Historical Marker

Stage Coach Inn


In 1833 Major John Gray, founder of Elkton, built an inn here as a relay house for his stage coach lines. Legend states that Andrew Jackson, Jenny Lind, and Jesse James were patrons. It was a Civil War Confederate hospital. Most of the original inn remains.

Marker originally cast in 1964

  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.

Civil War Inns Andrew Jackson Stagecoach Stops
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Kentucky random facts
Todd County, located in south-central Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the early pioneers who settled the area in the late 18th century. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Shawnee, who were known for their trading and hunting skills. With the arrival of European settlers in the late 1700s, the Native American presence began to wane.

The county was officially established in 1819 and named after Colonel John Todd, who was a prominent local leader and a hero of the Revolutionary War. Early settlers in Todd County were primarily farmers who cultivated tobacco, corn, and wheat. They also established small towns and communities, such as Elkton and Trenton, which served as centers for commerce, education, and social gatherings.

During the Civil War, Todd County faced significant challenges. The region, like much of Kentucky, was divided in its loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy. This resulted in various skirmishes and raids by both sides, leading to unrest and devastation. Despite these challenges, many Todd County residents actively contributed to the Union cause, joining Union armies or guerrilla groups.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Todd County experienced economic shifts. The decline of tobacco as a cash crop and the rise of agriculture mechanization led to a shift towards dairy farming and the production of dairy products. This shift allowed farmers to adapt to changing market demands and maintain their livelihoods. Over time, Todd County also saw the establishment of schools, churches, and other vital community institutions that continue to serve residents to this day.

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

  • 1820 - Todd County is established as a county in Kentucky
  • 1840 - The county's population reaches 10,000 people
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and Todd County sends soldiers to fight for the Confederacy
  • 1870 - The county's population peaks at around 14,000 people
  • 1880 - The railroad is extended to Todd County, improving transportation and economic opportunities
  • 1937 - A devastating flood causes significant damage to the county
  • 1950 - The population of Todd County decreases to around 8,000 people
  • 1980 - The county experiences an economic decline due to the closing of coal mines
  • 2000 - The population of Todd County stabilizes at around 12,000 people
  • 2019 - Today, Todd County continues to be a rural community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism