Historical Marker

Surprise Attack Here


CSA cavalry from Hopkinsville under Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest surprised Union forces under Major Eli H. Murray December 28, 1861. Forrest sent dismounted men to attack both enemy flanks, and, with the remainder mounted, he bore down road upon Union center, which broke and fled. Forrest pursued 4 miles, dispersed USA troops, returned to Hopkinsville.

Dedicated November 4, 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 Nathan Bedford Forrest
The famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-running and violent conflict between two Appalachian families, began in Kentucky in the late 19th century.
Kentucky random facts
McLean County, KY has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The area was first occupied by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who were later expelled through various treaties. The county was officially established in 1854, named after Alney McLean, a Kentucky congressman.

During the 19th century, the economy of McLean County was primarily based on agriculture. With fertile soil and access to the Green and Ohio Rivers, farmers grew crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat, while others raised livestock. The boom in the tobacco industry brought prosperity to the county, with tobacco warehouses, factories, and the opening of a tobacco auction house.

McLean County experienced significant growth during the early 20th century, with the advent of coal mining. Large deposits of coal were discovered, attracting miners and fueling the local economy. Coal mining became a major industry, leading to the establishment of mining towns, such as Beech Grove and Cleopatra. The coal industry flourished until the 1950s when coal production began to decline.

In recent years, McLean County has continued to evolve. While agriculture remains an important part of the county's economy, the focus has shifted to industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Today, McLean County offers a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, with a tight-knit community that values its heritage and looks towards the future.

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

  • 1784 - McLean County is established as part of the western Virginia territory.
  • 1815 - The county is officially recognized and named after Judge Alney McLean.
  • 1820 - The first courthouse, made of logs, is build in McLean County.
  • 1830s - The population of McLean County grows rapidly due to the construction of transportation routes and the opening of coal mines.
  • 1854 - The city of Calhoun becomes the county seat of McLean County.
  • 1900s - The oil industry booms in McLean County, leading to economic growth and development.
  • 1978 - The Rumsey Bridge, a historic covered bridge, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2000s - McLean County focuses on promoting tourism and preserving its historical landmarks.