Historical Marker

A Masterful Retreat


Gen. George W. Morgan's Union forces occupied Cumberland Gap, June 18 to Sept. 17, 1862. Cut off from supplies and surrounded, Morgan with 9,000 men withdrew. They camped here Sept. 19-21, to perfect organization for march. Made fruitless supply search. Entire retreat to Ohio River, 200 miles, made in 16 days, despite harassment by CSA Morgan's Raiders.

Erected April 26, 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 Cumberland Gap George W. Morgan John Hunt Morgan Morgan's Raiders
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Clay County, located in southeastern Kentucky, has a rich and multifaceted history. The area that is now Clay County was home to various tribes of Native Americans before the arrival of European settlers. The county's early history is marked by the exploration and settlement of the region by pioneers in the late 18th century. The discovery of rich mineral deposits, including coal and oil, fueled the county's growth and prosperity in the early 20th century.

The first European settlers in the area arrived in the late 1700s, primarily of Scottish and Irish descent. The county was officially established in 1807 and named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman. Agriculture and subsistence farming were the main occupations of early settlers, and the county's fertile soil allowed for the cultivation of crops such as corn, tobacco, and hemp.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of valuable mineral deposits transformed Clay County. Coal mining became a prominent industry, attracting workers from all over the region. The county experienced a period of rapid industrialization and population growth. Several coal mining towns sprang up, including Manchester and Oneida, becoming centers of economic activity.

Clay County's history is also marked by political and social conflicts. The county was a hotbed of feuds and violence, particularly during the late 19th century. The most infamous of these feuds was the Clay County War, a violent conflict between two rival factions that claimed numerous lives. The county's turbulent past and struggles for labor rights and social justice have shaped its character and continue to influence its development to this day.

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

  • 1807 - Clay County is established as a county in Kentucky.
  • 1820 - The area now known as Clay County is settled by European pioneers.
  • 1850s - Mining of coal and clay begins in Clay County.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Clay County supports the Confederate cause.
  • 1890-1910 - The population of Clay County grows rapidly due to coal mining.
  • 1920s - The popularity of the Model T Ford leads to improved road networks in Clay County.
  • 1937 - The notorious Clay County War occurs, marked by violence and political turmoil.
  • 1960s-1970s - Clay County becomes known for its high poverty rates and political corruption.
  • 1993 - The federal Operation UNITE is launched to combat drug abuse in Clay County.
  • 2000s - Efforts are made to diversify Clay County's economy and improve education and healthcare services.