Historical Marker

Skirmish at Rolling Fork

Advancing Federals fired on Confederate troops led by Gen. John Hunt Morgan on December 29, 1862, during a rear-guard action. Acquaintances Col. John Harlan and Col. Basil Duke fought on opposing sides. Wounded during the clash, Duke recuperated at Bardstown.

(Reverse) After the Civil War, Col. Harlan became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice & was known as the “Great Dissenter” for his persistent judicial opposition, including that against the “separate but equal” principle of segregation. Duke recovered from his wounds and became a lawyer & lobbyist for the L&N Railroad that he helped destroy during the war.