KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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Albery Allson Whitman
(Marker Number: 2194)

County: Hart
Location: 600 East Union St., Munfordville

Description: A noted 19th century African American poet, Whitman was born into slavery in Hart County on May 30, 1851. Self-educated, by age 22 he had published two books of poetry, Essay on the Ten Plagues and Other Miscellaneous Poems and Leelah Misled. He moved to Zanesville, Oh., and wrote a third book, Not a Man and Yet a Man.

(Reverse) After attending Wilberforce Univ., he became a minister in the A.M.E. Church. He is remembered for narrative poems celebrating the potential of African Americans emerging from slavery. The street north of this marker is named in his honor.

(Subjects: African American | Poets | Slavery)

An Indian Ambush
(Marker Number: 1299)

County: Hart
Location: Bonnieville, Jct. US 31-W & KY 728

Description: In 1788, William Smuthers, Gilbert LeClerc and his wife, pioneers, were on their way to settle the land they had bought, which later became the site of Munfordville. The men were killed by Indians, about 4 miles SE of here. The deed taken as part of the booty. Land resold before title was found not to be clear. Original deed found and building in town was resumed.

(Subjects: Indians)

Bacon Creek Bridge
(Marker Number: 530)

County: Hart
Location: Bonnieville, US 31-W

Description: The L&N R.R. bridge near here, a main USA supply line between Louisville and Bowling Green, was destroyed by Confederate troops in late 1861. Before repairs were complete, Morgan's Raiders burned it Dec. 5, 1861. This act brought Morgan's daring to public eye. A year later Morgan again burned the trestle and stockade, taking 93 prisoners of 91st Ill. Vol.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan, John Hunt)

Battle of Munfordville
(Marker Number: 119)

County: Hart
Location: 2 mi. S. of Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: Union forces commanded by Colonel Wilder surrendered to Mississippi regiments of General Bragg's army on September 17, 1862, following battle on the 14th. 50 killed and 307 wounded. Bragg evacuated Munfordville on 20th before General Buell's forces arrived. Confederates destroyed railroad bridge. Site of Fort Craig and monument to Colonel R. A. Smith 1500 ft. west.

(Subjects: Bragg, Braxton | Buell, Don Carlos | Civil War | Forts and Stations)

Battle of Rowletts Station
(Marker Number: 1504)

County: Hart
Location: 2 mi. S. of Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: Four hundred yards west of this site, December 17, 1861, Colonel B. F. Terry, 8th Texas Cavalry, CSA, was killed. He was leading his Rangers in a charge against troops, formed in a hollow square, of the 32d Indiana Volunteers under the command of Colonel August Willich. Presented by Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations)

Church-Hospital
(Marker Number: 879)

County: Hart
Location: Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: Munfordville Presbyterian Church, founded, 1829. In Sept., 1862, during the siege of Munfordville, the Union Army commandeered this church for use as a hospital with nurses' quarters in house at left. Those who died in battle or of wounds removed to Nashville; 359 who died from other causes buried in scattered and unmarked graves. CSA casualties buried on field.

(Subjects: Civil War)

Early Gunpowder Mill
(Marker Number: 875)

County: Hart
Location: New Linwood, US 31-E

Description: Two miles east on Lynn Camp Creek John Courts built, 1811-12, first commercial gunpowder mill in the State of Kentucky. Located near two large springs that furnished power to grind the charcoal made on site. Mixed with saltpeter and sulphur, finer product made rifle powder and coarser for cannon and blasting powder. Used in War of 1812 through period of Civil War.

(Subjects: War of 1812)

Glen Lily
(Marker Number: 155)

County: Hart
Location: Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: Built 1819-1822 by Colonel Aylette Hartswell Buckner. Birthplace of his son, General Simon Bolivar Buckner (1823-1914), Confederate States Army Commander, Governor of Kentucky, 1887-1891, nominee for Vice-Presidency, 1896.

(Subjects: Buckner, Simon Bolivar)

Hart County
(Marker Number: 43)

County: Hart
Location: Munfordville, Courthouse lawn, US 31W, KY 88

Description: Created January 19, 1819, named for Captain Nathaniel G. T. Hart. Born 1784. Died 1813.Brought in childhood from Hagerstown, Md. to Lexington, Ky. Successful in both law and mercantile business. In 1812 raised and commanded Lexington Light Infantry; with his company went to Northwest Territory; severely wounded at Battle of Raisin; taken prisoner by the British. Promised safe escort home he was betrayed by British officer he had once befriended: brutally murdered by Indian escort. Erected by schoolchildren of Hart Co. under auspices of National Society United States Daughters of 1812.

(Subjects: Indians | Raisin River, Battle of | War of 1812)

Hart County, 1819
(Marker Number: 1236)

County: Hart
Location: Munfordville, Courthouse lawn, US 31-W

Description: The 61st formed in Kentucky, from parts of Hardin, Barren counties. Home of the Buckners. Simon Bolivar Buckner, graduate of West Point, captain in Mexican War, CSA general in the Civil War, governor of Kentucky, 1887-91, candidate for US Vice-President, 1896. His son S. B. Buckner, Jr., commanding general 10th US Army, killed Okinawa, 1945. Both buried Frankfort, Ky., Cemetery.

(Subjects: Buckner, Simon Bolivar | World War II)

Henry Clay Furnace
(Marker Number: 1390)

County: Hart
Location: Adjacent to Courthouse, Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: Furnace built 71/4 miles east in 1832 by Aylette Hartswell Buckner, S. V. Leedom, Cadwallader Churchill. A stone stack about 35 ft. high, 9 ft. across at widest inside, it burned charcoal fuel to produce pig iron and utensils from local ore. Its air-blast machinery was powered by a water wheel. Its operations were discontinued in 1837. See the other side.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Joseph A. Altsheler
(Marker Number: 1002)

County: Hart
Location: KY 218, Three Springs

Description: Author, newspaperman. Wrote more than 40 books based on American history and designed especially for young people. A native of Three Springs, educated at Glasgow, Ky., and Vanderbilt Univ. On staff of the Louisville Courier-Journal, 1885-92; joined New York World, 1892, as editor of its tri-weekly edition. His books reached peak of popularity about 1918. Died, 1919.

(Subjects: Authors | Courier-Journal (Louisville))

L&N Railroad Bridge
(Marker Number: 2160)

County: Hart
Location: KY 31W at Green River Bridge

Description: The railroad bridge over the Green River stands a quarter mile to the southwest. Constructed 1857-59 by engineer Albert Fink, the bridge was at the time the largest iron bridge in the United States, with a total length of 1,800 ft. Stonemasons John W. Key & sons built the piers from local limestone.

(Reverse) The L&N railroad bridge became vital in the Civil War. Two battles were fought here for control of this major link. Confederate General Simon B. Buckner ordered Key to destroy two spans to prevent Union use. Bridge repaired by Union and later reengineered.

(Subjects: Civil War | Railroads)

Last Recorded Indian Raid
(Marker Number: 1414)

County: Hart
Location: 1/2 mi. NE of Legrande, KY 436

Description: In Oct. 1792, ten Indians attacked party of travelers at Oven Spring. Two men and one woman were killed, a girl and woman captured, five pack horses taken. Settlers under leadership of Capt. William Edgar pursued raiding party four days, overtook them at Roberts Spring, killed all the Indians and rescued the woman and girl. Records show no later raid in area.

(Subjects: Indians)

Lt. Charles Moran-USAF
(Marker Number: 1207)

County: Hart
Location: Horse Cave, Jct. US 31-W & KY 218

Description: Shot down a lead plane of first invading flight of the Korean War, June 27, 1950. Four of enemy's nine fighter planes destroyed. Lt. Moran was killed in action 40 days later, Aug. 7, 1950. Member of 68th Fighter (AW) Squadron. Born in Horse Cave in 1924. Grandson of "Uncle Charlie" Moran, Centre's famous football coach. Lt. Moran buried in Horse Cave Cemetery.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Centre College | Korean War)

Lt. Gov. James G. Hardy
(Marker Number: 1491)

County: Hart
Location: Near Barren County line, US 31-E

Description: Politician and outstanding orator who came to Barren Co. at an early age. He was born in Virginia in 1795, and is buried near here. A surveyor and teacher who for many years represented Barren Co. in the Kentucky Legislature. Town of Hardyville in Hart County named for him. Hardy was elected Lieutenant Governor in August, 1855. Served one year until his death, 1856.

Morgan Inducted-CSA
(Marker Number: 1235)

County: Hart
Location: US 31-W & KY 88

Description: On site, 1200 feet west, stood the church, his headquarters, where Gen. John Hunt Morgan and 84 of his men were formally sworn in, October 27, 1861, as the Second Cavalry Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers, CSA. Formerly part of the Lexington Rifles, they joined Confederates at Green River, and their daring exploits earned them the sobriquet "Morgan's Raiders."

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

Old Munford Inn
(Marker Number: 204)

County: Hart
Location: 1st & Main, Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: One block west stands a log inn built on a pioneer trail in 1810 by Thomas Munford, brother of founder of Munfordville. Among the many distinguished guests was General Andrew Jackson in 1829 enroute to his inauguration as seventh President of USA.

(Subjects: Jackson, Andrew)

On Washington's Guard
(Marker Number: 1190)

County: Hart
Location: At Three Forks Baptist Church, Hammonsville, KY 357

Description: Sergeant Joseph Timberlake, born in Va., 1752; buried here, 1841. Revolutionary soldier. One of the members of General Washington's bodyguard. All were chosen as being "sober, young, active and well built, men of good character that possess pride of appearing soldier like, those having family connection in this country, and men of some property."

(Subjects: Revolutionary War | Washington, George)

Rowlett's Station
(Marker Number: 656)

County: Hart
Location: 1,000 ft. N. of Rowletts on US 31-W

Description: In fall of 1861, Federals planned move into Tennessee by the Cumberland River and, under General D. C. Buell, by land through here. CSA wrecked important bridge over Green River Dec. 10, to block USA move. Union force under Col. A. Willich sent to repair, defend bridge. CSA led by Gen. T. C. Hindman came here to wreck tracks, December 17, 1861. After sharp battle CSA withdrew south.

(Subjects: Buell, Don Carlos | Civil War | Forts and Stations)

Site, Aetna Furnace
(Marker Number: 949)

County: Hart
Location: Jonesville, US 31-E

Description: Built in 1816, first iron furnace in western half of Kentucky. Salt and iron sought by early settlers. Charles Wilkins, Ruggles Whiting, and Jacob Holderman were partners in this furnace until 1826, when Holderman became the sole owner. Property included 10,500 acres of land. Furnace operated until the 1850's. Holderman family cemetery located near site of furnace.

Thelma Stovall (1919-1994)
(Marker Number: 2171)

County: Hart
Location: Old Street, Munfordville

Description: Born in Munfordville, Ky., Thelma began working at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Co. at 15 to help her family during the Depression. There she met L. R. Stovall; they married in 1936. Thelma studied at UK, EKU and LaSalle Extension University. Her first elected position was as recording secretary for a union.

(Reverse) A dedicated public servant, she held various appointed and elected positions, including sec. of state and state treasurer for over 30 years. In 1975, Thelma was elected Kentucky’s first female lt. governor. As acting governor in 1978, she fought for legislation in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment.

(Subjects: Governors | Women)