KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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"Sue Mundy" Here
(Marker Number: 537)

County: Woodford
Location: US 62, Midway

Description: Jerome Clarke, called Sue Mundy, one of Morgan's Raiders, formed his own guerrilla band on Morgan's death Sept. 1864. Clarke and band raided here November 1, 1864, killing Adam Harper. Four Confederate prisoners executed in reprisal by Union forces. On Feb. 2, 1865, Clarke returned with William Quantrill, another guerrilla leader, burned depot here and stole 15 horses.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan's Raiders | Sue Mundy)

Big Spring Church
(Marker Number: 1511)

County: Woodford
Location: 121 Rose Hill, US 62, Versailles

Description: Organized as Baptist congregation in 1813. Present building erected, 1819. Their first preacher, Jacob Creath, Sr., was called greatest orator in the West by Henry Clay. With his able guidance the church grew and prospered. Under Creath's leadership the members became followers of Alexander Campbell's doctrines and changed to Christian Church. Restoration began in 1970.

(Subjects: Campbell, Alexander | Christian Church | Clay, Henry)

Buck Pond - 1-1/4 miles
(Marker Number: 114)

County: Woodford
Location: 11/2 mi. E. of Versailles

Description: Built about 1783 by Colonel Thomas Marshall 1730-1802, staff officer under Washington, Surveyor General of bounty lands for Revolutionary soldiers. Father of John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States.

(Subjects: Washington, George)

Caleb Wallace's Law Office
(Marker Number: 1708)

County: Woodford
Location: Lansing Lane, Midway

Description: Woodford's first county court met here, May 16, 1789. Caleb Wallace (1742-1814), Presbyterian minister from Va., was in Kentucky by 1783. He served on Supreme Court of District of Ky. and on Ky. Court of Appeals for 30 years. A founder of several colleges and a trustee of Transylvania University, Wallace was called the "Father of the Academy System of Kentucky."

(Subjects: Presbyterian Church | Transylvania University)

Calmes Tomb
(Marker Number: 1921)

County: Woodford
Location: Paynes Mill Rd., off US 60, Versailles

Description: This stone mausoleum was built in family cemetery of "Caneland" plantation by Gen. Marquis Calmes, a friend of Lafayette during Amer. Revolution. Calmes (1755-1834), born in Va. of Huguenot ancestry, assisted in laying out Versailles and named it after French city. He and wife Priscilla Heale buried here. Tomb restored in July 1990. Presented by Genealogical Society of Versailles.

(Subjects: Lafayette, Marquis de | Revolutionary War)

Capt. John (Jack) Jouett House
(Marker Number: 1541)

County: Woodford
Location: Craigs Creek Pike, 4 mi. SW of Versailles

Description: Erected circa 1797. Jack Jouett (1754-1822), hero of the Revolution. Famed for tortuous all-night ride to save Va. legislators, including Gov. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and 3 signers of the Declaration from capture. Member of Kentucky Separation Convention, of Va. and Ky. Gen. Assemblies; distinguished early leader; father of Matthew Jouett, famous portrait painter.

(Subjects: Artists | Henry, Patrick | Jefferson, Thomas | Jouett, John "Jack" | Revolutionary War)

Capt. John Craig's Fort
(Marker Number: 1624)

County: Woodford
Location: At church, near Jct. KY 33 & 169

Description: John Craig, who was Commander during siege at Bryan's Station in August, 1782, and one of the first trustees of Transylvania Seminary, built a fort and settled near here on Clear Creek in early 1783. He gave land inducements in exchange for assistance in building the fort and blockhouse. Many descendants of these settlers still live in the area. Over.

(Reverse) Clear Creek Baptist Church - Land for this church was deeded to the trustees of Clear Creek by John Craig, whose fort was nearby. Church was established in April, 1785; John Taylor was the first pastor. During Great Revival its membership grew to about 500. Outgrowths of this congregation have been Hillsborough, Griers Creek and Versailles Baptist churches. See over.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Creeks | Forts and Stations | Revolutionary War | Transylvania University)

Captain Jack Jouett Home
(Marker Number: 78)

County: Woodford
Location: Craigs Creek Pike, 4 mi. SW of Versailles

Description: Here lived the Revolutionary War hero who made the historic ride from Cuckoo Tavern to Charlottesville in 1781 to warn Jefferson of the approach of the British. Father of famous artist, Matthew Harris Jouett.

(Subjects: Artists | Jefferson, Thomas | Jouett, John "Jack")

Crittenden Cabin
(Marker Number: 1641)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, 2 mi. E. of Versailles

Description: This cabin moved from its original site approximately 1/4 mi. north and restored in 1978. Built by Maj. John Crittenden ca. 1783. It was birthplace of his son, John Jordan Crittenden, who became one of Kentucky's ablest statesmen: in 1809, appointed Atty. Gen. for Illinois Territory; 1811, elected to state legislature, reelected 6 times, became Speaker. See over.

(Reverse) John J. Crittenden (1787-1863) - Crittenden was on Gov. Shelby's staff at Battle of the Thames; a U.S. Senator five times; Sec. of State under Gov. James Morehead; Atty. Gen. under two Presidents; 1848, Gov. of Kentucky; 1860, introduced Crittenden Compromise, designed to save Union. One son, Thomas Leonidas, Maj. Gen., USA; another, George Bibb, Maj. Gen., CSA. Over.

(Subjects: Crittenden, John J. | Shelby, Isaac | Thames, Battle of | War of 1812)

Edward Dudley Brown (1850-1906)
(Marker Number: 2027)

County: Woodford
Location: Main St., Midway

Description: This well known African American horse owner, trainer, developer, and jockey was born into slavery, 1850. Raised as a stable boy near Midway, he was nicknamed "Brown Dick" after the record-setting racehorse of that name. Brown was associated with great horses such as Asteroid, Ducat, and Kingfisher. Presented by City of Midway and the Ky. African American Heritage Commission.

(Reverse) Noted Horseman - "Brown Dick" worked with Kentucky Derby winners Baden Baden (1877), Ben Brush (1896), and Plaudit (1898). He died at a friend's house in Louisville, May 1906, of tuberculosis and was returned to Midway for burial. He was inducted into National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame on August 8, 1984. Presented by City of Midway and the Ky. African American Heritage Commission.

(Subjects: African American | Derby Winners | Horse racing | Horses | Louisville)

Gov. Albert B. Chandler (1898-1991)
(Marker Number: 1900)

County: Woodford
Location: Jct. Pisgah Pike & US 60

Description: Known as "Happy," this Henderson Co. native was state senator and lt. gov. before becoming governor in 1935 and 1955. U.S. senator, 1939-45. As baseball commissioner, he approved Jackie Robinson's contract, making Robinson the first black player in major league baseball, 1947. Chandler elected to Baseball Hall of Fame, 1982. Over.

(Reverse) Albert Benjamin Chandler - This colorful orator and two-term governor began his law practice in Versailles. As governor, he was the driving force behind the establishment of the University of Kentucky Medical Center, later named in his honor. "Happy" Chandler lived in Versailles and is buried in the Pisgah Cemetery in this county.

(Subjects: African American | Baseball Hall of Fame | Cemeteries | Chandler, Albert Benjamin "Happy" | Schools | University of Kentucky)

Jerome Bonaparte Robertson, 1815-1891
(Marker Number: 659)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, Versailles

Description: Confederate brigadier general. Born in Woodford County. Transylvania University, medicine, 1835. Moved to Texas, 1836. Practiced medicine, Indian fighter, member legislature and Texas secession convention. Wounded at Second Manassas and Gettysburg. Fought at Chickamauga, Knoxville, and in Texas. Father of CSA Brig. Gen. Felix H. Robertson.

(Reverse) Randall Lee Gibson, 1832-1892 - Confederate brigadier general. Born in Woodford, home of his grandfather. Parents lived Louisiana. Graduate Yale Univ., 1853. Distinguished for leadership at Shiloh, in 1862 Kentucky campaign, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and Hood's later invasion of Tennessee. U.S. House 1875-83, and Senate 1883-92, from Louisiana. Buried Lexington, Ky., Cemetery.

(Subjects: Civil War | Confederate Army | Lexington | Transylvania University)

Labrot & Graham Distillery
(Marker Number: 1986)

County: Woodford
Location: 7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles

Description: One of Kentucky's oldest working distilleries was built on Grassy Springs Branch of Glenn's Creek by Elijah Pepper about 1812. His son, Oscar Pepper, later hired Dr. James Crow as master distiller. Crow perfected the art of bourbon making by introducing scientific methods. The Labrot & Graham Distillery succeeded Old Pepper's in 1878. Presented by Brown-Forman Corp.

(Subjects: Creeks | Distilleries)

Labrot & Graham Distillery
(Marker Number: 1987)

County: Woodford
Location: Jct. US 60 & Grassy Spring Road, Versailles

Description: One of Kentucky's oldest working distilleries was built on Grassy Springs Branch of Glenn's Creek by Elijah Pepper about 1812. His son, Oscar Pepper, later hired Dr. James Crow as master distiller. Crow perfected the art of bourbon making by introducing scientific methods. The Labrot & Graham Distillery succeeded Old Pepper's in 1878. Presented by Brown-Forman Corp.

(Subjects: Creeks | Distilleries)

Lt. Gen. Field Harris, USMC, 1895-1967
(Marker Number: 1322)

County: Woodford
Location: Pisgah-Mt. Vernon Rd., 1 mi. N. of US 60

Description: Commanding general of US Marine Air Wing at invasion of Guadalcanal, 1942, WW II; and Korea, 1950. US Naval Academy, 1917; WW I. A courageous and inspiring leader. Harris' 21 combat decorations included army and navy Distinguished Service Medals, Legion of Merit with 3 Gold Stars, Order of British Empire. Buried in Pisgah Cemetery.

(Reverse) Military Forebears

Lt. Gen. Field Harris, USMC, ancestors included:

William Field, came to Ky. with Harrod, then fought in Dunmore's War, 1774.

Col. John Field, killed at Point Pleasant, Dunmore's War, 1774.

Capt. Benjamin Field, Revolution, 1780-81.

Col. Ezekiel Field, Revolutionary War, died at Battle of Blue Licks, 1782.

Gen. E. H. Field, a parade marshal at ceremonies of Boone reinterment, 1845. Fought in Mexican War, 1847.

Midway
(Marker Number: 1580)

County: Woodford
Location: Railroad St., US 62, Midway

Description: First Kentucky town established by a railroad. In 1831, Lexington and Ohio Railroad Co. began railroad between Lexington and Frankfort and first train reached midway point, 1833. John Francisco farm bought by L&O in 1835; town of Midway laid out by R. C. Hewitt, civil engineer for railroad. Many streets named for L&O officials. Midway incorporated, 1846, by Ky. legislature.

(Subjects: Railroads)

Midway Christian Church
(Marker Number: 2280)

County: Woodford
Location: 123 East Bruen St., Midway

Description: Early members of this church met on Main St. soon after the town was founded in 1833. Dr. L .L. Pinkerton dedicated first building on this site, Christmas Day, 1844. Pinkerton & members of the church founded the Kentucky Female Orphan School (chartered in 1847) which later became present-day Midway College.

(Reverse) Out of this church, Midway Second Christian Church was organized prior to the Civil War. Notable visitors were preacher Alexander Campbell and Carry Nation. In 1859 Pinkerton used a melodeon in worship, leading to a split of the Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ. The Victorian Romanesque building was dedicated in 1896.

(Subjects: Christian Church | Civil War | Orphanages | Nation, Carry)

Midway Junior College-Pinkerton High School
(Marker Number: 1087)

County: Woodford
Location: Entrance to college, US 62, Midway

Description: Operated by Kentucky Female Orphan School since 1944. Orphan school was founded by James Parrish and Dr. Lewis L. Pinkerton. It was the first female orphan school in the United States. Chartered by 1846 Kentucky Legislature. Opened in 1849 with 14 students present, and for over a century has provided for deserving young women.

(Subjects: Orphanages | Schools)

Morgan at Midway
(Marker Number: 516)

County: Woodford
Location: US 62 at railroad, Midway

Description: Taking 300 abandoned USA horses and mules at Versailles, Morgan's Raiders came here July 15, 1862. Advised of troop train approach from Frankfort he had tracks torn up and howitzers set. Train warned and returned to Frankfort. Morgan took telegraph line and coaxed train at Lexington to come on but it turned back. He and his men reached Georgetown that evening.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan, John Hunt | Morgan's Raiders)

Morgan's First Raid
(Marker Number: 733)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, 62, Versailles

Description: On first Kentucky raid CSA Gen. John H. Morgan with 900 cavalry in Lawrenceburg July 14, 1862; came here that night. Sent out scouts in all directions and took 300 USA horses and mules. Next day moved to Georgetown, then to Cynthiana, after which returned to Tennessee. See map on other side. On raid Morgan covered 1,000 miles in 24 days, raiding 17 towns.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan, John Hunt)

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 2303)

County: Woodford
Location: 1220 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles

Description: On June 6, 1822 a small band of Baptists formed a covenant to organize the church. The group built a meeting house that was used until 1903. The building was razed & a new sanctuary dedicated in 1905; it is still in use today. James Fishback was first pastor, 1822-38. In 1872 this church helped establish Midway Baptist Church.

(Subjects: Baptist Church)

Offutt-Cole Tavern
(Marker Number: 1649)

County: Woodford
Location: Nugent's Cross Roads, Old Frankfort Pike & US 62

Description: Site first owned by Hancock Taylor, early surveyor. Features of log section date it to 1780s-1790s. Major John Lee lived here, then leased to Horatio Offutt, who built brick section, 1802, for use as tavern. He rented building to John Kennedy and William Dailey, who opened famous stagecoach inn, 1804. Tavern operated by Richard Cole, Jr., 1812-1839. See over.

(Reverse) Offutt-Cole Tavern - Richard Cole, Jr.'s son, James, was father of Zerelda (Cole) James, mother of notorious Jesse and Frank James. Tavern later known as "Black Horse Tavern." It was operated as a tollgate house, 1848-80. Owned by Lexington, Versailles and Midway Road Co.; acquired by McCabe family in 1916 which deeded property to Woodford Co. Historical Society, 1979, for restoration. Over.

(Subjects: Taverns)

Pilgrim Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 2239)

County: Woodford
Location: 133 East Stephens St., Midway

Description: This church was organized on the second Sunday in January 1872 by Reverend James Knox Polk and 16 charter members. Rev. Polk was pastor for 47 years until his death in 1918. First church located on Parrish St. (now Walnut St.) and converted to African American school. Present church built in 1892 on this site. Membership was over 900 at one time.

(Subjects: African American | Baptist Church)

Pisgah Church: 3/4 Mile
(Marker Number: 86)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, 31/2 mi. E. of Versailles

Description: Pioneer Presbyterian Church, organized in 1784. Here Kentucky Academy opened in 1797. The school united with Transylvania University in 1798.

(Subjects: Presbyterian Church | Transylvania University)

Second Christian Church, Midway
(Marker Number: 2189)

County: Woodford
Location: Smith Street, Midway

Description: Early African American Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation established before the Civil War. While still a slave, Alexander Campbell served as first pastor. A log building on property of the Kentucky Female Orphan School was replaced by a frame church, c.1872. Present brick church completed in 1906. Presented by Second Christian Church, Midway.

(Subjects: African American | Christian Church)

Site of Rose Hill Academy, 1901-1918
(Marker Number: 1005)

County: Woodford
Location: Rose Hill St., US 62 West, Versailles

Description: Whose headmaster was Professor Matt Gay Jesse, a superb educator and builder of character of his students. Presented by his grateful alumni-1967.

(Subjects: Schools)

St. Matthew A.M.E. Church
(Marker Number: 2263)

County: Woodford
Location: 112 S. Winter Street, Midway

Description: St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church. Est. in 1860. Served as a recruitment office during Civil War. Lot was purchased May 9, 1854, for location of first church building. Rev. Moses Burks was 1st minister of the old frame church. In 1886, Rev. J. Frazier & members erected brick church that later burned with old frame church. Present church was built in 1892.

(Subjects: African American | Civil War | A.M.E. Church)

Watkins Tavern
(Marker Number: 1798)

County: Woodford
Location: Main St., Versailles

Description: Site of stone tavern/inn built by stonemason Thomas Metcalfe, later governor of Ky. Owned by Henry Watkins and wife Elizabeth, widow of Rev. John Clay and mother of Henry Clay. Lafayette, traveling from Frankfort to Lexington, was entertained here on May 15, 1825; greeted friends and veterans and had to address crowd from upper balcony. Tavern burned in 1886.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Governors | Lafayette, Marquis de | Taverns)

Woodford County Courthouses
(Marker Number: 1847)

County: Woodford
Location: Main & Court Sts., Versailles

Description: On this courthouse square in 1790 Jesse Graddy built, of logs, first of county's four courthouses. Total cost was $22.50. James and Henry Thompkins completed second one, of stone, 1794. Third hall of justice, built of brick in 1812-13, cupola with clock added by 1846; other additions later. Structure burned in 1965. Present courthouse completed 1970 by Gault Bros. of Lexington.

(Subjects: Architects | Courthouses)

Woodford County Hemp
(Marker Number: 1167)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, 1 mi. E. of Versailles

Description: One of chief producing counties, crop income reached a yearly high of $125,000 in the 1840s. During these peak years, there were 19 ropewalks, long sheds for spiral winding of hemp fibers. In 1941, Kentucky-Illinois Hemp Co. built a breaking plant at Versailles, with 2,000 acres of hemp under contract, using 4 binders and 16 reapers to harvest crop. See over.

(Reverse) Hemp in Kentucky - First crop grown, 1775. From 1840 to 1860, Ky.'s production largest in U.S. Peak in 1850 was 40,000 tons, with value of $5,000,000. Scores of factories made twine, rope, gunny sacks, bags for cotton picking and marketing. State's largest cash crop until 1915. Market lost to imported jute, freed of tariff. As war measure, hemp grown again during World War II. See over.

(Subjects: Hemp)

Woodford County's Civil War Generals
(Marker Number: 649)

County: Woodford
Location: US 62, Versailles

Description: Major General Charles William Field, 1828-1892, soldier, engineer; West Point, 1849. Frontier service in southwest to 1855, instructor in cavalry tactics West Point to 1861. Colonel 6th Virginia Cav. 1861. Brig. gen. infantry brigade 1862. Opened battle at Mechanicsville; fought at Cedar Mt., 2nd Bull Run, in latter seriously wounded, never fully recovering. 1864, maj. gen. in command Hood's Texas div. Bore heavy part in battles at Cold Harbor and Petersburg. His division half of Lee's army and only effective fighting unit intact left to surrender at Appomattox.

Brig. General James S. Jackson, 1823-1862, Union soldier, lawyer, Congressman, veteran Mexican War. Authorized by Lincoln, he recruited 3rd Ky. Cav. in fall 1861. For a time commanded Buell's entire cavalry. Commissioned brig. gen., assigned to command 10th Div. of Buell's army, July 1862. Leading troops at Perryville, he was killed Oct. 8, 1862. Forney wrote: "To die such a death, and for such a cause, was the highest ambition of a man like James S. Jackson. . . . He was a Union man for the sake of the Union; and now with his heart's blood, he has sealed his devotion to the flag."

Maj. General Eli Long, 1837-1903, Union soldier, graduated from Kentucky Military Institute, 1855. Frontier service against Indians until 1861. Organized 4th Ohio Cavalry as colonel, 1862. Commissioned brig. general, 1864. Commanded brigade during Atlanta campaign, 1864. He led an assault at Selma, Alabama, March 1865, where his bravery inspired the troops in Union's greatest cavalry victory and for which he was breveted maj. gen. During the Civil War he was wounded five times and cited for gallantry five times. After war lived at Plainfield, New Jersey, and is buried there in Hillsdale Cemetery.

(Reverse) Woodford County's Civil War Generals - Brigadier General Abraham Buford, 1820-1874; Confederate cavalryman; cousin of John and N. B. Buford. Graduate West Point, 1841; frontier service Kansas and Indiana terr., 1842-1846; brev. capt. Mexican War; raised, equipped a Kentucky Brig. for CSA, commissioned brig. general, 1862. Covered Bragg's retreat from Ky.; in Vicksburg campaign; twice raided Western Ky. and Paducah, capturing horses and vast supplies, spring 1864; led brigade in CSA victory, Brice's Cross Roads, Miss., June 1864; covered Hood's retreat after defeat at Nashville December 1864; defeated at Selma, Ala., March 1865. He lived at Bosque Bonita in Woodford Co., owning famous race horses Nellie Gray, Inquirer, Crossland, and Versailles.

Maj. Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte Buford, 1807-1883, Union soldier, graduate West Point 1827. Artillery school, 1827-1828; professor philosophy, West Point, 1834-1835; engineer Licking River improvement, 1835-1842; businessman, banker, Rock Island, Illinois, colonel Illinois Reg., 1861; brig. gen. 1862; commander District of East Arkansas; breveted maj. gen. 1865; U.S. Comm. to inspect Union Pacific R.R., 1867-1869.

Maj. Gen. John Buford, 1826-1863, Union cavalryman, graduate West Point 1848. Scouting, fighting Indians in west and southwest, 1848-61. Great endurance, fine disciplinarian, brig. gen. cav., 1862, and chief of cavalry, Army of Potomac. He fought at 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville; scouted Lee's move into Penn., selected strategic defense positions at Gettysburg and held CSA advance until Union infantry arrived. He died of overexertion and wounds, at age 37, Dec. 16, 1863, holding a major general commission signed by Abraham Lincoln.

(Subjects: Buell, Don Carlos | Civil War | Horses | Lincoln, Abraham | Mexican War | Perryville, Battle of | West Point)

Woodford County, 1789
(Marker Number: 1221)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, Versailles

Description: Last of nine formed by Virginia before Kentucky became a state in 1792. Original county taken from Fayette and extended as far north as the Ohio River; included the area of 7 present counties and parts of 4 others. Versailles was established as county seat by the first Kentucky legislature, 1792, and was named for Versailles, France. See over.

(Reverse) County Named - For General William Woodford, a Virginian, commander of the First Brigade of the Continental army. Active in campaign to drive out Lord Dunmore, the colonial governor of Virginia, who later left the colonies and returned to England. Woodford was taken prisoner at fall of Charleston, later died in captivity under the British at New York, 1780. Over.

(Subjects: Dunmore, John Murray | Revolutionary War)