Historical Marker

New Providence


The McAfee Company first visited Salt River in 1773 to choose a location for settlement. While returning to Virginia, they were near starvation until Robert McAfee killed a deer which provided food for them. Later when they built their church on Salt River, it was named New Providence to commemorate this act of divine providence in their behalf.

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House of Worship - The McAfee Company returned to Salt River, 1779, to establish their permanent settlement. In 1785 the first building to serve as meeting place and school house was erected 3/4 mi. east. Present church building was started in 1861; Civil War delayed completion until 1864. Continuous worship services have been held since church's founding

  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 Presbyterian Church Rivers
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Kentucky random facts
Mercer County, Kentucky, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. The county was founded in 1785 and named after General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero. It was one of the first counties established in Kentucky, and its early settlers thrived due to the fertile land and strategic location along the Kentucky River.

In the early years, Mercer County was a bustling center of agriculture and industry. The area quickly became known for its productive farmland, leading to a flourishing agricultural economy. Tobacco and hemp were among the major crops grown, and the county was an important shipping hub for these products. As the 19th century progressed, Mercer County's agricultural prosperity continued to grow, attracting more settlers to the area.

The county also played a significant role during the Civil War. Being located on a major transportation route, Mercer County saw its fair share of military activity. Both Union and Confederate forces traversed the area, leading to skirmishes and battles. Despite the turmoil, Mercer County managed to rebuild and thrive after the war, with agriculture remaining the backbone of its economy.

In the 20th century, Mercer County underwent various changes and developments. The advent of modern transportation, such as railroads and highways, brought new opportunities for economic growth. Agriculture remained an important industry, but the county also began to diversify its economy with manufacturing and other ventures. Today, Mercer County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with a modern outlook, offering a blend of rural charm and urban conveniences.

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

  • 1776: Mercer County is established as one of the first counties in Kentucky.
  • 1785: Harrodsburg, the county seat, becomes the first permanent English settlement in Kentucky.
  • 1792: Kentucky is admitted as the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1801: Centre College, the oldest college in Kentucky, is founded in Danville, within Mercer County.
  • 1813: The Old Mud Meetinghouse, one of the oldest extant churches in Kentucky, is built in Harrodsburg.
  • 1835: The Harrodsburg, Danville, and Stanford Railroad, the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains, is established.
  • 1850: The population of Mercer County reaches over 15,000, including a diverse mix of settlers, including African-Americans and European immigrants.
  • 1924: The Blue Grass Ordnance Depot, a major military installation, is established in Mercer County during World War I and continues to operate through World War II.
  • 1957: The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show, a beloved tradition, begins and remains a popular annual event to this day.