Historical Marker

Courthouse Burned

Gen. Hylan B. Lyon with 800 men invaded Ky., Dec. 1864, to enforce CSA draft law and divert USA from Nashville. In 23 days he burned seven courthouses used by Union forces. (See map on reverse side.) US troops fled Princeton as Lyon came from Eddyville. Courthouse burned on December 15. Records saved. Next day, Lyon stopped US force, then moved toward Madisonville.

Originally erected in 1963, text updated to reflect survival of records and reinstalled in 1965.