Historical Marker

Masterful Retreat


General George W. Morgan's 9,000 USA force occupied Cumberland Gap June 18 to Sept. 17, 1862. Cut off from supplies, Morgan began 200-mile retreat. On way through here USA harassed by CSA Morgan's Raiders. Failure of reinforcements caused CSA withdrawal at Grayson, Oct. 1. Union retreat, from Gap to Greenup on Ohio River, made in 16 days. See map other side.

Dedicated 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.

Civil War George W. Morgan Morgan's Raiders
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Kentucky random facts
Elliott County, Kentucky, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich history spanning over two centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Cherokee, who lived off the fertile land and abundant resources. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, attracted by the opportunities for farming and trade.

In 1820, Elliott County was established and named after John Milton Elliott, a U.S. Congressman from Kentucky. The region saw steady growth in the 19th century, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the county's economy, allowing for easier transportation of goods and increased trade.

The early 20th century brought both progress and challenges to Elliott County. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves brought prosperity to the area, leading to a boom in oil drilling and mining operations. However, the Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, resulting in widespread unemployment and economic hardships.

In the following decades, efforts were made to diversify the county's economy and improve infrastructure. The construction of Grayson Lake in the 1960s provided recreational opportunities and attracted visitors to the region. Today, Elliott County continues to be an agricultural and rural community, with a population that values its natural beauty and close-knit community.

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

  • 1869: Elliott County is established in Kentucky.
  • Early 1800s: The area is primarily settled by German, Irish, and English immigrants.
  • Late 1800s: Timber becomes an important industry, leading to economic growth in the region.
  • 1917-1918: Elliott County residents serve in World War I.
  • 1920s: The coal mining industry booms, bringing jobs and prosperity to the county.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Elliott County, causing economic hardship.
  • 1940s: Many young men from Elliott County enlist in World War II.
  • 1950s: The construction of a new courthouse in Sandy Hook boosts the local economy.
  • 1980s-1990s: The decline of the coal mining industry leads to a population decrease and economic challenges.
  • 2002: The county courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
  • 2010s: Efforts are made to revitalize the economy and promote tourism in Elliott County.