KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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"Divine Elm"
(Marker Number: 1582)

County: Madison
Location: Ft. Boonesborough State Park near camping area, off KY 388

Description: Near this site, close to the walls of the fort, stood the "Divine Elm," a majestic tree, under whose boughs 100 persons could be seated. The old tree served as both council chamber and church in the development of this state. On May 23, 1775, it was site of the first legislative session held in Kentucky, presided over by Colonel Richard Henderson.

(Reverse) "Divine Elm" - Here, May 28, 1775, the first official Christian worship service in Kentucky was conducted by the Reverend John Lyth, representing the Church of England. To replace the original which fell in 1828, this elm tree was planted by the Boone Family Assn. on Sept. 2, 1927, near site of the "Divine Elm." At its roots was placed earth from thirty-seven historic American shrines.

"Sycamore Hollow"
(Marker Number: 1579)

County: Madison
Location: Ft. Boonesborough State Park near picnic shelter, off KY 388

Description: The area surrounding this marker was known as "Sycamore Hollow." Daniel Boone and his small group came here ca. April 1, 1775, and began construction of rough log huts. When Col. Richard Henderson arrived on April 20, 1775, fear of flooding caused him to have the location of the fort moved 300 yards to higher ground. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

(Reverse) "Sycamore Hollow" This hollow became the center of activity for Boonesborough. Located here were several sulphur and fresh water springs. Area around stream was known as the Salt Lick, where animals came for water and salt. This marks site of last giant sycamore tree, removed in 1932. Four or five men could stand in its shell. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Forts and Stations | Springs)

Big Hill Skirmish
(Marker Number: 1124)

County: Madison
Location: N. of US 421, near Jct. of Madison, Jackson & Rockcastle Counties

Description: Aug. 23, 1862, 650 cavalry of Gen. E. Kirby Smith's invading CSA army routed small Federal force under Col. Leonidas Metcalfe here on way to seize Ky., cooperating with CSA army under Gen. Braxton Bragg. Central Ky. captured, but plans to take Cincinnati and Louisville failed. CSA retired from Kentucky after Battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862.

(Subjects: Bragg, Braxton | Civil War | Kirby Smith, E. | Perryville, Battle of | Richmond, Battle of)

Cassius Marcellus Clay
(Marker Number: 1576)

County: Madison
Location: Entrance to Richmond Cemetery, US 25 & KY 52

Description: Buried in this cemetery is Cassius Marcellus Clay. As a result of his diplomacy in Russia, friendship between the two powers reached its highest peak. This helped prevent intervention of England and France during Civil War and provided an atmosphere which made possible purchase of Alaska, 1867.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Civil War | Clay, Cassius M.)

Christopher (Kit) Carson
(Marker Number: 79)

County: Madison
Location: Richmond, Tate's Creek Rd. [KY 169]

Description: Famous hunter, soldier and scout born near here. Carson (1809-1868) grew up in Mo.; began scouting career in Taos, N.M., at age 17. Won renown in piloting Fremont's Western expeditions; served in Mexican War. Appointed Indian agent, 1853, he was peacemaker and counselor. In Civil War, breveted brig. gen., U.S.A. Buried in Taos. Carson City, Nev., named for him.

(Subjects: Capitals | Civil War)

Church of Christ, Union
(Marker Number: 1767)

County: Madison
Location: In front of the Church, across from Boone Tavern Hotel, Berea, KY 21

Description: Founded 1853 by the Rev. John G. Fee of Bracken County on the invitation of local citizens and Cassius M. Clay, who projected an antislavery community here. Open in full equality to all races and nonsectarian, the church had a leading part in establishment of Berea College, 1855, and in cause of racial equality in this area. Presented by Congregation.

(Subjects: Berea College | Clay, Cassius M.)

Civil War Action
(Marker Number: 514)

County: Madison
Location: Big Hill, US 421

Description: Aug. 23, 1862, Col. Scott's La. cavalry, of Gen. Kirby Smith's invading army from Tenn., routed Col. Metcalfe and Union troops. Approaching Richmond as USA army arrived, Scott went back to Camp Wildcat, then joined Smith in Richmond victory, Aug. 30, 1862. Mar. 1864, Gen. Grant on way to take command of all US armies stopped at house south of here.

(Subjects: Camps | Civil War | Grant, Ulysses S. | Kirby Smith, E.)

Civil War Field Hospital
(Marker Number: 1825)

County: Madison
Location: Approx. 4 mi. S. of Richmond, US 421

Description: Built in 1852, this building was adjacent to location of the Battle of Richmond, August 29-30, 1862, and became field hospital for Gen. Wm. Nelson's 1st and 2nd brigades, USA. Mortality was high, and about forty Union soldiers were buried in mass grave near church. Reinterred in Camp Nelson National Cem., 1868. After war, building again served as Mt. Zion Christian Church. Over.

(Reverse) Civil War Field Hospital - On August 30, 1862, this building was struck by fire from Captain John T. Humphrey's Arkansas Artillery Battery, with Churchill's (3rd) Division of E. Kirby Smith's Provisional Army of Ky., CSA. Scar is still visible on south wall. Battle of Richmond brought a Confederate victory. After Battle of Perryville in October, Confederates retired from state.

(Subjects: Camps | Cemeteries | Christian Church | Civil War | Kirby Smith, E. | Nelson, William | Richmond, Battle of | Union Army)

County Named, 1786
(Marker Number: 1223)

County: Madison
Location: Richmond, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 421

Description: For James Madison, Virginia patriot whose political foresight led to the formation of many of our basic democratic principles. He was a member of Virginia's Constitutional Convention and her First Assembly, 1776. He was also influential in framing the Constitution of the United States and was 1 of 39 to sign it. He became the fourth US President, 1809-17. See over.

(Reverse) County Formed - One of nine created by Virginia before Kentucky became a state. Taken from Lincoln, it covered the area of 5 present counties and parts of 9 others to southeast. Richmond, made county seat in 1798, is 41/2 miles from original one at Milford, established in 1789. Richmond was settled by John Miller in 1785; first court was held in his barn. See over.

(Subjects: Madison, James)

Daniel Boone's Trace
(Marker Number: 1443)

County: Madison
Location: Northbound rest area on I-75

Description: Two miles east is location of the trail blazed in 1775 by Daniel Boone, who was then an agent for the Transylvania Co. This famous road was used by thousands of settlers traveling to Kentucky. Boone's Trace entered Ky. at Cumberland Gap, crossed the Cumberland River at Pineville, ran northwest past London, and ended at the fort at Boonesborough on the Ky. River.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Cumberland Gap | Kentucky River | Transylvania University)

First Ferry in Kentucky
(Marker Number: 1578)

County: Madison
Location: Approx. 500 ft. N. of Main Entrance to Ft. Boonesborough State Park, KY 388

Description: License for first ferry established in state, Oct. 1779, was granted to Col. Richard Callaway by the Virginia legislature. The fare for a man or a horse was three shillings (50 cents). Ferry operated until 1931, when the present bridge was constructed. Its last owner was Colonel David J. Williams. Ferry road remains nearby. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

(Reverse) Col. Richard Callaway - Born in Caroline County, Virginia, in June, 1722, Richard Callaway served in French and Indian wars and as a colonel in Revolutionary War. He was a member of Virginia House of Burgesses and one of the first settlers of Boonesborough. In process of building this ferry, Callaway was killed by Indians, Mar. 8, 1780, and buried near here. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

(Subjects: Boonesborough | Ferry | Indians | Revolutionary War)

For Mountain Youth
(Marker Number: 773)

County: Madison
Location: College Campus, Berea, US 25

Description: Berea College, founded 1855 by John G. Fee with the support of Cassius Marcellus Clay, in a one-room school built by the community. Its constitution, 1858, made it Christian, non-sectarian, anti-slavery. Compelled to close 1859 by pro-slavery factions, reopened 1865. Dedicated to the service of mountain areas, Berea is an historic monument to equality.

(Subjects: Berea College | Clay, Cassius M.)

Fort Boonesborough
(Marker Number: 1520)

County: Madison
Location: At Fort, Boonesborough, KY 388

Description: Boonesborough, "Capital of the Colony of Transylvania," was setted April, 1775, by Daniel Boone as the first fortified settlement in Kentucky. Near the fort under the "Divine Elm Tree" in May, 1775, Colonel Richard Henderson held the first legislative assembly of frontier settlers of Harrodsburg, St. Asaph, Boonesborough and Boiling Springs settlements.

(Reverse) Fort Boonesborough - In 1778, the Kentucky frontier was saved by two major military victories: The settlers withstood the Great Siege of Boonesborough and George Rogers Clark defeated British and Indians at Kaskaskia and Vincennes. This fort became the first town chartered in Kentucky, October, 1779, by the Virginia Assembly. See other side. Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Harrodsburg | Indians | Transylvania University)

Frances E. Beauchamp (1857-1923)
(Marker Number: 1872)

County: Madison
Location: Presbyterian Church, Main St., Richmond

Description: This Madison Co. native spearheaded the antiliquor crusade in Ky. and was a leading figure in temperance movement nationwide. A protegee of famed Frances E. Willard, Beauchamp lectured on dry cause throughout the country. Among other causes she championed were prison reform and woman suffrage. See over.

(Reverse) Prohibition Advocate - Frances Beauchamp was preeminent leader of dry cause in Kentucky. Pres. of Ky. Women's Christian Temperance Union from 1895 until her death in 1923. She served ten years as chairman of state Prohibition party at a time when women were denied the vote. Largely through Beauchamp's efforts, a prohibition amendment to Kentucky constitution was adopted in 1919.

Gov. James B. McCreary
(Marker Number: 1846)

County: Madison
Location: 527 W. Main St., Richmond

Description: This was home of James McCreary, twice gov. of Ky., 1875-79 and 1911-15. He was only governor to serve at both capitols and live as chief executive in both governor's mansions. McCreary served with South in Civil War, then in the state legislature, 1869-75. Later, as member of U.S. House and Senate, he aided in obtaining the Federal Building, now Richmond City Hall.

(Subjects: Civil War)

Grave of Hancock Taylor
(Marker Number: 1685)

County: Madison
Location: Approx. 1 mi. W. of Richmond, KY 52

Description: On Taylor's fork of Silver Creek, .7 mi. east, is burial place of Hancock Taylor. This pioneer was at Falls of Ohio in 1769 enroute to New Orleans and surveying in Ky. by 1773. A deputy surveyor under Wm. Preston, he was near mouth of Ky. River when shot by Indians in July 1774. Taylor rejoined party, and these companions brought him just south of Richmond, where he died.

(Subjects: Creeks | Falls of the Ohio | Indians | Rivers)

Home of Capt. Nathaniel Hart
(Marker Number: 1577)

County: Madison
Location: Approx. 1 mi. S. of Main Entrance to Ft. Boonesborough State Park, KY 388

Description: This old log house was built by Captain Nathaniel Hart, one of the proprietors of Transylvania Company. Hart settled near this spot in 1779 and named his settlement "White Oak Springs." He was joined here by some Dutch families from Pennsylvania. This structure is the oldest house still standing in Madison County. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

(Reverse) Nathaniel Hart - Nathaniel Hart was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1734. A key figure in the purchase of land in Kentucky from Cherokee Indians, he came to Boonesborough in 1775. Killed in 1782 by Indians near this old house, and buried across the road. His daughter, Susannah, became wife of Isaac Shelby, first and fifth Governor of Kentucky. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

(Subjects: Cherokee Indians | Forts and Stations | Shelby, Isaac | Transylvania University)

Laura Clay (1849-1941)
(Marker Number: 1800)

County: Madison
Location: 9 mi. N. of Richmond at White Hall, off US 25

Description: Woman's rights leader, born here, was pres. of Ky. Equal Rights Assn. 1888-1912. Daughter of Cassius M. Clay, Laura won coeducational, property, and joint guardianship rights for Ky. women and held key positions in National American Woman Suffrage Assn. Her associates included Susan B. Anthony. Woman suffrage gained by 19th Amendment, 1920. Laura Clay buried Lexington.

(Subjects: Books | Clay, Cassius M.)

Lion of White Hall
(Marker Number: 533)

County: Madison
Location: 7 mi. N. of Richmond, Jct. US 25 & KY 627

Description: West of here is White Hall, home of Cassius M. Clay (1810-1903). For a half century, Clay was a "firebrand" in American life. Fearless abolitionist, publisher of anti-slavery paper, The True American, captain in the Mexican War, legislator and Minister to Russia. When Ft. Sumter fell, he organized civilian guard for U.S. Capitol until army could protect.

(Subjects: Clay, Cassius M. | Forts and Stations)

Madison Hemp and Flax Co.
(Marker Number: 1362)

County: Madison
Location: 5.4 mi. W. of Eastern By-pass in Richmond, KY 52 at Silver Creek Bridge

Description: Began operations here on Silver Creek in 1806. The machinery for spinning hemp and flax was run by water power. In 1808, received permission from the legislature to incorporate and sell stock. Factory produced thread which was sold or used here for weaving. One hundred and six spindles were in operation, each capable of spinning daily 1/2 lb. thread suitable for linen. 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, oakum to caulk sailing ships and cotton bagging. 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 | World War II)

Medal of Honor Winners
(Marker Number: 2030)

County: Madison
Location: Richmond, Cem. Entrance, Main St.

Description: Pvt. William M. Harris and Pvt. Thomas W. Stivers were born in 1850 in Madison Co., Ky. Pvt. George D. Scott was born 1850 in Garrard Co., Ky. These three individuals joined Capt. Thomas B. Weir's Co. D, 7th U.S. Cavalry. They served in the Battle of Little Big Horn, Montana, under the command of General George Armstrong Custer.

(Reverse) Medal of Honor Winners - At great risk, Privates Harris, Stivers, and Scott voluntarily took water to the wounded under fire of the enemy at the Battle of Little Big Horn. After discharge, they received Congressional Medal of Honor in 1878. Both Pvt. Harris and Pvt. Stivers are buried in Madison Co., Ky. Pvt. Scott's final resting place remains unknown.

(Subjects: Medal of Honor Winners)

Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern
(Marker Number: 1905)

County: Madison
Location: 16 mi. S. of Richmond; 61/2 mi. SE of Berea, US 421

Description: Down this lane was a log tavern and overnight stop on the Old State Road from Cumberland Gap to Lexington by 1830s. The older half of building dates back to ca. 1800. During Civil War, Jones Tavern was held alternately by Confederate and Union forces. In Jan. 1864, Gen. U.S. Grant and staff stayed overnight on their way from east Tennessee to Lexington. Over.

(Reverse) Jones Tavern/CSA Cemetery - During the Battle of Richmond, Aug. 29-30, 1862, this building was a Confederate field hospital for men wounded while fighting farther north near Mt. Zion Church. Thirteen who died here, including a boy soldier only fifteen years old, are buried in a small cemetery in the woods above the house. See over.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Civil War | Cumberland Gap | Grant, Ulysses S. | Lexington | Richmond, Battle of | Taverns)

Richmond Prelude
(Marker Number: 1300)

County: Madison
Location: US 421, 1.2 mi. S. of Jct. US 25 at Terrill

Description: Confederates in Tennessee under Gen. E. Kirby Smith planned an invasion of the Blue Grass area. Finding Cumberland Gap protected, they entered through Rogers' Gap, heading for Lexington. US Gen. William Nelson sent Gens. M. D. Manson and Charles Cruft to oppose the invasion. The 2 armies, US 7,000, CSA 5,000, confronted each other 6 mi. below Richmond. See over.

(Reverse) Richmond-Battle - On Aug. 30, 1862, CSA forces repulsed the enemy in three separate engagements. Confederate Generals T. Churchill and P. Cleburne and Colonels P. Smith and John Scott led in battles at Mt. Zion Church, White's Farm, and at Richmond. The total dead, wounded, missing of both sides was 5,804. Federals retreated and scattered. The CSA moved on to Lexington. See over.

(Subjects: Civil War | Cumberland Gap | Kirby Smith, E. | Nelson, William | Richmond, Battle of)

Site of Barnes Mill
(Marker Number: 1871)

County: Madison
Location: Barnes Mill Rd., approx. 8 mi. from Richmond

Description: Here a mill operated continuously by same family for over one hundred years. Elias Barnes, Sr., a Rev. War soldier, built mill on Silver Creek by 1796. It passed to Elias, Jr., a blacksmith, and then to his son James, a captain in the Mexican War. Other family members operated Barnes Mill until ca. 1913. Barnes Mill Pike is all that remains. Presented by Mrs. Jamie Bronston Long.

(Subjects: Creeks | Mexican War | Mills | Revolutionary War)

Site of Boyhood Home of Red Foley
(Marker Number: 2114)

County: Madison
Location: Berea, KY 595 and Menelaus Rd.

Description: Born Clyde Julian Foley, June 17, 1910; nicknamed "Red" for his red hair. Recuited by Chicago's WLS Radio Station to perform on Barn Dance, 1931, renamed National Barn Dance and broadcast on NBC, 1933. Foley helped found Renfro Valley Barn Dance, 1938. Hosted Grand Ole Opry's "Prince Albert Show," 1946-53; ABC's "Ozark Jubilee," 1955-60.

(Reverse) Clyde Julian "Red" Foley - Foley costarred in ABC's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," 1962-63. "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" was number one on country and pop charts; "Peace in the Valley" first gospel song to sell over 1 million copies. First Kentuckian elected to Country Music Hall of Fame, 1967; inducted into Ky. Music Hall of Fame, 2002. Died Sept. 19, 1968. Presented by City of Berea.

(Subjects: Musicians)

Twitty's or Little Fort
(Marker Number: 77)

County: Madison
Location: Three quarter-miles west (S. of Richmond, US 25, 421

Description: Site of the first fort in Kentucky. Built March 1775 by Daniel Boone and party. Named for William Twitty, killed by Indians and buried by his slave Sam, near the fort.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Forts and Stations | Indians)

Valley View Ferry
(Marker Number: 1378)

County: Madison
Location: 12 mi. N. of Richmond at Ky. River, KY 169

Description: The oldest continuous business of record in Ky. On land acquired by John Craig in 1780 through a military warrant, the Virginia Assembly granted a perpetual and irrevocable franchise to establish ferry in 1785. Ferry is presently named for the location in picturesque Valley View community. Presented by Claude C. Howard and Family. Owners since 1950.

(Subjects: Ferry)

White Hall
(Marker Number: 2185)

County: Madison
Location: 500 White Hall Shrine Road

Description: In 1799, Gen. Green Clay completed Georgian-style home, Clermont, which was converted in the 1860s into an Italianate-style structure and renamed White Hall by his son Cassius M. Clay. While he served as U.S. minister to Russia, Cassius’s wife, Mary Jane Warfield Clay, oversaw the renovation.

White Hall fell into neglect after Clay’s death in 1903 but was restored by Kentucky First Lady Beula C. Nunn with assistance of the Kentucky Mansions Preservation Foundation, master carpenter Floyd Nuckles, and hundreds of donors. Dedicated on September 16, 1971, by Governor Louie B. Nunn. Over.

(Subjects: White Hall | Nunn, Beula)

White Oak Pond Church
(Marker Number: 1979)

County: Madison
Location: Richmond, 1238 Barnes Mill Rd.

Description: Original log church built here by 1790 became worship and community center for settlement of Milford, first county seat. Named for early minister J. R. Pond, church joined Tates Creek Baptist Assoc. in 1802. In the Civil War, J. R. Pond's nephew, Lt. Col. John Griffin Pond, fought for the Union, then later led forces against Ku Klux Klan. Presented by C.Y.F. Youth in memory of Bill Whitaker, Jr.

(Reverse) White Oak Pond Church - In 1827, county's first temperance society began here, where Nancy Irvine delivered first temperance talk for women in Kentucky and perhaps America. White Oak Pond and others joined Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) revival movement, 1830. In 1869, log church was disassembled and its hand-hewn timbers used to build present Greek Revival structure.