Skirmish at Florence
Union troops had built forts around Covington to repel expected attack from CSA troops under General Heth. Detachment of 101 CSA troops camped at Snow's Pond, attacked here by scouting party of 53 USA cavalrymen Sept. 17, 1862. In the skirmish 1 Union, 5 Confederates killed and 1 Union, 7 Confederates were wounded. Larkin Vaughn, a civilian, killed by a stray shot.
Erected in 1962
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.
The county's history saw it become a center for agriculture and trade. By the early 1800s, Boone County emerged as a significant hub for the production of tobacco, bourbon, and hemp. The Ohio River provided a vital transportation route for local farmers to ship their goods to distant markets. This led to the growth of small towns, such as Burlington and Florence, as trading centers and gathering places for the community.
During the American Civil War, Boone County played a notable role. As Kentucky was a border state, its citizens were divided in their loyalties, resulting in conflict and strife. The county witnessed several skirmishes and the occupation of Union and Confederate forces at different times. Despite the challenges of war, the local population managed to rebuild and revive their communities following its conclusion.
In the 20th century, Boone County experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The development of transportation infrastructure, including highways and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, fueled economic expansion. With its proximity to Cincinnati, Ohio, Boone County became an attractive suburban area for residents, leading to significant population growth, commercial development, and the establishment of several industrial centers.
Today, Boone County continues to evolve and thrive. It remains a diverse and bustling community with a blend of urban and rural landscapes, offering a range of amenities and opportunities for its residents. Heritage and historical preservation efforts ensure that the county's rich history is celebrated and preserved for future generations to appreciate.
Boone County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Boone County, Kentucky.
- 1798 - Boone County was established and named after Daniel Boone.
- 1802 - Burlington became the county seat of Boone County.
- 1811 - The county's first courthouse was constructed in Burlington.
- 1830 - The county seat was moved from Burlington to Florence.
- 1862 - The Battle of Florence took place during the Civil War.
- 1915 - The Ohio River Flood severely impacted Boone County.
- 1943 - The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) opened.
- 1967 - Florence Mall, the first regional shopping center, was built.
- 2003 - Creation Museum, a museum focusing on creationism, opened in Petersburg.
- 2010 - Boone County's population exceeded 100,000 residents.