Historical Marker

Demonstration-1862


Jan. 1862, Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant sent 5,000 USA troops from Cairo as demonstration against Columbus, a Confederate stronghold on the Miss. River. Combined forces led by Brig. Gen. J. S. McClernand from Ft. Jefferson at Wickliffe through here to Milburn and back to Cairo. It acquainted U.S. Army with the area. It "inspired hope" among many loyal Federal citizens.

Erected in 1963

  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 Forts and Stations Ulysses S. Grant
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
Carlisle County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1886. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Chickasaw people, who had established hunting grounds in the region. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was named after John G. Carlisle, a prominent Kentucky politician who served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Treasury. However, before the county's establishment, the area was part of Hickman County. Eventually, a separation was proposed due to the difficulties the residents faced in traveling to the county seat in Clinton. The petition for the formation of Carlisle County was granted, and it officially became Kentucky's 119th county on May 3, 1886.

Agriculture played a vital role in the early development of Carlisle County. The fertile soil, combined with the Mississippi River's proximity, made it an ideal location for farming. The county quickly became known for its cotton, corn, wheat, and tobacco production. The agricultural boom attracted more settlers to the area, who established thriving communities.

Over time, Carlisle County saw advancements in infrastructure and industrialization. The construction of highways and railroads facilitated transportation and helped connect the county with neighboring regions. Industries such as timber, coal mining, and manufacturing also began to flourish. Today, Carlisle County remains a predominantly agricultural community, but it continues to adapt and diversify its economy to meet the changing needs of its residents.

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

  • 1822 - Carlisle County established as part of Hickman County
  • 1843 - Carlisle County officially formed as a separate county
  • 1847 - Bardwell named as the county seat
  • 1852 - First courthouse built in Bardwell
  • 1861-1865 - Carlisle County affected by the American Civil War
  • 1877 - Completion of the railroad line through Bardwell
  • 1881 - Construction of the second courthouse
  • 1928 - Burning Springs oil field discovered, leading to an economic boom
  • 1940s-1950s - Decline of the oil industry in Carlisle County
  • 1966 - Final courthouse in use today built in Bardwell
  • 1974 - Carlisle County High School established
  • 2002 - Opening of the Carlisle County Industrial Park
  • 2010 - US Census reports a population of 4,815 in Carlisle County