Historical Marker

A Civil War Reprisal


Three Confederates were brought here from prison at Lexington and executed Aug. 15, 1864; reprisal for the guerrilla murder of Union sympathizers, Joel Skirvin and Anderson Simpson. Those executed were William P. and John L. Lingenfelter, brothers of Mrs. Simpson, and George Wainscott, lst Batt. Ky. Inf., CSA. Lingenfelter graves N.E. of Lusby's Mill, Owen County.

Dedicated August 15, 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.

During the Civil War, Kentucky was officially neutral, but the state was divided in its loyalties, with many citizens fighting on both sides of the conflict.
Kentucky random facts
Grant County, located in northern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1820. The area that would become Grant County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile farmland and abundance of game.

The county was named after Colonel John Grant, a prominent lawyer and politician at the time. Grant County saw its first significant growth with the completion of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad in 1877, which connected the region to the bustling city of Cincinnati and sparked economic development. This led to the establishment of several rail stations and the growth of small towns along the railroad route, including Williamstown and Crittenden.

During the Civil War, Grant County experienced both Union and Confederate presence, as it was located on a major transportation route between Kentucky and the South. The Battle of Williamstown took place in 1864, where Union forces successfully repelled a Confederate raid. The war had a profound impact on the county, with many local men joining the Union Army to fight for their beliefs.

In the 20th century, Grant County continued to evolve and modernize. The construction of interstate highways improved transportation access, bringing more industries and businesses to the area. Today, Grant County is known for its vibrant agriculture and tourism industries, thanks to the presence of attractions like the Ark Encounter, a life-sized replica of Noah's Ark, which draws visitors from all over the world. Grant County's history, from its early settlement to its thriving present, is a testament to the strength and resilience of its community.

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

  • 1792: Grant County is established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
  • 1812: The first courthouse in Grant County is built in Williamstown.
  • 1820s-1850s: Grant County experiences growth due to the construction of the Lexington-Covington turnpike.
  • 1862-1865: Grant County residents participate in the American Civil War, with the county divided in its loyalties.
  • 1886: The Cincinnati Southern Railway extends its line through Grant County, bringing economic opportunities.
  • 1906: The Williamstown Lake is created to provide water supply for the growing city of Williamstown.
  • 1923: Grant County experiences a significant population growth due to the discovery of oil and gas.
  • 1967: Interstate 75 is completed through Grant County, improving transportation connectivity.
  • 1997: The Ark Encounter, a full-scale replica of Noah's Ark, opens in Williamstown, attracting visitors from around the world.