KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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A Masterful Retreat
(Marker Number: 638)

County: Lee
Location: Beattyville, KY 11, 52

Description: Gen. George W. Morgan's 9,000 USA force occupied Cumberland Gap June 18 to Sept. 17, 1862. Cut off from supplies, Morgan began 200-mile retreat. Searching for supplies the command came this way. CSA had burned flour mill night before. Retreat from Gap to Greenup on Ohio River, made in 16 days despite harassment by CSA Morgan's Raiders. Map other side.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan, George Washington | Morgan's Raiders)

County Named, 1870
(Marker Number: 792)

County: Lee
Location: Beattyville, Courthouse lawn, KY 11 & 52

Description: For Gen. Robert E. Lee, 1807-70. ". . . he was fearless among men. As a soldier, he had no superior and few equal." West Point graduate, 1829. Declined command U.S. Army and resigned, 1861. Named military adviser to CSA Pres. Davis, 1861. Commander Army Northern Va., 1862. Highest ranking CSA officer, 1865. President, Washington College, now Washington and Lee Univ., 1865-70.

Kentucky River Forms Here
(Marker Number: 1805)

County: Lee
Location: Beattyville Bypass

Description: North and Middle Forks unite below St. Helens, then join South Fork at Beattyville to form Kentucky River, which flows 255 miles to the Ohio. Kentucky River played primary role in early commerce of Lee Co. Steamboats came to Beattyville, near head of navigation, and river traffic increased with building of locks and dams. Coal and timber were shipped to various ports.

(Subjects: Coal | Kentucky River | Rivers | Steamboats)