KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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Courthouse Burned
(Marker Number: 583)

County: Cumberland
Location: Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90

Description: Gen. Hylan B. Lyon with 800 men invaded Ky., Dec. 1864, to enforce CSA draft law and divert USA from Nashville. In 23 days he burned seven courthouses used by Union forces. (See map on reverse side.) Raid ended at Burkesville with robbery of stores, impressment of horses and burning of courthouse, Jan. 3. All county records saved. Lyon then moved south to Alabama.

(Subjects: Civil War | Courthouses Burned)

Cumberland County
(Marker Number: 959)

County: Cumberland
Location: Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90

Description: Established, 1798, taken out of Green County. Later, between 1800 and 1860, parts of Wayne, Monroe, Russell, Clinton, Metcalfe were taken from its original territory. First known white men here, 1769. Daniel Boone explored area, 1771. Burkesville, laid out in 1798 on land owned by Samuel Burks, was vital riverport for timber and farm produce during steamboat era.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel)

Lincoln's Father Here
(Marker Number: 885)

County: Cumberland
Location: Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90

Description: Thomas Lincoln made claim for land in Cumberland County in May, 1801. In Jan., 1802 and again in 1804 he was appointed constable. On Sept. 5, 1802, he was commissioned ensign in Cornstalk Militia of Cumberland County. Returned to Washington County. Married Nancy Hanks 1806. To this union Pres. Lincoln was born. Thomas brought to Ky. from Va. as a child, 1782.

(Subjects: Hanks, Nancy | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Nancy Hanks | Lincoln, Thomas)

Melmont
(Marker Number: 1403)

County: Cumberland
Location: 2 mi. N. of Burkesville, KY 704

Description: The home of Brig. Gen. John Edwards King (1757-1828). Revolutionary War land grant for service through war attaining rank of Capt., 1780. Born in Va. Settled here 1799. Outstanding military tactician in War of 1812. Commended by Shelby for leadership in Battle of the Thames, 1813. Served as clerk of both county and circuit courts, 1803-24. His gravestone here.

(Subjects: Revolutionary War | Shelby, Isaac | Thames, Battle of | War of 1812)

Morgan-on to Ohio
(Marker Number: 515)

County: Cumberland
Location: Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90

Description: July 2, 1863, CSA Gen. John Hunt Morgan crossed Cumberland River near here, brushing aside Union patrols on north bank. Morgan placed some troops in ambush one mile from here and drove Union forces back to camp at Marrowbone. Morgan crossed Kentucky, invading Indiana and on into Northeastern Ohio, where he surrendered July 26. He was imprisoned at Columbus, Ohio.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan, John Hunt)

Old American Oil Well
(Marker Number: 1237)

County: Cumberland
Location: 3 mi. N. of Burkesville, KY 61

Description: Site of early American gusher that covered Cumberland River with oil and created spectacular "river of fire," March, 1829. Oil bottled from this well was widely sold for medicinal use in United States and Europe under trade name, "American Oil." The claims of the superior qualities of this oil merited it the name of Old American Oil Well. Original boring was for salt well.

Raiders Entered Here
(Marker Number: 601)

County: Cumberland
Location: Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90

Description: CSA Morgan's Raiders entered Kentucky here July 2, 1863. Union forces skirmished at Burkesville that day, followed by battles at Tebb's Bend July 4 and Lebanon on the 5th. At Brandenburg crossed Ohio River July 8 into Indiana. In northeastern Ohio, ammunition used up, they surrendered on July 26. Imprisoned at Columbus, Ohio, Morgan escaped Nov. 24, returned south.

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