KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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County Named, 1822
(Marker Number: 815)

County: Morgan
Location: West Liberty, Courthouse lawn, US 460

Description: For Daniel Morgan, 1736-1802. Born N.J. Moved to Va. Pontiac's War and Dunmore's expedition to Pa., 1774. Attack on Quebec, 1775. Colonel in command of Va. corps of 500 sharp shooters at Saratoga, Oct. 1777. A master of military art. As Brig. Gen. led victory at Cowpens, Jan. 1781. In command, suppression of Whiskey Rebellion, 1794. U.S. Congress, 1797-1799.

(Subjects: Morgan, Daniel | Revolutionary War)

CSA Gens. Morgan USA
(Marker Number: 648)

County: Morgan
Location: West Liberty, Main St., US 460

Description: General George W. Morgan's 9,000 USA force, cut off from supplies at Cumberland Gap, retreated 200 mi. in 16 days to Greenup on Ohio River. Camped here Sept. 24-25, 1862. Gen. John H. Morgan's CSA men, on tragic last raid into Kentucky, after two battles in Mt. Sterling met defeat at Cynthiana June 12, 1864. They moved through here on retreat to Va. Map on other side.

(Subjects: Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Morgan, George Washington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Founding of Morgan County
(Marker Number: 1991)

County: Morgan
Location: West Liberty, Old Mill Park, Riverside Dr., US 460 & KY 7

Description: Edmund Wells (1777-1846) settled here (then Floyd Co.) about 1814, operating a mill, ferry, and tavern. First meeting of Morgan County Court held at his home March 10, 1823, as directed by Ky. legislature. He provided land for co. seat, West Liberty; built first jail and courthouse; and served as justice of peace, sheriff, and county's second state legislator.

(Reverse) The Old Mill - Edmund Wells completed his grist mill here in 1816. Early roads connected Wells Mill (as first settlement was called) to Blaine in Lawrence County and other points in this county. The mill remained a central landmark beyond Wells' ownership (sold ca. 1838). Presented by Morgan County Historical Society.

(Subjects: Grist Mills | Mills)

West Liberty-Civil War
(Marker Number: 512)

County: Morgan
Location: West Liberty, Main St., US 460

Description: The first important engagement in eastern Kentucky occurred here on Oct. 23, 1861. USA forces led by Brig. Gen. Wm. Nelson surprised enemy under Capt. Andrew J. May. Civilian secessionists were captured and jailed Unionists released. Confederate losses 21 dead, 40 wounded, 34 captured. One Union soldier wounded. On Nov. 4, 1861 Gen. Nelson captured Prestonsburg.

(Subjects: Civil War | Nelson, William)