Civil War Action
Every inhabitant of this pro-southern town was taken prisoner by the crew of a Union gunboat, July 26, 1862. All were released except 19 men who were taken to Evansville, Indiana, as hostages to guarantee payment of $35,000 damages done by rebel guerrillas.
Erected October 19, 1962
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.
Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
The county was officially formed in 1811 and was named after the concept of "union" between the states during the formation of the United States. In its early years, agriculture played a vital role in the local economy, with crops like tobacco and corn being prominent. The county's rich soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming, and the agricultural industry was a significant contributor to the county's growth.
During the 19th century, Union County experienced an economic boom as coal mining became a major industry. The discovery of coal reserves in the area attracted workers and businesses, leading to the establishment of several mining towns. The mining industry brought prosperity and growth to the county, with new businesses, schools, and infrastructure developing to support the growing population.
In the 20th century, Union County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century brought challenges to the county's economy, but the community rebounded by diversifying its industries. Today, Union County is known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors. The county's historical significance is celebrated through preservation efforts, with several historical sites and museums honoring its past. Overall, Union County's history is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people, who have embraced change and built a strong and vibrant community.
Union County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Union County, Kentucky.
- 1811: Union County is established by the Kentucky General Assembly.
- 1839: The county seat is moved from Morganfield to Sturgis.
- 1844: Sturgis is renamed to Uniontown.
- 1861-1865: Union County is directly affected by the American Civil War.
- 1884: The county courthouse in Uniontown is destroyed by fire.
- 1890: A new courthouse is built in Morganfield, and it becomes the county seat again.
- 1966: The Green River locks and dam are completed, providing economic development opportunities for the county.
- 2014: Union County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.