Poet, Lawyer and Soldier

Historical marker location:

Danville, Kentucky

( Courthouse lawn, Main St., Danville)

Theodore O'Hara was born in this city, Feb. 11, 1820. He read law with Judge Wm. Owsley. Newspaper work included editing Frankfort Yeoman and Louisville Times. He served in Mexican War, Cuban rebellion and Civil War; on staffs of Generals J. C. Breckinridge and A. S. Johnston, CSA. Died 1867; reinterred with military honors, 1874, in Frankfort Cemetery.

(Reverse) Theodore O'Hara: O'Hara's memorable poem, "The Bivouac of the Dead," was written to commemorate the burial of Kentucky soldiers who fell at Battle of Buena Vista. By act of legislature O'Hara was reinterred beside his Mexican comrades. "On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the dead.".

John Cabell Breckinridge Battle of Buena Vista Frankfort Albert Sidney Johnston Newspapers Poets