Historical Marker

Jerome Bonaparte Robertson, 1815-1891Randall Lee Gibson, 1832-1892

Historical marker location:
Versailles, Kentucky
( US 60, Versailles)

Jerome Bonaparte Robertson, 1815-1891 - Confederate brigadier general. Born in Woodford County. Transylvania University, medicine, 1835. Moved to Texas, 1836. Practiced medicine, Indian fighter, member legislature and Texas secession convention. Wounded at Second Manassas and Gettysburg. Fought at Chickamauga, Knoxville, and in Texas. Father of CSA Brig. Gen. Felix H. Robertson.

Reverse
Randall Lee Gibson, 1832-1892 - Confederate brigadier general. Born in Woodford, home of his grandfather. Parents lived Louisiana. Graduate Yale Univ., 1853. Distinguished for leadership at Shiloh, in 1862 Kentucky campaign, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and Hood's later invasion of Tennessee. U.S. House 1875-83, and Senate 1883-92, from Louisiana. Buried Lexington, Ky., Cemetery.

Dedicated on April 11, 1964

  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 Confederate Army Lexington Transylvania University
Kentucky was the site of many important battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Perryville, which was the largest battle fought in the state.
Kentucky random facts
Woodford County, Kentucky, is located in the Bluegrass region and is known for its rich history dating back to the early settlement days. The county was established in 1788, making it one of the oldest in the state. Woodford County was named after William Woodford, a Revolutionary War hero.

In the early years of settlement, Woodford County was primarily a farming community, with tobacco being the main cash crop. The fertile soil and favorable climate of the Bluegrass region made it ideal for growing tobacco, and many wealthy planters established large plantations in the area. The county also became known for its thriving horse industry, producing some of the finest thoroughbreds in the country.

Woodford County played a significant role in Kentucky's history during the Civil War. While the county was predominantly pro-Union, it was surrounded by pro-Confederate regions, leading to clashes and tension during the war. The Battle of Perryville, one of the bloodiest battles in Kentucky, took place near the county border in 1862. After the war, Woodford County experienced economic hardships due to the decline of the tobacco industry and the aftermath of the war.

In the 20th century, Woodford County went through a period of revitalization. The establishment of the Blue Grass Army Depot during World War II brought economic opportunities and helped shape the county's future. Today, Woodford County is known for its charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and a thriving equestrian industry. The county has preserved its historic character with many well-preserved buildings and landmarks from its early years, attracting visitors who appreciate its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Woodford County, Kentucky.

  • 1789: Woodford County is formed from a part of Fayette County.
  • 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state of the United States.
  • 1793: Versailles is established as the county seat of Woodford County.
  • 1800s: Woodford County becomes a major center for horse breeding and racing.
  • 1825: Woodford County's population reaches over 10,000.
  • 1859: The Woodford County Courthouse is built in Versailles.
  • 1861-1865: Woodford County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The Versailles Library is established, becoming the first public library in Kentucky.
  • 1938: The Woodford County Thoroughbred Association is formed to promote horse racing.
  • 1973: The Woodford Reserve Distillery opens, becoming a major bourbon producer.
  • 2000: Paxton Inn, a historic landmark in Woodford County, is restored.