Historical Marker

Spalding Hall

Historical marker location:
Bardstown, Kentucky
( 114 N. Fifth, Bardstown)

Erected in 1826 and later named for Bishop M. J. Spalding. Until 1889, it was part of St. Joseph College, founded by Bishop B. J. Flaget. Jesuits took charge of celebrated college, 1848-1868. During Civil War, St. Joseph was a military hospital. Spalding Hall has served as college and seminary, as orphanage, and as St. Joseph Prep School directed by Xaverian Brothers from 1911-68

  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.

Bishops Catholic Church Civil War Schools
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Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and began his boxing career there.
Kentucky random facts
Nelson County, located in the state of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its settlement in the late 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee, before European settlers arrived. In 1785, a group of pioneers led by Thomas Witherby established the first permanent settlement in the county, which would later become known as Bardstown. The town was named after the brothers David and William Bard, who surveyed and mapped the area.

During the early years of settlement, Nelson County's economy thrived as an agricultural hub, with tobacco being a primary cash crop. The county's fertile soil and conducive climate made it ideal for farming, and as a result, many plantations were established. In addition to tobacco, corn, hemp, and livestock also contributed to the county's agricultural success.

In the early 19th century, Bardstown became an important cultural and political center in Kentucky. It was designated as the state's first capital in 1792 and was home to the first Catholic Diocese west of the Allegheny Mountains. Bardstown also played a significant role in the history of bourbon production, with several distilleries being established in the area.

Throughout its history, Nelson County experienced various events that shaped its growth and development. The county was heavily impacted by the Civil War, as both Union and Confederate forces occupied the area at different times. The Battle of Bardstown, fought in 1862, resulted in the county being divided between the Union and Confederate armies.

Today, Nelson County continues to be a thriving community, blending its historical charm with modern amenities. Bardstown, with its beautiful historic district, is a popular tourist destination known for its bourbon heritage and well-preserved architecture. The county's agricultural roots can still be seen in its many farms and vineyards, and it remains an important player in Kentucky's bourbon industry. Nelson County's rich history and natural beauty make it a fascinating destination for both residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Nelson County, Kentucky.

  • 1784 - Nelson County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1808 - The county seat is established in Bardstown.
  • 1811 - The first Catholic cathedral west of the Alleghenies, Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, is completed in Bardstown.
  • 1864 - Confederate forces under John Hunt Morgan unsuccessfully attack Bardstown.
  • 1922 - Heaven Hill Distilleries is founded, becoming a major bourbon producer in the county.
  • 1933 - The repeal of Prohibition leads to a boom in the bourbon industry in Nelson County.
  • 1970 - The Heaven Hill Distilleries fire destroys several aging warehouses and 90,000 barrels of bourbon.
  • 1996 - The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History opens in Bardstown.
  • 2004 - My Old Kentucky Home State Park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.