Historical Marker

Union Memorial


The only Union monument south of the Mason-Dixon line erected by public subscription except those in cemeteries. This unique memorial was dedicated in 1884 to the 107 Lewis County soldiers who gave their lives for the Union during the Civil War.

Erected August 21, 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 Union Army
Kentucky is a state that is rich in cultural heritage and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.
Jean Ritchie in Kentucky Educational Television: Jean Ritchie Profile
Lewis County, Kentucky, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and intriguing history that stretches back several centuries. The area was initially home to indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee tribe, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering. The first European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement being established around 1795.

The county was named after Meriwether Lewis, of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, who was instrumental in exploring the American West. In the early 1800s, Lewis County experienced significant growth with the arrival of settlers seeking fertile land for agriculture and access to the Ohio River for transportation and trade. The county's economy was predominantly based on farming, with tobacco being a major crop.

During the Civil War, Lewis County was divided in its loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy, leading to conflicts and raids by both sides. In 1862, the county courthouse was burned down by Confederate forces under the command of General John Hunt Morgan. After the war, the county slowly recovered, and by the late 19th century, it had become a thriving agricultural community, known for its tobacco, corn, and livestock production.

In the 20th century, Lewis County saw the decline of traditional agriculture and the rise of new industries, such as manufacturing and tourism. The completion of the Ohio River Bridge in the 1930s facilitated the flow of goods and people, boosting economic development. Today, Lewis County is known for its scenic beauty, with the rugged Appalachian Mountains running through parts of the county, attracting visitors interested in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Overall, Lewis County's history is marked by the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have navigated through different eras of agricultural dominance, wartime struggles, and economic transformations to shape the county into what it is today.

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

  • Established in 1806 as a county in Kentucky.
  • Named after Captain Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
  • In the early 1800s, Lewis County experienced significant growth due to its location along the Ohio River.
  • Throughout the 19th century, the county saw a thriving agricultural industry, with tobacco and corn being the major crops.
  • During the Civil War, Lewis County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy.
  • In 1872, a devastating flood caused significant damage to the county, leading to efforts to improve flood control.
  • In the 20th century, Lewis County continued to be primarily rural and agricultural, with small towns and farming communities.
  • Today, Lewis County has a population of approximately 13,800 and remains an important agricultural area in Kentucky.