Historical Marker

Courthouse a Hospital

Historical marker location:
Danville, Kentucky
( Courthouse lawn, Main St., Danville)

Boyle County's first courthouse erected here, 1842, destroyed by great fire of 1860. This building completed 1862. First occupied by Union forces as hospital after battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862. On 11th a Union force drove CSA from fairgrounds, thru town, skirmishing all way. CSA armies gathered at Bryantsville, started back to Tenn. on 13th

  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 Courthouses Hospitals Battle of Perryville
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
Kentucky random facts
Boyle County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1842. Named after Judge John Boyle, a prominent figure in Kentucky's early history, the county was formed from parts of Mercer and Lincoln counties. The area was initially settled by pioneers who were drawn to the fertile soil and abundant waterways.

During the 19th century, Boyle County became known as an important center for agriculture. The county's vast farms produced tobacco, hemp, and livestock, which were primarily transported along the nearby Kentucky River. In addition to agriculture, the county also developed a strong manufacturing industry, with businesses specializing in textiles, furniture, and iron works.

One significant event in Boyle County's history was the Battle of Perryville, which took place during the Civil War in 1862. This battle, one of the largest in Kentucky, saw Union and Confederate forces clash near the town of Perryville. Although the Confederate army was eventually forced to retreat, the battle left a lasting impact on the county and is remembered today through reenactments and historic sites.

In the 20th century, Boyle County experienced a transformation as it became home to one of the largest military training camps in the country during World War II. Known as Camp Atterbury, the camp provided training for hundreds of thousands of soldiers. After the war, the camp was converted into a rehabilitation hospital for veterans, playing a crucial role in helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life.

Today, Boyle County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy and a strong sense of history. Its rich agricultural heritage, coupled with its scenic natural beauty, attracts visitors and residents alike. The county continues to preserve its historic sites, such as the Perryville Battlefield, and celebrates its past through community events and festivals.

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

  • 1775: The area now known as Boyle County was first explored by settlers.
  • 1785: The county was officially formed and named after John Boyle, a U.S. Congressman.
  • 1787: Danville, the county seat, was established as the first post office in Kentucky.
  • 1803: Centre College, the oldest college in Kentucky, was founded in Danville.
  • 1813: The Perryville Battlefield, the site of the largest Civil War battle in Kentucky, was established.
  • 1840: The Louisville and Nashville Railroad reached Danville, spurring economic growth.
  • 1851: The Constitution Square Historic Site was opened in Danville, commemorating the drafting of Kentucky's first constitution.
  • 1920: Dr. Ephraim McDowell's home became the first site recognized as a national historic landmark in Kentucky.
  • 1942: Camp Boyle, a World War II training camp, was established in the county.
  • 1993: The Great American Brass Band Festival, an annual event celebrating brass music, began in Danville.