Historical Marker

Pound Gap


Route through here discovered by Christopher Gist, April 1, 1751. Brig. Gen. Garfield and 700 Union troops forced 500 CSA men from here Mar. 16, 1862 and burned CSA supplies. On last raid in Kentucky, Morgan's Raiders dislodged Union forces here June 1, 1864 and moved on to Mt. Sterling, Lexington and Cynthiana. They then returned to Virginia.

Installed August 21, 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 James A. Garfield Morgan's Raiders
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
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
Letcher County, Kentucky, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and storied history that dates back to its establishment in 1842. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee people, who were forcibly removed from the land as part of the Indian removal policy in the 1830s.

The county takes its name from Robert P. Letcher, a former Governor of Kentucky and prominent political figure. Letcher County grew rapidly in the mid-19th century due to its abundant natural resources, particularly coal. The discovery of coal in the region led to a boom in the coal mining industry, attracting thousands of miners from various parts of the country.

The coal mining industry played a vital role in shaping the county's economy and culture. However, it also brought about numerous challenges, such as hazardous working conditions and labor disputes. Letcher County witnessed several labor-related conflicts and strikes during the early 20th century, as the coal miners fought for better wages, safer conditions, and workers' rights.

In recent years, Letcher County has faced the decline of the coal industry and the need to diversify its economy. Efforts have been made to promote tourism, outdoor recreation, and arts initiatives to attract visitors and create new opportunities for the local population. The county remains proud of its Appalachian heritage, with traditional music, crafts, and culture continuing to be celebrated and preserved. Today, Letcher County stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of its people, as they work towards a prosperous future while honoring their past.

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

  • 1777 - Letcher County is established as part of Virginia.
  • 1860 - The population of Letcher County is around 5,000.
  • 1884 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad reaches Letcher County, boosting its economic development.
  • 1912 - Neon, Kentucky, is founded as a coal mining town.
  • 1916 - Letcher County splits from Perry County to become an independent county.
  • 1920s-1930s - Letcher County experiences a coal mining boom.
  • 1954 - The Kingdom Come State Park is established in Letcher County.
  • 1970s - The coal mining industry declines, leading to economic challenges for the county.
  • 1990s - Efforts towards diversifying the economy, with a focus on tourism, begin in Letcher County.
  • 2009 - The Letcher County Recreation Center opens, providing recreational facilities for the community.