Historical Marker

"Horrible Massacre"


On January 25, 1865, Co. E. 5th United States Colored Calvary (USCC) attacked by Confederate guerillas while driving herd of 900 cattle to Louisville. About 22 men killed and at least eight severely wounded. Based at Camp Nelson, nearly all of the recruits were former slaves. The 5th also fought in 1864 Saltville battles.

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African American Cemetery- The 5th USCC troopers killed in 1865 Simpsonville slaughter were buried in a mass grave by local residents. Area used as African American cemetery. Members of the Trim #2 United Brothers of Friendship Lodge operated the cemetery until the last member died in 1965. Lodge hall located in Simpsonville

  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.

African American Cemeteries Civil War
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The city of Owensboro, Kentucky, is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which honors the history and culture of bluegrass music.
Kentucky random facts
Shelby County, Kentucky has a rich and storied history dating back centuries. The area was initially home to indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee and Chickasaw nations. European settlement began in the late 1700s with the arrival of pioneers who established farms and small communities.

One of the key figures in Shelby County's early history was Colonel William Shannon, who settled in the area in 1775. Shannon played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as a representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. His influence helped shape the development of the county.

In the early 1800s, the city of Shelbyville, named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky, was founded as the county seat. Shelbyville quickly grew into a bustling hub of business, agriculture, and commerce. The Shelbyville Historic District, featuring numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, stands as a testament to the city's past.

Over the years, Shelby County developed a reputation as a significant agricultural center. The fertile land provided ideal conditions for farming, particularly for tobacco and thoroughbred horse breeding. The county's agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Shelby County Fair and the Shelbyville Horse Show, both of which attract visitors and locals alike.

Today, Shelby County is a thriving community that embraces its history while also looking to the future. The area's rich heritage, diverse economy, and close-knit community continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, and explore for residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Shelby County, Kentucky.

  • 1776: Shelby County, KY was established on June 19, 1776.
  • 1780: The county was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and later the first governor of Kentucky.
  • 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state admitted to the Union, with Shelby County as one of its original counties.
  • 1803: The town of Shelbyville is established as the county seat.
  • 1812: Shelby County sends soldiers to fight in the War of 1812.
  • 1837: The Louisville and Shelbyville Turnpike is completed, improving transportation and commerce in the county.
  • 1846: Sentiment in Shelby County towards slavery divides the community during the abolitionist movement.
  • 1861-1865: Many residents of Shelby County fight in the American Civil War on both sides.
  • 1873: Shelby County Agricultural and Mechanical Society holds its first fair, becoming an annual tradition.
  • 1895: The Shelby County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival-style building, is completed and still stands today.
  • 20th century: Shelby County experiences periods of agricultural growth and economic development, along with the challenges faced by rural communities.
  • 2000s: Shelby County continues to grow and develop, balancing its agricultural heritage with modern industries and amenities.