Historical Marker

Civil War Raid


On March 24, 1864, forces under Gen. Nathan B. Forrest captured the Federal garrison at Union City, eight miles southeast. On the same day a detachment of Forrest's cavalry crossed the state line here. This band of about 1,200 men proceeded seven miles northwest to Hickman which they raided, taking large quantities of supplies

  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 Nathan Bedford Forrest
The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Fulton County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee nations. These indigenous peoples hunted and fished along the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Fulton County. The area became part of the newly formed state of Kentucky in 1792. It was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, as a tribute to his contributions to transportation.

During the 19th century, Fulton County played a crucial role in the development of steamboat transportation on the Mississippi River. The town of Hickman, located in Fulton County, became a major river port and trade hub. The steamboat industry brought economic prosperity to the area, as agricultural products from the surrounding farms were transported to markets all along the river.

In the early 20th century, Fulton County faced the challenges brought by the decline of steamboat transportation and the Great Depression. However, the construction of the Columbus-Belmont Bridge, connecting Kentucky and Missouri, provided a new avenue for trade and helped revive the local economy. Today, Fulton County remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

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

  • 1780 - Fulton County, KY was established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
  • 1803 - Hickman, the county seat of Fulton County, was founded.
  • 1854 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River from Fulton County to Missouri was completed.
  • 1860 - The population of Fulton County reached its peak with over 10,000 residents.
  • 1874 - The county courthouse in Hickman was destroyed by fire, but was later rebuilt.
  • 1903 - The first railroad was built in Fulton County, connecting Hickman to nearby towns.
  • 1937 - A devastating flood caused significant damage to Fulton County, leading to the construction of levees.
  • 1942 - The United States government established the Camp Tyson military installation in Fulton County during World War II.
  • 2000 - The population of Fulton County declined to approximately 7,000 residents.