Historical Marker

1864 Attack on Frankfort

Historical marker location:

Frankfort, Kentucky

( Broadway & Ann St., Frankfort)

In John Hunt Morgan’s last raid, a large CSA cavalry force moved into Ky. to tie down Union soldiers and obtain horses. After telegraph & rail lines were cut, a small force was sent to Frankfort on June 10 to attack Fort Boone, overlooking the town. Slaves building outer defenses of fort were ordered away to prevent their capture.

(Reverse) The fort was defended by a small force of militia & notable volunteers including Gov. Thomas Bramlette, future US Supreme Court Justice John M. Harlan, and General D.W. Lindsey. Emboldened by these leaders, the defenders held their ground. The next day, an attack from south side of the river failed & the CSA retreated to Georgetown.