Historical Marker

USA Gens. Morgan CSA


General George W. Morgan's 9,000 USA force, cut off from supplies at Cumberland Gap, retreated 200 mi. in 16 days to Greenup on Ohio River. It camped here Sept. 23, 1862. Gen. John Hunt Morgan's CSA men, on tragic last raid into Kentucky, moved by here. After two battles in Mt. Sterling, they met defeat at Cynthiana, June 12, 1864, and retreated to Va. Map other side.

Erected 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 Battle of Cynthiana John Hunt Morgan Mt. Sterling
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
Kentucky random facts
Wolfe County, Kentucky, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich history that spans back hundreds of years. It was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who utilized the region's fertile lands and abundant wildlife for hunting, fishing, and farming.

The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the establishment of the area's first post office in 1821. The county was named after Nathaniel Wolfe, an early settler and Revolutionary War veteran. During this time, the economy relied heavily on agriculture, with crops like tobacco, corn, and wheat being cultivated.

In the mid-19th century, timber became a major industry in Wolfe County, as vast forests covered the area. Several sawmills were established, and timber was harvested and transported down the nearby Kentucky River for processing and shipping. With the timber industry came an increase in population and economic growth for the county.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Wolfe County. The construction of the Mountain Parkway in the 1960s opened up the region to more tourism and economic development. This led to the growth of the recreational and hospitality sectors, as visitors flocked to the area for its natural beauty, including Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

Today, Wolfe County continues to embrace its natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities, while also diversifying its economy. The county's history, marked by Native American heritage, pioneer settlement, timber industry, and tourism development, has shaped its unique identity and contributed to its ongoing growth and prosperity.

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

  • 1795: Wolfe County was established on March 5.
  • 1800s: The area was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes including the Shawnee and Cherokee.
  • 1820s: Settlers started moving into the region, attracted by the fertile lands.
  • 1839: The first post office, known as "Campton," was established.
  • 1861-1865: Wolfe County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1900s: The area saw significant economic growth due to the timber industry.
  • 1930s: The construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Kentucky River provided electricity to the county.
  • Late 20th century: Coal mining became an important industry, contributing to the local economy.
  • Present: Wolfe County remains a rural area with stunning natural beauty, attracting visitors to its outdoor recreational opportunities.