Historical Marker

Empire Furnace


Stood 1 mile west. Built 1843 by Thomas Tennessee Watson, it was a brick stack with a maximum inner diameter of 91/2 ft., 35 ft. high. It burned charcoal fuel, and its air blast was powered by steam. In 45 weeks of 1856, made 1836 tons of pig iron. Operations transferred to Center Furnace in 1861 because of floods, Civil War military actions.

Reverse
Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods

  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 Iron Industry
The first successful gold rush in the United States occurred in 1806 in Kentucky. The gold was found in the sand and gravel of the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Kentucky random facts
Trigg County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The first known inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw, who relied on the abundant resources provided by the Cumberland River and its surrounding forests. European settlers began exploring the region in the late 18th century, and it was officially established as Trigg County in 1820.

The county was named after Stephen Trigg, a Kentucky militia colonel who was killed in the Battle of Blue Licks during the Revolutionary War. Trigg County quickly became an agricultural hub, with tobacco and corn being major crops for many early settlers. River transportation played a significant role in the county's growth, and steamboats became a common sight along the Cumberland River.

During the Civil War, Trigg County was divided, with many residents supporting the Union while others were sympathetic to the Confederacy. The county saw several skirmishes and raids, and it became a crucial area for both armies due to its strategic location along the river. After the war, Trigg County experienced a slow but steady recovery, focusing on agriculture, timber, and coal mining.

In the 20th century, Trigg County saw advancements in transportation and infrastructure, including the construction of roads and bridges. The county experienced economic growth, with an emphasis on tourism due to its proximity to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Today, Trigg County is a blend of agricultural and recreational activities, with small towns and rural areas contributing to its unique charm.

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

  • 1820 - Trigg County is formed from portions of Christian County and Caldwell County.
  • 1822 - The county seat is established in Cadiz.
  • 1825 - The construction of the first courthouse in Cadiz is completed.
  • 1861-1865 - Trigg County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1916 - The construction of a new courthouse begins.
  • 1917 - The new courthouse in Cadiz is officially dedicated.
  • 1923 - Land between the rivers (LBL) is established, partly situated within Trigg County.
  • 1930 - The construction of the Lake Barkley Dam begins.
  • 1944 - Lake Barkley and the accompanying dam are completed.
  • 1966 - A tornado strikes Cadiz, causing significant damage in the city.
  • 1995 - Land between the lakes National Recreation Area is officially designated.