Historical Marker

Kentucky Diamond


In the summer of 1888 on the farm of Henry Burris, two miles north, a brilliant stone was found. It was appraised gem quality diamond, octahedral in form, 0.776 carat by G. A. Schultz, a jeweler of Louisville, who bought it for $20. Diamond is now on display in the Smithsonian Institution. No other has been found in area although many have searched. See other side.

<h5>Reverse</h5>Other U.S. Diamonds - Up to 1964, only Kentucky gem type diamond was found here: see over. Low grade ones in Elliott County, 130 miles northeast. In the Great Lakes Region, found at one place each in Michigan, New York, Ohio; two places in Indiana, Tennessee; six in Wisconsin. Source of these probably glacial action, although Canadian origin not located. Also diamonds found in 10 other states.

Kentucky was the site of many important battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Perryville, which was the largest battle fought in the state.