Historical Marker

Stephen's Old Mill


Standing for over a century, this mill was used on occasion until recently. Original poplar rafters and millstones are still intact. In 1952, new metal 16-foot overshot wheel replaced old wooden one. During the Civil War, Confederates took mill in hopes of finding grain. Similar mills were in most early communities. "Toll" for grinding usually an eighth of the grain

  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 Grist Mills Mills
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
McCreary County, located in southeastern Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who relied on the abundance of natural resources for sustenance and trade.

European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, establishing homesteads and farms in the area. The county was named after James B. McCreary, a former Kentucky governor and U.S. Senator. In the 19th century, McCreary County experienced a significant boom due to the timber industry, with logging operations providing employment and economic growth to the region.

During the American Civil War, McCreary County was a Confederate stronghold, and the region saw several skirmishes and raids. The area's rugged terrain made it ideal for guerilla warfare, and both Union and Confederate forces wrestled for control over the strategic Cumberland Gap.

In the early 20th century, McCreary County underwent a transformation when the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company established operations in the area. The town of Stearns became the centerpiece of the county, with a bustling coal mining and logging industry. However, by the mid-20th century, both industries declined, leading to economic hardships for the county.

Today, McCreary County still retains its natural beauty and is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The county is also home to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While McCreary County has faced economic challenges throughout its history, its resilient community continues to forge a path forward, embracing its heritage while seeking new opportunities.

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

  • 1823: McCreary County is formed, named after James B. McCreary, former Governor of Kentucky.
  • Early 1800s: Settlers begin moving into the area, primarily from Tennessee and Virginia.
  • 1836: Whitley County is established, taking land from McCreary County.
  • 1850s: Logging becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1862: During the Civil War, McCreary County becomes a battleground as Union and Confederate forces clash.
  • 1870: The completion of the Cincinnati Southern Railway helps boost the local economy.
  • 1895: Stearns Coal and Lumber Company is founded, leading to increased industrialization in the county.
  • 1902: The town of Pine Knot is incorporated.
  • 1912: McCreary County High School is established.
  • 1920s: The coal industry reaches its peak in the county, with several coal mines operating.
  • 1937: Daniel Boone National Forest is established, protecting large portions of McCreary County's natural resources.
  • 1960s: Construction of the Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland River creates Lake Cumberland, which provides recreational opportunities for residents and tourists.
  • 1995: Yahoo! begins construction of a data center in McCreary County, bringing jobs and economic growth.