Historical Marker

Richard James Oglesby


Born on July 25, 1824 in Floydsburg, Oldham Co., he was one of eight children born to Col. Jacob and Isabella Watson Oglesby, who, with two of his siblings, died in the 1833 cholera epidemic. Oglesby was raised by an uncle and moved to Decatur, Ill. in 1836. He fought in the Mexican War & Civil War, was married twice, & had eight children.

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A close friend and supporter of Abraham Lincoln, he is credited with introducing the “rail-splitter” image into Lincoln’s 1860 presidential campaign and was at Lincoln’s bedside when he died. Oglesby was a brigadier general in the Civil War and a three-time governor of Illinois. He died in Elkhart, Ill. on April 24, 1899.

Dedicated September 12, 2015

  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.

Cholera Civil War Governors Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
Kentucky random facts
Oldham County, Kentucky, has a rich history that spans back to its founding in 1824. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Iroquois Confederacy, who used the land for hunting and trading. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, predominantly from Virginia and Maryland, and began establishing farms and communities.

In the early 19th century, the construction of the Louisville and Frankfort Railroad brought significant growth and development to Oldham County. The railroad provided a means of transportation for goods and people, leading to the establishment of new towns such as La Grange, Crestwood, and Pewee Valley. Agriculture, particularly tobacco and corn farming, became the primary industry in the county during this time.

During the Civil War, Oldham County, like much of Kentucky, was divided in its loyalties. Although Kentucky officially declared its neutrality, both Union and Confederate sympathizers were present in the county. The Union Army occupied Oldham County in 1862, and many residents joined the Union forces. In the aftermath of the war, the county experienced an economic decline and a shift from a predominantly agricultural economy to a more diverse one.

In the 20th century, Oldham County saw continued growth and development. The completion of the Kentucky State Reformatory in 1937 brought jobs and increased economic activity to the area. The county's proximity to Louisville also allowed for suburban expansion, attracting residents who preferred a rural lifestyle within commuting distance of the city. Today, Oldham County is known for its beautiful horse farms, scenic countryside, and thriving communities that blend history with modern amenities.

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

  • 1780s: Settlement begins in the area now known as Oldham County
  • 1824: Oldham County is officially established
  • 1851: The Louisville and La Grange Railroad is completed, providing a transportation boost for the county
  • 1861-1865: Oldham County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1875: The Kentucky State Reformatory, a prison, is established in La Grange
  • 1882: The Oldham County courthouse is completed
  • 1917-1918: World War I impacts Oldham County, with many residents serving in the military
  • 1937: The Ohio River flood causes significant damage in the county
  • 1970s-1980s: Oldham County experiences rapid population growth and development
  • 2001: The Oldham County History Center is established to preserve the county's heritage