Historical Marker

Courthouse Burned


Twenty-two Kentucky courthouses were burned during Civil War, nineteen in last fifteen months: twelve by Confederates, eight by guerrillas, two by Union accident. See map on reverse side. Dec. 24, 1864, a contingent of CSA Gen. Lyon's force, ordered to harass and delay pursuing Union troops, burned courthouse at Leitchfield. Records destroyed.

Dedicated July 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 Courthouses Burned
Kentucky is a place where the natural wonders of the Bluegrass State will leave you in awe.
Rand Paul in Speech by Senator Rand Paul at the Kentucky Derby
Grayson County, Kentucky, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The area was originally home to the Shawnee and Cherokee Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county was officially established in 1810, named after William Grayson, a Virginia statesman.

In its early years, Grayson County was primarily a farming community, with settlers cultivating the land for corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county quickly grew and prospered, serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. The arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in the mid-19th century further contributed to the county's growth and development.

During the Civil War, Grayson County was divided in its loyalties. Some residents supported the Union, while others sided with the Confederacy. The county was a site of several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Tebbs Bend in 1863, where Union troops successfully defended a strategic river crossing against Confederate forces.

In the 20th century, Grayson County experienced significant changes, both economically and socially. The decline of agriculture led to a shift towards manufacturing and services. The county remains a predominantly rural area but has modernized infrastructure and amenities to meet the needs of its residents. Today, Grayson County is known for its beautiful countryside, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit community spirit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grayson County, Kentucky.

  • January 15, 1810 - Grayson County is officially established
  • Early 1800s - Settlement begins in the region, primarily by pioneers from Virginia and North Carolina
  • 1812 - Leitchfield, the county seat, is founded
  • 1839 - The first courthouse in Grayson County is built in Leitchfield
  • 1858 - Completion of the Owensboro and Nashville Railroad, facilitating transportation and economic growth in the county
  • 1861-1865 - Grayson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences agricultural and industrial expansion, including the development of tobacco farming
  • 1900-1920 - Introduction of rural electric and telephone services
  • 1937 - The Ohio River flood affects Grayson County, causing widespread damage and loss of life
  • 1960s - Construction of Nolin Lake, a reservoir that provides recreational opportunities for residents and tourists
  • 1980s-1990s - Economic diversification occurs with the growth of manufacturing and healthcare sectors