville University, founded in 1906, became a leading institution in the region, providing educational and cultural opportunities for the community.
In recent decades, Taylor County has continued to thrive and evolve. The establishment of Green River Lake in the 1960s created a recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing visitors from across the state. The county has also seen economic growth through diverse industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Today, Taylor County is a vibrant community with a strong sense of its agricultural heritage, a tribute to its pioneers, and a thriving economy supported by modern industries.
Taylor County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taylor County, Kentucky.
- 1801 - Taylor County is established by the Kentucky legislature.
- 1820s - Settlements begin to develop in the area, primarily by European American settlers.
- 1837 - The county seat is established in Campbellsville, named after Andrew Campbell, one of the early settlers.
- 1860s - Taylor County experiences significant growth during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers present.
- 1870s - The county's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly tobacco farming.
- 1904 - Campbellsville University is founded, becoming an important educational institution in the county.
- 1920s - Taylor County undergoes a boom in the oil industry, leading to economic growth and increased population.
- 1940s - The construction of Green River Lake begins, providing residents with a major recreational area.
- 1960s - Campbellsville experiences significant growth and development, with the establishment of manufacturing facilities.
- 1990s - Taylor County sees further diversification of its economy, with an increased focus on healthcare and education.
- 2008 - The county is hit hard by a devastating tornado, causing significant damage to the area.