Gen. Basil W. Duke, C.S.A.
A close associate of brother-in-law John Hunt Morgan, Duke provided tactics, discipline, and spirit, major elements of success of famous 2nd Ky. Cavalry. Wounded in battle twice, 1862; captured July 1863 in Ind.-Ohio raid; exchanged August 1864. After Morgan's death, Basil Duke appointed to command brigade. Later led part of the escort for Jefferson Davis in April-May 1865.
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Basil W. Duke (1838-1916) - Scott County native Basil Duke-attorney, politician, and author-is most noted for Civil War service to Confederacy. Admitted to bar in 1858, he began law practice in St. Louis. After Civil War he settled in Louisville. Elected to Ky. House of Rep. Duke led powerful railroad lobby and was bitter enemy of Wm. Goebel. Writings include History of Morgan's Cavalry. Buried LexingtonApril 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.
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
The county's first European settlers arrived in the late 1770s, primarily from Virginia and North Carolina. They established farms and plantations, cultivating tobacco and hemp as cash crops. The fertile land and favorable climate contributed to the county's economic growth and attracted more settlers over time. Scott County quickly became an influential center of agriculture and trade in the state.
During the early 19th century, the county witnessed a surge in population and development. Georgetown, the county seat, was founded in 1790 and became an important hub for commerce and education. The establishment of Georgetown College in 1829 further solidified the town's significance in the region. The 19th century also saw the rise of large-scale horse breeding and racing in the county, contributing to Scott County's reputation as the "Thoroughbred Capital of Kentucky."
The county was not spared from the impact of the Civil War. Located in a border state, Scott County experienced divisions among its residents, with some supporting the Union and others Confederate causes. The war brought destruction to the area, as troops passed through and engaged in various conflicts. Following the war, the county began to rebuild and witnessed the advent of industrialization, with tobacco factories and other manufacturing facilities becoming prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Scott County remains an important agricultural and industrial center in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Its rich history is celebrated through various heritage sites and events, showcasing the county's cultural and historical significance. From its early settlement to its role in the Civil War and its present-day contributions to the state's economy, Scott County's history is a testament to the spirit of its resilient residents.
Scott County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Scott County, Kentucky.
- 1788 - Scott County, Kentucky is formed.
- 1792 - Kentucky becomes the 15th state of the United States.
- 1833 - Georgetown, the county seat of Scott County, is incorporated.
- 1862-1865 - Scott County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
- 1876 - The Cincinnati Southern Railway is completed, improving transportation in Scott County.
- 1890 - Georgetown College, a private liberal arts college, is established.
- 1940s - Balloon troops from Fort Knox train near Stamping Ground in Scott County during World War II.
- 2000s - Scott County experiences growth and development due to its proximity to Lexington, Kentucky.