Historical Marker

Civil War Skirmish


Brig. Gen. T. C. Hindman's force, reconnoitering to protect Bowling Green portion of CSA defense line, approached Brownsville on Nov. 20, 1861. They skirmished here with the Union cavalry regiment of Colonel James S. Jackson, posted at Leitchfield. The Union loss was 7 killed, 5 wounded; CSA, one wounded. Confederates succeeded in obtaining vital medical supplies.

Originally erected in 1963; text updated, recast in 1979.

Original text read:

Brig. Gen. T. C. Hindman's force scouting this area as protection of Bowling Green portion of the Confederate defense line and in search of medicines approached Brownsville. Union cavalry from Leitchfield also scouting area. Skirmished here Nov. 20, 1861. Union loss, 7 killed, 5 wounded; CSA, one wounded. Sundry articles obtained for Confederate needs

  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
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Edmonson County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who hunted and lived off the land. The first European explorers arrived in the 18th century, with John Floyd leading an expedition through the region in 1774.

The county was officially formed on January 12, 1825, when it was carved out of neighboring Grayson, Hart, and Warren counties. It was named after Captain John Edmonson, a well-respected local figure who fought and died in the War of 1812. In its early years, Edmonson County relied heavily on agriculture, with corn, tobacco, and wheat being the main crops.

During the American Civil War, Edmonson County witnessed significant divisions among its residents. While many locals supported the Confederacy, there were also Union sympathizers. The county was strategically important due to its proximity to the Green River and railroad lines. The Battle of Munfordville, a major Civil War skirmish, took place in Edmonson County in 1862. The county suffered from the war's devastations, including economic decline and loss of life.

In the following decades, Edmonson County started to recover and grow. The arrival of railroads in the late 19th century boosted trade and transportation, further stimulating the local economy. Farming continued to be a vital part of Edmonson County's way of life, but other industries, such as timber and coal, also began to thrive. Today, the county remains a predominantly rural area with a strong sense of community and a focus on preserving its rich history and natural beauty.

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

  • 1825 - Edmonson County was established on January 12.
  • 1826 - The county's first courthouse was built in Brownsville.
  • 1829 - The first county clerk was appointed.
  • 1839 - The first Masonic Lodge in the county was established.
  • 1861-1865 - Edmonson County residents served in the American Civil War.
  • 1864 - The famous Nolin ambush took place during the Civil War.
  • 1917-1918 - Many young men from the county served in World War I.
  • 1936 - Mammoth Cave National Park was established, a portion of which lies in Edmonson County.
  • 1940s-1950s - The county experienced an increase in industrial development.
  • 1973 - The current Edmonson County Courthouse was constructed in Brownsville.
  • 1987 - The Kentucky Melungeon Heritage Association was founded in the county.
  • 2010 - The population of Edmonson County was 12,161.