Historical Marker

First Kentucky Cavalry


Casey County, home of one-third of this Union regiment and of its commanders Col. Frank L. Wolford and Col. Silas Adams. Others came from eight nearby Ky. counties. Recruited July 1861, trained at Camp Dick Robinson. Saw active service from Wildcat Mt. battle, Oct. 19, 1861, until mustered out, Dec. 31, 1864. Became famous for skill and daring.(Reverse) 1st Ky. Cav. - Efficient in battle, infantry as well as cavalry. Unsurpassed in fighting guerrillas and scouting. In Mill Springs, Perryville and Lebanon (Tenn.) battles and scores of other engagements. Led pursuit of CSA Bragg's retreat, Oct. 1862. First Kentucky was at surrender of John Hunt Morgan, Ohio, July 1863. Later that year in East Tenn. and Sherman's Atlanta campaign, 1864.

Dedicated September 5, 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 John Hunt Morgan
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Kentucky random facts
Casey County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back to the early settlement days of the United States. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1806 and named after Colonel William Casey, a pioneer and influential figure in the area's early development. It quickly became an important agricultural center, with farming and livestock playing a crucial role in the local economy. As the population grew, small communities and towns began to form, such as Liberty, the county seat.

During the Civil War, Casey County saw divided loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others siding with the Confederacy. This resulted in conflict and skirmishes between local factions. Despite the turmoil, the county continued to thrive agriculturally, and the post-war period brought further growth and development.

In the 20th century, Casey County experienced modernization and diversification of its economy. The construction of roads and the expansion of infrastructure contributed to improved transportation and connectivity with neighboring areas. Agriculture remained a significant part of the county's economy, but new industries also emerged, including manufacturing and tourism. Today, Casey County continues to be a vibrant community, preserving its heritage while embracing economic and social progress.

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

  • 1805 - Casey County, Kentucky, is established as a county
  • 1820 - The town of Liberty is founded
  • 1860 - Casey County experiences significant growth with the completion of a railroad line
  • 1900 - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in the county
  • 1950 - Casey County sees a decline in population due to the shift in agriculture practices
  • 1980 - The Casey County Apple Festival is established, becoming a popular annual event
  • 2000 - The population of Casey County starts to stabilize