Historical Marker

"Bloody Breathitt"


The courthouse that stood here, 1899-1963, was a landmark of Kentucky's "feudin' 'n' fightin'." Stemming from Civil War, family feuds and political disagreements, unnumbered slayings, ambushes and assassinations occurred between 1870-1920. In 11 months, 1901-02, 40 men were slain. Probably 100 Breathitt County officials were killed in that era of the past.

Originally erected in September 1964.