Historical Marker

Battles of Cynthiana

Historical marker location:
Cynthiana, Kentucky
( US 27 near John Hunt Morgan bridge, Cynthiana)

1st Battle of Cynthiana- During CSA Col. John H. Morgan’s 1st KY Raid, on July 17, 1862, 875 CSA hit town via the Georgetown Pike. 350 US troops & Home Guard defended town from houses. Morgan attacked across Licking River and outflanked US troops, who gave up after 2 hours. Approx. 40 CSA, 90 US killed & wounded. Morgan was surprised because the US defense was unexpectedly strong.

Reverse
2nd Battle of Cynthiana- In mid-1864, Morgan raided KY from VA. Discipline had broken down and some CSA robbed a Mt.Sterling bank before coming here on June 11. CSA defeated Union defenders and burned part of town to drive defenders out of houses. Morgan’s men were routed the next day north of town. Defeated, the CSA fled back to VA

  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 John Hunt Morgan
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The word "Kentucky" is derived from the Native American word "ken-tah-ten," which means "land of tomorrow."
Kentucky random facts
Harrison County, located in northern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1793. The county was named after Colonel Benjamin Harrison, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Cherokee, European settlers began to explore the area in the late 18th century.

The county played a significant role in the development of Kentucky as a state. In the early 1800s, Harrison County saw a boom in agriculture, particularly in the production of tobacco, corn, and hemp. The fertile land and favorable climate allowed farmers to thrive, leading to increased economic activity.

During the Civil War, Harrison County was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The county witnessed several skirmishes and raids, but ultimately, the majority of its residents remained loyal to the Union. After the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding.

In the 20th century, Harrison County continued its agricultural focus but also embraced industrial development. The establishment of manufacturing plants and the expansion of trade routes contributed to the county's growth and prosperity. Today, Harrison County remains a vibrant community, preserving its historical landmarks and hosting various events and festivals that celebrate its past.

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

  • 1793 - Harrison County is established on December 21.
  • 1803 - Cynthiana is established as the county seat.
  • 1816 - The first courthouse is built in Cynthiana.
  • 1864 - During the Civil War, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan leads raids through the county.
  • 1884 - A tornado strikes Cynthiana, causing extensive damage.
  • 1890 - The Cynthiana-Harrison County Public Library is established.
  • 1910 - The first electric streetcar is introduced in Cynthiana.
  • 1929 - A fire destroys the courthouse, and a new one is built the following year.
  • 1942 - During World War II, the Cynthiana Army Airfield is established.
  • 1955 - The Cynthiana-Harrison County Museum is founded.
  • 1997 - A flood causes significant damage to Cynthiana and surrounding areas.
  • 2010 - Harrison County celebrates its bicentennial.