Historical Marker

A Masterful Retreat


Gen. George W. Morgan's 9,000 USA force occupied Cumberland Gap June 18 to Sept. 17, 1862. Cut off from supplies, Morgan began 200-mile retreat. Searching for supplies the command came this way. CSA had burned flour mill night before. Retreat from Gap to Greenup on Ohio River, made in 16 days despite harassment by CSA Morgan's Raiders. Map other side.

Originally erected in 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.

Civil War George W. Morgan Morgan's Raiders
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and began his boxing career there.
Kentucky random facts
Lee County, Kentucky has a rich and storied history dating back thousands of years to the indigenous peoples of the area. The Cherokee and Shawnee tribes were among the first inhabitants of the region, utilizing the bountiful natural resources for hunting, fishing, and farming. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, with the county being officially established in 1870.

During the Civil War, Lee County played a significant role as a border region between the Union-controlled areas of Kentucky and the Confederate states. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, including the infamous Morgan's Raid in July 1863. Lee County was predominantly pro-Union, but faced challenges and disruptions from the conflicts that ravaged the surrounding areas.

The 20th century brought both progress and challenges to Lee County. The construction of the Kentucky River Lock and Dam in the 1920s brought jobs and economic development to the area, while also providing a reliable water supply for the county. However, the Great Depression hit Lee County hard, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.

In recent decades, efforts have been made to revitalize the county and improve the quality of life for its residents. The creation of Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area in the 1960s has drawn tourists from around the world, bringing economic opportunities to the area. Additionally, initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, and economic development have sought to address some of the longstanding challenges faced by Lee County.

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

  • 1792: Kentucky becomes a state, and Lee County is established as part of the state's territory.
  • 1823: The county is officially formed and named after Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, the father of General Robert E. Lee.
  • 1849: The town of Beattyville, the county seat, is founded.
  • Late 1800s: Logging and mining industries become prominent in Lee County, leading to an influx of settlers and economic growth.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression severely impacts Lee County, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
  • 1960s: The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) initiates programs to stimulate economic development and improve infrastructure in Lee County.
  • 1990s: The Pine Ridge Shootings, a tragedy resulting from a domestic dispute, attract national attention and raise awareness about poverty and social issues in Lee County.
  • 2010s: Efforts to diversify the local economy, including tourism and outdoor recreational activities, are undertaken to reduce reliance on extractive industries.