Historical Marker

Salem


Marker
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© OpenStreetMap contributors

County seat, 1809-42, of Livingston, which included present Crittenden. First courthouse, of hewn logs, was built by William Rodgers on land donated by him. On August 8, 1864, 35 Federal troops under Captain Hugh M. Hiett repelled a Confederate force of 300 commanded by Major John T. Chenoweth in a six-hour skirmish here. See the other side.

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Life of a County

This area was part of different counties as they were developed.

1780: Lincoln, county seat at Harrodsburg. One of three original Ky. counties.

1792: Logan, county seat at Logan Court House, now Russellville.

1797: Christian, county seat at Hopkinsville.

1799: Livingston, county seats at: 1800 Eddyville-1804 Centerville-1809 Salem-1842 Smithland

  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 Courthouses
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
Kentucky random facts
Livingston County, Kentucky has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county itself was established in December 1798 and named after Robert R. Livingston, a prominent New York politician who served as Chancellor of New York and helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.

The area that is now Livingston County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with pioneers moving into the region attracted by its fertile land and proximity to the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. The county became an important agricultural center, with crops like tobacco and corn being grown and traded.

During the Civil War, Livingston County like much of Kentucky was divided in allegiances. While it officially remained loyal to the Union, it had many Confederate sympathizers. The county was subject to raids and skirmishes throughout the war, and its strategic location along the Mississippi River made it an important target for both sides.

In the decades following the Civil War, Livingston County saw significant economic growth and development. The railroad came to the county, connecting it with nearby cities and allowing for increased trade and transportation. The county continued to rely heavily on agriculture, but also began to diversify its economy, with industries such as coal mining and manufacturing becoming important sources of employment.

Today, Livingston County remains a picturesque area with a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. Friendly communities, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities draw visitors to explore its rich history and enjoy the scenic landscapes that make Livingston County a special place to live and visit.

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

  • 1820 - Livingston County is officially established as a county in Kentucky.
  • 1833 - The county courthouse is completed for the first time.
  • 1837 - The county's first newspaper, the Livingston Enquirer, is published.
  • 1850 - The population of Livingston County reaches its peak at around 7,400 residents.
  • 1861-1865 - Livingston County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The county courthouse is destroyed by fire and is subsequently rebuilt.
  • 1927 - The Ohio River flood devastates Livingston County and its surrounding areas.
  • 1949 - The construction of the Kentucky Dam transforms the landscape and economy of the county.
  • 1950s-1960s - The county experiences a decline in population due to changing economic conditions.
  • 2010 - Livingston County is home to approximately 9,500 residents.