Historical Marker

A Masterful Retreat


Retreating from Cumberland Gap, General George W. Morgan's Union force of 8,000 men camped here September 1862. CSA Morgan's Raiders harassed USA, 30 miles along here; skirmishing, felling trees across roads and preempting food and supplies. Covering 200 miles in 16 days, USA reached Greenup on Ohio River Oct. 3, on way to Camp Dennison, Ohio. Map on other side.

Originally erected in 1964

  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.

Camps Civil War George W. Morgan Morgan's Raiders
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-running and violent conflict between two Appalachian families, began in Kentucky in the late 19th century.
Kentucky random facts
Carter County, Kentucky is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1838 and was named in honor of William Grayson Carter, a prominent Kentucky statesman.

In the early years, Carter County was primarily agricultural, with farming and livestock production being the main occupations of its residents. The county's fertile soil and diverse landscape made it suitable for a wide range of crops, including tobacco, corn, and wheat. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as roads and railroads, further facilitated the growth of agriculture in the region.

During the Civil War, Carter County, like many other parts of Kentucky, experienced a great deal of unrest and conflict. While the county officially remained loyal to the Union, it was still heavily divided, with many residents joining both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Carter's Crossroads, fought in 1862, was a notable event during this time.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carter County saw the rise of coal mining as a major industry. The county's vast coal reserves attracted numerous mining companies, leading to an economic boom and population growth. However, the decline of the coal industry in the latter half of the 20th century resulted in the closure of many mines and a subsequent population decline.

Today, Carter County is a blend of its rich history and modern developments. Though it has faced economic challenges, the county continues to strive for growth and sustainability. The preservation of its historical sites and the promotion of tourism are key initiatives that highlight Carter County's unique heritage and contribute to its local economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carter County, Kentucky.

  • 1800: Carter County was established on February 9th as part of the Virginia state.
  • 1822: The first settlement, known as Wilson's Station, was established by Samuel and William Wilson.
  • 1838: The county seat was moved from Wilson's Station to Grayson.
  • 1870s: The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway was built, providing transportation and economic growth to the county.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hit Carter County, causing economic hardship for its residents.
  • 1954: A devastating flood occurred in Carter County, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 1997: The EastPark industrial complex was established, attracting businesses and creating job opportunities.
  • 2020: Carter County celebrates its 220th anniversary since its establishment.