Historical Marker

Major Andrew Graff Hamilton


Hamilton, a leader of one of most incredible prison escapes of the Civil War, was born in Pa., Jan. 9, 1835. A Woodbury resident before the war, he joined Co. A of the 12th Ky. (Union) Cavalry, Aug. 12, 1862. Captured at Jonesboro, Tn., Aug. 1863; sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Va. Along with Col. Thos. Rose, he led a mass prison escape.

(Reverse) On Feb. 9, 1864, he led 109 Federal officers from Libby Prison. 48 were recaptured, including Col. Rose. Hamilton was the guest of honor at Libby Prison Nat’l War Museum, at the World’s Fair in Chicago, in 1893. He was murdered on April 2, 1895 by Sam Spencer in Morgantown and is buried in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Reedyville, Ky

  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 Union Army
The largest non-nuclear explosion in US history occurred in 1958 in Fleming County, Kentucky, when a natural gas storage cavern exploded, killing several people and destroying nearby homes.
Kentucky random facts
Butler County, located in the southwestern part of the state of Kentucky, has a rich and varied history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was later settled by pioneers who were drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1810 and named after General Richard Butler, a Revolutionary War hero. In its early years, Butler County was primarily an agricultural region, with farming and livestock playing a vital role in the local economy. The area quickly developed into a thriving community, with a number of small towns and villages sprouting up throughout the county.

During the Civil War, Butler County found itself torn apart by the conflict. Being located on the border between the Union and Confederate states, the area experienced significant unrest and violence. Many of its residents joined the Confederate Army, while others remained loyal to the Union. The county's strategic location also made it a target for both sides, leading to numerous skirmishes and battles.

In the post-war years, Butler County experienced a period of growth and recovery. The agricultural industry continued to flourish, with tobacco becoming a major cash crop. The county also saw the development of coal mining operations, further diversifying its economy. Over the years, Butler County has faced various challenges but has remained a resilient and vibrant community, proud of its history and dedicated to preserving its unique heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Butler County, Kentucky.

  • 1810 - Butler County is formed from sections of Logan and Ohio counties.
  • 1813 - The county officially becomes a political entity.
  • 1818 - Morgantown is established as the county seat.
  • 1836 - A fire destroys most of Morgantown, leading to its rebuilding.
  • 1861-1865 - Many Butler County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1873 - The current Butler County Courthouse is built.
  • 1925 - Mammoth Cave National Park is established, partially located in Butler County.
  • 1957 - The Green River Dam is completed, creating the Green River Lake.
  • 1997 - Butler County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.
  • 2006 - The Butler County Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated.