Historical Marker

West-Metcalfe House


One mile south. First brick house in area. Built by Capt. Isaac West, Revolutionary soldier, who came here about 1798, received land grant in 1799, and built this house, in 1800, of bricks he made himself. Gen. Felix Zollicoffer, CSA, had headquarters here, 1861. Used as hospital after Battle of Mill Springs, 1862. Confederates buried then in family cemetery

  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 Battle of Mill Springs Revolutionary War
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Kentucky random facts
Wayne County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Native American inhabitants of the area. The region was primarily inhabited by the Shawnee tribe, who were known for their fierce resistance to European colonization. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the county being officially established in 1800.

During the early years of settlement, Wayne County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming and livestock being the main economic activities. The area saw steady growth throughout the 19th century, with the development of infrastructure such as roads and schools. The construction of railways in the late 19th century further facilitated economic development and trade in the region.

One notable event in Wayne County's history was the Civil War. Being located in a border state, the region experienced its share of conflict and division. Many residents were sympathetic to the Confederate cause, while others remained loyal to the Union. The county saw several skirmishes and myriads of hardships during the war, which had a lasting impact on the community.

In the 20th century, Wayne County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The introduction of electricity and modern transportation helped drive industrial growth, with manufacturing and tourism becoming significant contributors to the local economy. Today, Wayne County remains a vibrant community with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and offering its residents a high quality of life.

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

  • 1800 - Wayne County is established
  • 1825 - Monticello becomes the county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Wayne County residents actively participate in the Civil War
  • 1907 - The historic Mill Springs Mill is constructed
  • 1950s - Wolf Creek Dam is built on the Cumberland River
  • 1970s - Wayne County experiences economic growth due to the tourism industry
  • 1990 - The Monticello-Wayne County Memorial Building is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  • 2010 - Wayne County celebrates its bicentennial