Union Supply Base
One of first Kentucky positions, Fort Jefferson, occupied by Union troops after Confederate seizure of Columbus, Sept. 1861. From this base, General Ulysses S. Grant directed demonstration against Columbus, Jan. 1862. Troops from here joined in capturing Ft. Henry, Feb. 1862. One of four river ports in area used as Union supply bases for operations in the western theater
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
In 1937, the town of Maysville, Kentucky, became the site of the first public works project built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program.
In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry in Ballard County. Farms were established to cultivate crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The fertile soil and favorable climate made the county an ideal location for agricultural activities. As transportation improved with the construction of roads and river ports, the county's economy grew.
By the mid-1800s, the Mississippi River became a vital transportation route for trade and commerce. Ballard County's riverfront location allowed it to become a hub for shipping and transportation. Several river towns, such as Blandville and Wickliffe, prospered as trade centers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and economic potential.
During the Civil War, Ballard County, like many other regions in Kentucky, experienced division and conflict. While some residents supported the Union, others sympathized with the Confederacy. Battles and skirmishes took place in the area, leading to disruptions and hardship for the local population. However, the county rebounded after the war, and agriculture and trade continued to thrive.
Today, Ballard County remains closely linked to its agricultural roots, with farming and agribusiness serving as prominent sectors. The county's strategic location along the river and its transportation network continue to support its economic growth. Historical sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the county's heritage, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into its proud history.
Ballard County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ballard County, Kentucky.
- 1822 - Ballard County is formed from parts of Hickman County and McCracken County.
- 1823 - The county is named after Captain Bland Ballard, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
- 1824 - The county seat is established in a town called Blandville.
- 1831 - The first courthouse is built in Blandville.
- 1849 - The Mississippi River floods, causing significant damage to the county.
- 1854 - The county seat is moved from Blandville to Wickliffe.
- 1861-1865 - Ballard County experiences significant disruptions during the American Civil War.
- 1915 - The county is hit by a devastating tornado, resulting in numerous casualties and severe damage.
- 1937 - The Flood of 1937 causes widespread flooding in Ballard County.
- 1966 - Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is established to preserve Native American archaeological sites.
- 1970s - Ballard County experiences a decline in population due to economic changes and rural outmigration.
- 1997 - The Ballard County Coal Plant begins operation, bringing economic opportunities to the area.
- 2003 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.
- 2016 - Ballard County High School is named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.