Historical Marker

West Liberty-Civil War


The first important engagement in eastern Kentucky occurred here on Oct. 23, 1861. USA forces led by Brig. Gen. Wm. Nelson surprised enemy under Capt. Andrew J. May. Civilian secessionists were captured and jailed Unionists released. Confederate losses 21 dead, 40 wounded, 34 captured. One Union soldier wounded. On Nov. 4, 1861 Gen. Nelson captured Prestonsburg.

Dedicated November 29, 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 William Nelson
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Kentucky random facts
Morgan County, Kentucky, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by European Americans in the late 1700s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant wildlife. The county was officially established in 1822 and named after Daniel Morgan, a Revolutionary War general.

Early settlers in Morgan County were primarily farmers and loggers, taking advantage of the region's natural resources. The county experienced steady growth throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The construction of railroads further facilitated economic development and improved transportation.

Like many parts of Kentucky, Morgan County played a significant role in the Civil War. The area experienced both Union and Confederate sympathies, leading to multiple skirmishes and confrontations between opposing forces. The county's proximity to the nearby Battle of Middle Creek in 1862 made it a strategic location for military activities.

In the early 20th century, Morgan County transitioned from an agricultural-based economy to a more diverse one, with the introduction of coal mining and manufacturing. Mines were established, providing employment opportunities for locals. However, the decline of the coal industry in the later decades of the century resulted in economic challenges for the county.

Today, Morgan County remains a close-knit community with a mix of rural and small-town charm. It boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Licking River. The county continues to face economic hardships but remains resilient as its residents work towards revitalizing and diversifying the local economy.

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

  • 1807 - Morgan County is established from parts of Floyd and Bath counties.
  • 1833 - Olive Hill, the county seat, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - Morgan County is greatly impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1900 - Morgan County's population reaches its peak at over 12,000 residents.
  • 1908 - A devastating fire destroys much of the town of West Liberty.
  • 1928 - Morgan Countians vote to move the county seat from Olive Hill to West Liberty.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic challenges to the county.
  • 1967 - A tornado hits West Liberty, causing significant damage to the town.
  • 2012 - An EF3 tornado strikes West Liberty, causing widespread destruction.