Forage Depot-Civil War
In Dec. 1861, Col. Frank Wolford, USA, with Companies A, B, C and H left Camp Billy Williams enroute to Webbs Cross Roads. Here they guarded forage collected and stored by Lieutenant Silas Adams, Regimental Quartermaster of First Ky. Cavalry. July 4, 1862, the First Ky. Cavalry bivouacked here one night; next day Col. Wolford marched with them on to Lebanon
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.
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, with the county being officially established in 1826. The county was named after Major William Russell, a veteran of the Revolutionary War who played a significant role in the early settlement and development of the area.
In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry in Russell County, with farmers cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The economy later diversified with the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves, leading to the establishment of the petroleum industry in the region.
Historically, Russell County has also played a role in transportation, as it is situated along the Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland. The river and lake served as important waterways, allowing for the transportation of goods and people. Today, Lake Cumberland is a popular tourist destination, offering recreation opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping.
In summary, Russell County, Kentucky has a long and diverse history that includes Native American settlement, European colonization, agricultural development, and the establishment of the petroleum industry. The county's location along the Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland has also contributed to its historical significance in transportation and its current status as a popular recreational destination.
Russell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Russell County, Kentucky.
- 1792 - Russell County is established as part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
- Early 1800s - The region sees an influx of settlers, primarily of English, Irish, and German descent.
- 1861-1865 - Russell County, like the rest of Kentucky, is divided during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy.
- 1898 - Construction of the Wolf Creek Dam begins on the Cumberland River, leading to future economic development in the area.
- 1920s-1930s - The advent of the automobile brings improved transportation to Russell County, connecting it with neighboring towns and cities.
- 1963 - Lake Cumberland, created by the completion of the Wolf Creek Dam, becomes a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
- 1997 - Russell County's first official marina, Alligator II Marina, is opened on Lake Cumberland.
- 2005 - The remnants of Hurricane Katrina cause severe flooding in Russell County, resulting in significant damage to the infrastructure and surrounding areas.