Historical Marker

Casto-Metcalfe Duel


On the Ohio River shore near here one of the last duels fought in Kentucky under the "code duello" took place on May 8, 1862, between William T. Casto, former Maysville mayor, and Col. Leonidas Metcalfe, U.S. Army, son of former Gov. Thomas Metcalfe. Colts rifles were used at 60 yards. On the first fire Casto was mortally wounded. Metcalfe was not hit.

(Reverse) Cause of the Duel - The duel (see other side) climaxed a bitter Civil War episode. In Oct., 1861, Metcalfe was ordered to arrest 7 men, including Casto, for aiding the Confederates. They were sent north to Union prisons; all were later released, Casto in Feb., 1862. His belief that Col. Metcalfe was responsible for his arrest led Casto to challenge him to duel which ended his own life

  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 Duels
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Kentucky random facts
Bracken County, located in northeastern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who were later displaced by European settlers. The county was officially established in 1796 and named after William Bracken, a prominent pioneer and legislator.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Bracken County experienced rapid growth and development. It became an important location for agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, with many settlers cultivating large plantations. The Ohio River, which borders the county, played a crucial role in transporting goods and connecting Bracken County to nearby cities.

The county's economy continued to thrive throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by farming, distilling, and manufacturing industries. Bracken County was known for its bourbon production and had several renowned distilleries. The county also became a hub for trade and commerce, with bustling river ports and a railroad network that facilitated transportation.

Bracken County has also been an important site for education. The Augusta College, established in 1822, was one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the state. Today, the county is primarily rural, with a population centered around the towns of Augusta and Brooksville. Bracken County remains proud of its history and continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural and historical institutions.

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

  • 1786: Bracken County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1797: Augusta is named the county seat of Bracken County.
  • 1839: Augusta is incorporated as a city.
  • 1862: John Hunt Morgan's Confederate raiders pass through Bracken County during the Civil War.
  • 1908: The first bridge over the Ohio River connects Bracken County to Ohio.
  • 1916: The first high school in Bracken County is established in Augusta.
  • 1937: The Ohio River flood devastates many areas of Bracken County.
  • 1971: Augusta Ferry, an important transportation link, ceases operation.
  • 1997: The Augusta Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2008: The Augusta Landing Archaeological District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.