Historical Marker

A Masterful Retreat


During the Civil War, Cumberland Gap was held alternately by Union and CSA armies. USA forces under Gen. George W. Morgan occupied it June 18 to Sept. 17, 1862. Cut off from supplies and surrounded, Morgan with 9,000 men retreated successfully to Greenup on Ohio River, 200 miles in 16 days over mountain roads, and despite the harassment of CSA Morgan's Raiders.

Originally installed November 8, 1962

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • 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.

Civil War George W. Morgan Morgan's Raiders
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky, is the only state capitol in the United States that has a working railroad track running directly underneath it.
Kentucky random facts
Bell County, Kentucky is located in the southeastern part of the state. The area that now comprises Bell County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, primarily from Virginia and Tennessee, and the county was officially established in 1867.

The early settlers subsisted mainly through agriculture and small-scale mining operations. The discovery of rich coal deposits in the region in the late 19th century brought about a significant change in the county's economy. Coal mining became the dominant industry, attracting thousands of workers to the area and leading to the rapid growth of towns such as Middlesboro and Pineville.

Bell County was not without its share of challenges. The county witnessed its fair share of labor unrest and strikes in the early 20th century, as mine owners clashed with workers over wages and working conditions. In 1902, Middlesboro was the site of a violent gun battle between mine workers and law enforcement known as the Battle of Middlesboro.

Throughout the 20th century, Bell County continued to be heavily reliant on the coal industry. However, the decline of coal mining in the latter half of the century led to a significant economic downturn. Today, the county is focused on diversifying its economy, exploring opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing to revitalize the region.

Despite its challenges, the history of Bell County is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents. From its early days as a small agricultural community to its role as a major coal mining hub, the county's history is deeply intertwined with the hardships and triumphs faced by its people.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bell County, Kentucky.

  • 1794 - Bell County is formed from parts of neighboring Harlan and Knox counties.
  • 1806 - The first permanent settlement, known as Yellow Creek, is established.
  • 1850 - The county's name is changed from Josh Bell to just Bell County.
  • 1861-1865 - Bell County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1902 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad reaches Middlesboro, leading to significant industrial growth.
  • 1919 - The city of Pineville becomes the county seat.
  • 1926 - Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is established, preserving an important passageway through the Appalachian Mountains.
  • 1957 - The completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel provides a new transportation route through the region.
  • 1986 - The Bell County Coal Corporation's No. 1 Mine explosion kills ten miners.
  • 2006 - Bell County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.