Historical Marker

Perryville Prelude


Two largest skirmishes of Civil War in Jefferson County occurred here Sept. 27 and 30, 1862. CSA forces, already in control of the State Capital, were threatening Louisville. In first clash the Confederates were driven back to Floyds Fork. Three days later CSA again halted at Union line. Both were preliminary to Battle of Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862.

Erected in 1962

  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 Battle of Perryville
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
Jefferson County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who relied on the fertile lands along the Ohio River for sustenance and trade. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with the establishment of forts and trading posts along the river. In 1780, Louisville, the county seat of Jefferson County, was founded by George Rogers Clark and named in honor of King Louis XVI of France.

During the 19th century, Jefferson County experienced rapid growth and became a center of industry and commerce. The completion of the Louisville and Portland Canal in 1830 allowed for increased river traffic and helped establish Louisville as a major inland port. The city became a hub for the tobacco and bourbon industries, with numerous distilleries and warehouses operating within the county. In addition to its economic growth, the county also played a significant role in the Civil War, serving as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces.

The 20th century brought further development and modernization to Jefferson County. The Louisville Municipal Bridge, now known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, was completed in 1929, connecting the city to southern Indiana and facilitating interstate travel. The county also experienced significant changes in demographics and urbanization, as the population grew and diverse communities emerged. Notably, the African American population in the county expanded during the Great Migration, leading to the establishment of vibrant neighborhoods such as Russell and Parkland.

Today, Jefferson County continues to be a vibrant and thriving county. With a population of over 770,000, it is the most populous county in Kentucky. The county is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Additionally, Jefferson County is known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate the county's diverse history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jefferson County, Kentucky.

  • 1780- Jefferson County established as an original Kentucky county.
  • 1785- Louisville, the county seat, officially founded.
  • 1803- The Methodist Episcopal Church establishes its first church in Louisville.
  • 1838- Construction of the Louisville and Portland Canal begins.
  • 1855- The Louisville Free Public Library opens.
  • 1861- The American Civil War begins, and Louisville becomes a key Union supply base.
  • 1875- The Southern Exposition, a world's fair-style event, is held in Louisville.
  • 1905- Churchill Downs hosts the first Kentucky Derby.
  • 1937- The Ohio River flood causes widespread devastation in Jefferson County.
  • 1946- The Louisville Cardinals basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament.
  • 1956- The Kentucky Kingdom amusement park opens in Louisville.
  • 1974- The Muhammad Ali Center, a museum dedicated to the famous boxer, opens in Louisville.
  • 1984- The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts opens in Louisville.
  • 1996- The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory opens.
  • 2013- The KFC Yum! Center, a sports and entertainment arena, opens in Louisville.