Historical Marker

Steamboat Disaster

Historical marker location:
Hawesville, Kentucky
( 123 State Highway 3133, Hawesville, KY)

Hawesville Cemetery is burial place for thirty-eight passengers of steamboat Reindeer who were killed when a boiler exploded on the Ohio River between Cannelton, Indiana and Hawesville, March 13, 1854. A gravestone on the northeast edge marks the location where the victims were buried in a mass grave.

(Reverse) Captain William Davison- Confederate Captain William Davison is buried here. He died March 7, 1865, from a gunshot wound suffered in a firefight with Union Home Guard, February 24, 1865, near Patesville during the Civil War. Davison led a band of rebel guerillas that raided counties from Brandenburg to Owensboro in 1864. The rebels burned the Daviess County Courthouse, January 4, 1865

  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.

Cemeteries Civil War Confederate Army Ohio River Steamboats
Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Kentucky random facts
Hancock County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1829. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee and Chickasaw, before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county was named after John Hancock, a prominent figure in the American Revolution and the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

During the early 1800s, settlers began to establish homesteads in the area primarily for farming and agriculture. Hancock County became known for its fertile soil and abundant natural resources, attracting more settlers to the region. The county's economy thrived with the cultivation of tobacco, corn, and other crops.

In the mid-19th century, the completion of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad brought significant growth and development to Hancock County. The railroad opened up transportation opportunities, allowing goods to be easily transported in and out of the county. This led to increased trade and commerce, further fueling the local economy.

Over the years, Hancock County experienced various economic ups and downs. It saw the rise and decline of industries such as coal mining and river commerce. Despite these changes, agriculture has remained an integral part of the county's economy. Today, Hancock County continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also diversifying its economy through industries such as manufacturing and tourism. The county's rich history and natural beauty attract visitors from near and far, welcoming them to explore its charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and historical sites.

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

  • 1806: Hancock County is established as the 51st county in Kentucky
  • 1820: Leitchfield is chosen as the county seat of Hancock County
  • 1834: The first courthouse is built in Leitchfield
  • 1861-1865: Hancock County residents serve in the American Civil War
  • 1890: Hancock County's population reaches its highest point at 15,530 residents
  • 1930s: The construction of Rough River Dam creates Rough River Lake
  • 1956: Rough River Dam State Resort Park is opened
  • 1980s: The decline of the coal mining industry impacts the economy of Hancock County
  • 2005: Hancock County is hit by an F3 tornado, causing significant damage
  • 2019: The population of Hancock County is estimated to be around 8,644