Historical Marker

Skaggs Trace


This trail, from the Hazel Patch to Crab Orchard, crosses Rockcastle County. It was a widely used land route through Kentucky for several years and became part of the Wilderness Road. Daniel Boone crossed the Rockcastle River near here in 1775 in blazing Boone's Trace from Cumberland Gap to Boonesborough.

Reverse
Skaggs Trace - This trace was named for Henry Skaggs, a Long Hunter. Many famous pioneers, including John Floyd, Benjamin Logan and William Whitley, traveled over it. On Oct. 21, 1861, the first Kentucky Civil War battle occurred near here at Camp Wildcat. This first Union victory took place in the Rockcastle Hills

  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.

Daniel Boone Camps Civil War John Floyd Benjamin Logan Rivers Roads Wilderness Road
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
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
Rockcastle County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The region was first inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county was officially formed in 1810 and named after the natural rock formations found throughout the area.

During the early years of its history, Rockcastle County was primarily an agricultural community, with settlers relying on farming for their livelihoods. The fertile soil provided ideal conditions for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county also became known for its thriving distilleries, producing locally made whiskey that was highly sought after.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county experienced a boom in coal mining. The rich coal deposits in the area attracted workers from all over, leading to a significant economic growth. Coal became a major industry in Rockcastle County, with numerous mines operating throughout the region. The mining industry brought new opportunities for employment and spurred the development of towns and infrastructure.

In more recent years, Rockcastle County has undergone a transition as the coal industry declined. The county has sought to diversify its economy by attracting tourism and promoting its natural beauty. With its scenic landscapes, including the beautiful Rockcastle River and the Daniel Boone National Forest, the area has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Rockcastle County's charming small towns, historic sites, and events like the annual Pumpkin Festival contribute to its unique appeal and continue to shape its ongoing story.

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

  • 1778 - Rockcastle County is formed from portions of Lincoln, Madison, and Knox counties.
  • 1800s - The county is primarily rural with farming and small-scale mining as the main industries.
  • 1850 - Mount Vernon becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Rockcastle County residents participate in the Civil War, with many joining the Union forces.
  • 1886 - The Louisville & Nashville Railroad completes a line through Rockcastle County, promoting economic growth.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas industries begin to develop in the county.
  • 1930 - Renfro Valley, a popular country music center, is established.
  • Mid-1900s - The decline of the coal and oil industries leads to a shift towards manufacturing and services.
  • 2002 - Eastern Kentucky University opens a satellite campus in Rockcastle County.