Historical Marker

Confederate Raids


General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry, returning from second Kentucky raid, passed here on way back to Tennessee, Jan. 1, 1863. On raid, Union's rail supply line wrecked and $2,000,000 property destroyed. July 3, 1863, Morgan here again drove out small USA force. On July 8, at Brandenburg, crossed river into Indiana. Captured in NE Ohio, July 26. See map over

  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 John Hunt Morgan
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
Kentucky was originally part of Virginia and was known as the "Kentucky County" until it became a separate state in 1792.
Kentucky random facts
Adair County, located in Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who used the land for hunting and fishing.

European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1792. The county was named after John Adair, a Revolutionary War veteran and politician who would go on to become the eighth governor of Kentucky. Adair County played a role in the War of 1812, as it was a strategic location for military movements.

During the 19th century, Adair County experienced significant growth and development. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s brought increased trade and transportation opportunities to the area. Agriculture became a major industry, with tobacco and hemp being the primary crops. The county also became a hub for education, with the establishment of Adair County Schools and Lindsey Wilson College.

In the 20th century, Adair County continued to evolve. World War II brought changes to the county, as many residents served in the military, while others supported the war effort on the homefront. The post-war era saw the decline of traditional agricultural industries, leading to a shift towards manufacturing and other sectors.

Today, Adair County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while looking towards the future. It is home to a thriving downtown area, numerous recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community pride. The county continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also embracing new industries and opportunities for growth.

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

  • 1801 - Adair County is established on December 11.
  • 1802 - The first settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1806 - The town of Columbia is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1814 - The first courthouse is constructed in Columbia.
  • 1838 - A new brick courthouse is built in Columbia.
  • 1861-1865 - Adair County residents participate in the Civil War.
  • 1887 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad arrives in Columbia.
  • 1931 - The Green River Lake is created by the completion of a dam.
  • 1952 - A new courthouse building is constructed in Columbia.
  • 1980 - The Adair County Public Library is established.
  • 2009 - The Westlake Regional Hospital opens in Columbia.