KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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Abraham Lincoln's First School
(Marker Number: 1482)

County: Larue
Location: Athertonville, US 31-E

Description: Lincoln's formal education began in a primitive log cabin near this site. While the Lincoln family was living on Knob Creek, he and his sister Sarah attended ABC schools for a short period of time. First school taught by Zachariah Riney; the second by Caleb Hazel. The Lincolns' home stood 2 miles south on the old Cumberland Road.

(Subjects: Creeks | Lincoln, Abraham)

Ashland
(Marker Number: 2235)

County: Fayette
Location: 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington

Description: Home of Henry Clay, born April 12, 1777, died June 29, 1852. Served as a state legislator, US rep. & senator, house speaker, secretary of state. He ran for president in 1824, 1832, & 1844. Also an attorney, he practiced law for more than 50 years. He imported and bred fine livestock here, including champion thoroughbreds. Over.

(Reverse) Clay & Abraham Lincoln- Lincoln called Clay "my beau ideal of a statesman, for whom I fought all my humble life." Lincoln voted for Clay in 1832 & 1844. Family of Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, were friends with Clay. Lincoln based his political ideology on ideals of Clay & quoted him in many important speeches. Over.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Horses | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Mary Todd)

Boyhood Home, 1793-1802
(Marker Number: 1334)

County: Logan
Location: Adairville, KY 591

Description: The Rev. Peter Cartwright, 1785-1872. A dedicated itinerant Methodist preacher in Kentucky for 22 years. Saved from "sins of his youth" and "licensed to exhort" during the Great Revival of 1800. Ordained 1808. He was Presiding Elder for 50 years and delegate to 13 General Conferences. Moved to Illinois in 1824. Defeated by Abraham Lincoln in race for Congress, 1847.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham | Methodist Church)

Buena Vista
(Marker Number: 1999)

County: Franklin
Location: Site of Todd summer home, US 421, Frankfort

Description: One-half mile south is site of two-story frame house best known as the summer residence of Robert S. Todd (1791-1849), father of first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. The large family took refuge here from the heat and cholera of summertime in Lexington. As a child, Mary Todd Lincoln spent many summers here. Presented by Cliff and Joan Howard.

(Reverse) Todd House - Mary Todd Lincoln later brought her own sons on visits to her stepmother Elizabeth Humphreys. Sometimes the future president, Abraham Lincoln, was able to join them, traveling by rail to nearby Duckers Station. The house was razed in 1947. Only a remnant of stone spring house remains. Over. Presented by Todd and Lincoln Friends.

(Subjects: Buena Vista, Battle of | Cholera | Forts and Stations | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Mary Todd)

Camp Dick Robinson
(Marker Number: 1750)

County: Garrard
Location: US 27, just SE of Jct. with KY 34

Description: Major General William Nelson was authorized by President Lincoln to establish, Aug. 1861, first camp south of Ohio River for recruitment of federal troops in Civil War. Named for Richard M. Robinson, a Union supporter, who offered house and farm as campsite. Noted stagecoach stop, the house was also Nelson's headquarters. Camp later moved to Camp Nelson in Jessamine County.

(Subjects: Camps | Lincoln, Abraham | Nelson, William | Stagecoach Stops | Union Army)

Camp Nelson
(Marker Number: 1515)

County: Jessamine
Location: In park at Camp Nelson, US 27

Description: Named for Major General William Nelson, who established first Union recruiting center south of Ohio River, 1861. Original camp, Garrard Co., called Camp Dick Robinson. For better protection from invading CSA armies of Tenn., camp moved to Jessamine side of Ky. River. Major General George H. Thomas renamed it Camp Nelson. Occupied until end of war; now U.S. military cem. Over.

(Reverse) Maj. Gen. William Nelson - A navy lieutenant when he founded Camp Dick Robinson, Gen. Nelson was the only naval officer, CSA or USA, to become full-rank Civil War major general. He persuaded Lincoln to abandon "hands off" policy in Ky. and to supply 5,000 guns to Union supporters. Killed by fellow Union officer, Jeff C. Davis, in personal dispute at Galt House in Louisville, September 29, 1862.

(Subjects: Camps | Civil War | Lincoln, Abraham | Nelson, William | Rivers | Union Army)

Cardome
(Marker Number: 718)

County: Scott
Location: N. lawn of Cardome Center, US 25

Description: Home of Gov. James F. Robinson, 1844 until death, at age 82, in 1882. He succeeded Beriah Magoffin who resigned as Governor, August 1862, after refusing Lincoln's call for troops. Robinson supported Union during year as Governor. Lawyer, jurist of distinction. Trustee, Georgetown College, 1831-81, and President of Board, 1864-81. House built, 1821: Cardome Academy, 1896.

(Subjects: Georgetown College | Lincoln, Abraham)

Charles S. Morehead, 1802-1868
(Marker Number: 1910)

County: Christian
Location: Pioneer Cem., W. 13th St., Hopkinsville

Description: This Ky. governor and congressman was born near Bardstown. A graduate of Transylvania, he began law practice in Hopkinsville. Morehead served in state legislature, as attorney general, in U.S. House of Rep., and as governor of Ky., 1855-59. During his administration, geological survey completed, state prison enlarged, and funds allotted for annual state fair. See over.

(Reverse) Charles Slaughter Morehead - Hoping to avert civil war, Morehead attended Washington Peace Conf., 1861. Although neutral, he sympathized with Confederacy and criticized Lincoln's policies. Arrested by federal leaders and imprisoned for several months. Warned of another arrest, he fled to Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Died at his Mississippi plantation, 1868. Buried in Frankfort Cem.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Frankfort | Kentucky State Penitentiary | Lincoln, Abraham | Transylvania University)

Creelsboro
(Marker Number: 1109)

County: Russell
Location: Creelsboro, KY 1313

Description: Laid out, 1809, named for Elijah and Elza Creel, pioneers whose son, Reuben, served US in Mexico; his son Enrique served Mexico in US. An interpreter for General W. T. Ward during Mexican War, Reuben stayed on there, was appointed US Consul, 1863, by Pres. Lincoln. Enrique was Governor of Chihuahua State, 1903 to 1906, and Mexican Ambassador to US, 1906 to 1909.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham | Mexican War)

Farmington
(Marker Number: 2231)

County: Jefferson
Location: 3033 Bardstown Road, Louisville

Description: Historic residence completed 1816 for John and Lucy (Fry) Speed. The Jefferson-inspired plan by Paul Skidmore includes octagonal rooms, rare in 19th c. Kentucky. As many as 64 African Americans enslaved at Farmington worked the 550-acre hemp plantation. Abraham Lincoln spent three weeks here in 1841 as guest of the family of his closest friend, Joshua Speed.

(Reverse) After his visit, Lincoln described a group of shackled slaves he saw on his steamboat trip home. Later he called the memory a “continual torment to me.” During the Civil War the Speeds supported the Union and Joshua’s ties to Lincoln helped secure Kentucky for the Union. Lincoln appointed James Speed Attorney General in 1864.

(Subjects: African American | Architects | Civil War | Hemp | Lincoln, Abraham | Slavery)

First Presbyterian Church
(Marker Number: 2277)

County: Fayette
Location: 174 N. Mill Street, Lexington

Description: Founded 1784. Oldest congregation in continuous existence in city. Founders were hunting party members who selected city’s site and named it Lexington in honor of first battle of the American Revolution. First pastor Adam Rankin’s home, oldest house in Lexington at 317 South Mill St., built in 1784.

(Reverse) Abraham Lincoln attended several services during the pastorate of Robert J. Breckinridge, 1847-53, initiating a lifelong friendship. This building, sixth home of the congregation, designed by Elder Cincinnatus Shryock, completed in 1872. It was considered his Gothic masterpiece. Renovated in 2007; received preservation award.

(Subjects: Lexington | Lincoln, Abraham | Presbyterian Church | Revolutionary War)

Fourth Street
(Marker Number: 1724)

County: Jefferson
Location: Near north entry to the Galleria, Louisville

Description: During Civil War, "Newspaper Row" stood in this area along Green (Liberty) St. On north side was pro-Union Journal; on south side, pro-southern Courier. Union Army Hq. was on west side of Fourth near Walnut. Macauley Theater opened in 1873 near Fourth and Walnut. It hosted Sarah Bernhardt in 1880. Mark Twain spoke in the area, 1885. Presented by the City of Louisville.

(Reverse) A Civil War Compass - From Galleria, all compass points have Civil War personality ties. One block west, Abe Lincoln visited James Speed's law office (1841). One block east is Christ Church, whose rector, Rev. Ashe, married Jeff Davis and Sarah Knox Taylor (1835). One block south, U. S. Grant visited Henry Watterson (1879). One block north, John Wilkes Booth performed on stage (1864). Over.

(Subjects: Actors | Civil War | Clemens, Samuel Langhorne (Mark Twain) | Courier-Journal (Louisville) | Davis, Jefferson | Episcopal Church | Grant, Ulysses S. | Lincoln, Abraham | Louisville | Newspapers)

Governor Thomas E. Bramlette
(Marker Number: 2234)

County: Jefferson
Location: Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville

Description: Lawyer, legislator, soldier, and governor, he was born on Jan. 3, 1817, in present Clinton County. During Civil War he raised and was colonel of 3rd Ky. Union Inf. In 1862, Pres. Lincoln appointed him US Dist. Attorney for Ky. The next year he became governor after an election rife with Union military interference. Over.

(Reverse) During the war, resisted Confed. guerrillas & Lincoln over black troops, habeas corpus, & civilian arrests. Governor until 1867, he supported pardons for ex-CSA and fought Freedmen's Bureau, 14th & 15th constitutional ammend. Estab. Ag. & Mech. College, forerunner to Univ. of Ky. After term was a Louisville lawyer. Died 1875.

(Subjects: Civil War | Confederate Army | Governors | Lincoln, Abraham | Louisville | University of Kentucky)

Governor's Birthplace
(Marker Number: 1306)

County: Clinton
Location: 4 mi. S. of Albany, US 127

Description: Thomas E. Bramlette born near here on Jan. 3, 1817. State legislature in 1841. Appointed by Gov. John Crittenden as the commonwealth's attorney, 1848. Circuit judge, 1856-1860. Accepted Federal Army commission in 1861. Raised and commanded 3rd Ky. Inf. Resigned in 1862. Appointed by Pres. Lincoln as US district attorney. Elected governor in 1863. He died, 1875.

(Subjects: Crittenden, John J. | Lincoln, Abraham)

Helm Cemetery
(Marker Number: 833)

County: Hardin
Location: Elizabethtown, Jct. US 31-W & KY 447

Description: This pioneer cemetery includes the graves of John LaRue Helm, who served two incomplete terms as Governor of Kentucky, and his son, Confederate Gen. Ben Hardin Helm, who fell at battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. Gen. Helm and Abraham Lincoln married half-sisters, Emilie and Mary Todd, the daughters of Robert S. Todd of Lexington, Kentucky.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Governors | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Mary Todd)

House of History
(Marker Number: 1446)

County: Washington
Location: 301 Walnut St., Springfield, KY 555

Description: Built on part of Matthew Walton's land used to establish Springfield. Deeded, 1817, to John Thompson by the town trustees. Bought same year by John Bainbridge, who operated a tavern there. Sold in 1830 to D. H. Spears, noted silversmith. Later owned by James Calhoun, who boasted he cast only vote for Lincoln tallied in county, 1860. Named Ky. Landmark House in 1969.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham | Silversmiths)

Jesse Head Homesite
(Marker Number: 1038)

County: Washington
Location: Lincoln Park Road, Springfield, KY 528

Description: On June 12, 1806 he performed the marriage of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, who, in 1809, became the parents of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the U.S. Head, born in Maryland in 1768, "came-a-preaching" to Kentucky in 1798. Cabinet maker, justice of peace, on Sundays he preached fearlessly. Moved shop to Harrodsburg, 1810, kept on preaching, began newspaper.

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

John Larue Helm, 1802-1867
(Marker Number: 1912)

County: Hardin
Location: Elizabethtown, Jct. US 31-W & KY 447

Description: This Hardin Co. native was one of Kentucky's most celebrated lawyers. In legislature 17 yrs.; rose to House Speaker. Elected lt. gov., he became gov. when John J. Crittenden resigned, 1850. Pres. of L&N R.R., 1854-60, when railroad completed. A harsh critic of Pres. Lincoln, Helm favored neutrality for Ky. in the Civil War. Elected gov., 1867. Died after five days in office.

(Subjects: Civil War | Crittenden, John J. | Lincoln, Abraham | Louisville and Nashville Railroad)

John Marshall Harlan (1833-1911)
(Marker Number: 1606)

County: Boyle
Location: Weisiger Park, Main St., Danville

Description: Born in Boyle Co. and a graduate of Centre College, 1850, Harlan practiced law in central Ky. after 1853. Although against Lincoln and abolition in 1860, he was a strong Unionist during Civil War; recruited 10th Ky. Infantry. Elected Attorney General of Kentucky in 1863. Supported rebuilding Union and amendments 13-15. Named to Supreme Court by Pres. Hayes; served nearly 34 yrs.

(Reverse) Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" - During John Marshall Harlan's Supreme Court tenure, he authored 1161 opinions, spoke for the Court 745 times and wrote 316 dissents. Harlan was a highly respected jurist because of his individualism, dedication, and courage. He dissented with vigor, often alone, on issues of civil rights, interstate commerce, and income tax. Many of his dissents became the law of the land.

(Subjects: Centre College | Civil War | Lincoln, Abraham)

John Todd Stuart, 1807-1885
(Marker Number: 2244)

County: Boyle
Location: Main Street, Danville

Description: Abraham Lincoln’s friend and 1st law partner was born on Nov. 10, 1807, in Fayette Co. The son of a Presbyterian minister & Mary Todd Lincoln’s aunt, Stuart graduated from Centre College in 1826. Two years later he became a lawyer in Springfield, IL. Met Lincoln when an officer in Black Hawk War and encouraged him to study law. Over.

(Reverse) Lent Lincoln law books and they were law partners, 1837–1841. He was a Whig in IL legislature and US Cong. Backed John Bell over Lincoln in 1860 election and went to Cong. as Democrat in 1862. Was frequent White House visitor despite disagreeing with some of Lincoln’s policies. Was pres. of Natl. Lincoln Monument Assoc.

(Subjects: Centre College | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Mary Todd | Lawyers)

Joseph Holt
(Marker Number: 552)

County: Breckinridge
Location: 4 mi. E. of Cloverport, US 60 & KY 144

Description: Six miles north are birthplace and grave of Joseph Holt, 1807-1896. He was Commissioner of Patents, Postmaster General and Secretary of War in President Buchanan's Administration, 1857-1861. Lincoln named him Judge Advocate General of the Union army in 1862. Holt prosecuted conspirators in the assassination of Lincoln, 1865. He retired as Judge Advocate in 1875.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham)

Kentucky Historical Monument/Marker located at Soldiers' National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
(Marker Number: 99900)

County: (Outside Kentucky)
Location: Soldiers' National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Description: Kentucky Honors Her Son, Abraham Lincoln, Who Delivered His Immortal Address at the Site Now Marked by the Soldiers' Monument

"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

"Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place of those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

"But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham)

Lincoln Acquitted
(Marker Number: 667)

County: Hancock
Location: 3 mi. W. of Hawesville, KY 334

Description: Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of United States, won his first law case here, 1827. Charged by the Commonwealth of Kentucky with operating ferry without license; Lincoln pleaded his own case in trial at the home of presiding Justice of the Peace, Samuel Pate. Pate encouraged Lincoln to study law and loaned him books. Lincoln often visited here on "law days."

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham)

Lincoln Family Trail
(Marker Number: 73)

County: Breckinridge
Location: Cloverport, US 60

Description: Abraham Lincoln, then a lad of 7, with other members of the Thomas Lincoln family crossed the Ohio River on a log raft ferry near here in 1816. The Lincolns were moving to Indiana.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Thomas | Roads)

Lincoln Homestead
(Marker Number: 526)

County: Washington
Location: Springfield, Courthouse lawn, US 150, KY 55

Description: The certified marriage bond of Thomas Lincoln to Nancy Hanks, parents of Abraham Lincoln, is on file here in Washington Co. Courthouse. Here also preserved is full account of the wedding. Lincoln Homestead State Park, seven miles north, now marks the site of log house where marriage was performed June 12, 1806 by the Reverend Jesse Head, Methodist pastor.

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

Lincoln Knob Creek Farm
(Marker Number: 120)

County: Larue
Location: 6 mi. NE of Hodgenville, US 31-E

Description: Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) lived on this 228 acre farm, 1811-1816. He wrote in 1860: "My earliest recollection is of the Knob Creek place." A younger brother was born here.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham)

Lincoln Spoke Here
(Marker Number: 1329)

County: Union
Location: Morganfield, Courthouse lawn, KY 56

Description: Abraham Lincoln's only political speech in his native state, here, 1840, at age 31. An elector from Illinois, he campaigned for Whig presidential candidate William Henry Harrison. From Shawneetown, across river, Lincoln led parade. Young ladies rode on floats drawn by white horses. Cannon for salute burst upon firing. Its breech is at Kentucky Historical Society.

(Subjects: Harrison, William Henry | Kentucky Historical Society | Lincoln, Abraham)

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)

Lincoln's Law Partner
(Marker Number: 846)

County: Green
Location: Greensburg, old courthouse lawn

Description: Birthplace of William H. Herndon, 1818. Family moved to Illinois, 1820. An anti-slavery advocate and partner with Abraham Lincoln in practice of law, 1844-61. Herndon, Mayor of Springfield; State Bank examiner. After Lincoln's death, devoted life to biography of his friend. Wrote "Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life," 1889. Died 1891, Springfield, Illinois.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham)

Lincoln's Mentor
(Marker Number: 719)

County: Green
Location: 8 mi. N. of Greensburg, KY 61

Description: Three miles west, birthplace of Mentor Graham, 1800-86, "The Man Who Taught Lincoln." Sixty years a teacher. Green County 1818-26. After Illinois voted down slavery, moved to New Salem, 1826. There, from 1831-37, as tutor and friend, he had incalculable influence on Abraham Lincoln, his public life. Graham died at 86, South Dakota. Reburied at New Salem, Ill., 1933.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham)

Lincoln's Playmate
(Marker Number: 827)

County: Larue
Location: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, E. of White City, KY 84

Description: To the west, in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, is the grave of Austin Gollaher, 1806-98. Lincoln, while president, once said, "I would rather see (him) than any man living." They were schoolmates and playmates when the Lincoln family lived in this area, 1813 to 1816. Gollaher is credited with rescuing Lincoln from flooded waters of Knob Creek.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Lincoln, Abraham)

Lincoln-Haycraft Memorial Bridge, 1936
(Marker Number: 932)

County: Hardin
Location: Elizabethtown at bridge

Description: Here along Severn's Valley Creek Samuel Haycraft, Sr., built mill raceway in 1796. Thomas Lincoln, father of Pres. Lincoln, employed in building it, received his first monetary wages when about 21 years of age. Abraham Lincoln, age 7, with his family on way to Indiana in 1816, crossed this creek about here and went thru Elizabethtown.

(Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Thomas)

Louisville City Hall
(Marker Number: 1704)

County: Jefferson
Location: Sixth & Jefferson, Louisville

Description: This building, a merger of the French Second Empire and Italianate style, was erected, 1871-73, from plans of John Andrewartha. Mansard clock tower designed by Henry Whitestone to replace one that burned in 1875. The Annex was added in 1909; its architect was Cornelius Curtin. Louisville City Hall Complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1976. Over.

(Reverse) Sixth and Jefferson - This area has been Louisville's civic center since 1784, when log courthouse was begun on south side of Jefferson near Sixth. In 1788 it was replaced by a stone structure. Brick courthouse stood here, 1811-1837. Across Sixth Street was "gaol," whipping post and pillory. Abraham Lincoln visited Pirtle and Speed law offices nearby in summer of 1841.

(Subjects: Architects | Lincoln, Abraham | Louisville | National Register of Historic Places)

Louisville's Steamboat Era
(Marker Number: 1681)

County: Jefferson
Location: At the Wharf, 4th St., Louisville

Description: River navigation in 18th century was by flatboat and keelboat. First steamboat, NEW ORLEANS, arrived in Louisville in autumn of 1811. City soon became steamboat center with six lines operating here. Hundreds of these boats were built in area. Wharf teemed with traffic through Civil War. Eight U.S. presidents arrived on this wharf or "levee." Presented by The Louisville Historical League.

(Reverse) Visitors at Louisville Wharf

James Monroe - June 1819
Andrew Jackson - June 1819
Alexis de Tocqueville - Dec. 1831
Washington Irving - Sept. 1832
Abraham Lincoln - Sept. 1841
Charles Dickens - Apr. 1842
Walt Whitman - Feb. 1848
Ralph Waldo Emerson - June 1850
Oliver W. Holmes - Sept. 1855
Herman Melville - Jan.1858

Presented by Bellarmine College Alumni Association.

(Subjects: Jackson, Andrew | Lincoln, Abraham | Louisville | Steamboats)

Mary Todd Lincoln House
(Marker Number: 2261)

County: Fayette
Location: 578 W. Main St., Lexington

Description: Built in 1806 as an inn. Became home of politician & businessman Robert S. Todd in 1832. Mary Todd, his daughter, born in Lexington on Dec. 13, 1818, moved to IL in 1839. There, she met & married Abraham Lincoln. They visited here in fall of 1847. The Todds moved away after Mr. Todd died in the 1849 cholera epidemic.

(Subjects: Cholera | Inns | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Mary Todd)

Neighbors-Governors
(Marker Number: 1325)

County: Mercer
Location: 5 mi. NE of Harrodsburg, US 68

Description: Former home, grave, of Gabriel Slaughter, governor 1816-20. Born in Virginia, 1767. Died here, 1830. While in office, advocated state support for the public schools. - Former home of John Adair, governor 1820-24. Born in S.C., 1757. Died here, 1840. As governor, he promoted expansion of higher education, prison reform, abolition of imprisonment for debt. Over.

(Reverse) Mercer Governors

Three other governors have been residents of Mercer County

Christopher Greenup, 1804-8, with prestige of governor's office backed establishment of Bank of Kentucky.
Robert Letcher, 1840-44. In 1844, proclaimed first state Thanksgiving.
Beriah Magoffin, 1859-62, refused Lincoln's call for troops, 1861, in effort to keep Ky. neutral. See over.

Lincoln, Abraham

Rev. William Downs

County:

Ohio

Location:

Description:

This orator, debater, and minister was also a teacher, Bible scholar, and hymn composer. He preached near the Lincoln home on Knob Creek and baptized Abraham's father, Thomas Lincoln. William Downs was born 1782 in old fort at site of Hartford. Father killed by Indians. William's brother Thomas also became pioneer Baptist preacher. William died 1860, near Hartford.

Rineyville Named

County:

Hardin

Location:

Description:

Sylvester Riney gave land for Illinois Central R.R., 1874, and town named for family. Zachariah, his father, was Abraham Lincoln's first teacher while living on Rolling Fork. Zachariah moved to Rineyville site, 1830; built this double log house, later enlarged and clapboarded. Lived here nearly 25 years with his son, Sylvester. His grandson, Mancil G., was first postmaster.

Lincoln, Abraham

Railroads

Route of Lincolns

County:

Hardin

Location:

Description:

In the autumn of 1816, Abraham Lincoln's family traveled this old pioneer trail through Vine Grove, established in 1802, when migrating from Knob Hill farm, Larue County, Ky., to Spencer County, Ind.

Lincoln, Abraham

Lincoln, Thomas

Shelter for Lincolns

County:

Breckinridge

Location:

Description:

In the autumn of 1816 the family of Abraham Lincoln, then 7 years old, migrating to Indiana, rested and recuperated for about three weeks in a cabin that stood here. Local residents gave them food. Lincoln route in Kentucky started near Hodgenville and went through Elizabethtown, Vine Grove, Harned, here to Cloverport, river ferry. Lincolns traveled by ox-cart.

Lincoln, Abraham

Thomas Lincoln's Flatboat Trip

County:

Hardin

Location:

Description:

In early spring of 1806, Thomas Lincoln, who was to become the father of Abraham Lincoln, took a flatboat loaded with produce from the West Point boat landing to New Orleans. The trip, requiring about sixty days, was a profitable one and enabled Thomas to make final plans for his marriage to Nancy Hanks, June 12 of that year.

Thompson Ferry

County:

Hancock

Location:

Description:

Thompson Ferry is the site where many biographers of Abraham Lincoln say Thomas Lincoln family crossed the river to Indiana in 1816. A river ferry in area established Feb. 1804, by Daniel Lewis; later operated by Hugh Thompson. Ferry run by John and Lin Dill in 1827, when they charged Abe Lincoln with illegally ferrying passengers on river. Lincoln later acquitted.

(Reverse) Thompson Ferry Road - One of Hancock County's first roads, built in 1815, ran from Thompson Ferry Landing toward Hardinsburg in Breckinridge County. The land on this site later bought by George Emmick, who built on the riverfront here one of the oldest houses in Hancock County in 1854. Presented by Mrs. Retha Emmick Newell.

Ferry

Lincoln, Abraham

Lincoln, Thomas

Todd House

County:

Fayette

Location:

Description:

Home of Mary Todd Lincoln from 1832 to 1839. To this house in after years she brought Abraham Lincoln and their children.

Lincoln, Abraham

Lincoln, Mary Todd

Unique Father and Son

County:

Green

Location:

Description:

Reuben Creel, Greensburg native, appointed by Lincoln as consul from U.S. to Chihuahua, Mexico, 1863. Served until 1866. His son Enrique C., in turn, served as ambassador from Mexico to U.S., 1907-09. Reuben went to Mexico with Gen. Ward, Greensburg native, serving as his interpreter during Mexican War. Remained after the war. Early home stands here. See over.

(Reverse) Unique Father and Son - Enrique Creel born in Mexico, 1854. Wealthy banker. Member Mexican National Congress, 1898-1904. Was ambassador to U.S., 1907-09. Governor of Chihauhua. Served as official interpreter at meeting of Pres. Taft and Mexican Pres. Diaz in 1912. Minister of Foreign Affairs until Revolution of 1913, when his property was confiscated. Fled to United States. Died in Mexico, 1931. Over.

Lincoln, Abraham

Mexican War

Walnut Groves Farm

County:

Nelson

Location:

Description:

Established in 1818 when Samuel Boone Merrifield and his wife, Frances Bemiss, purchased 333 acres on Simpson Creek. Farm was originally a 1,000-acre Virginia land grant, signed by Governor Patrick Henry, to Thomas Lewis on June 1, 1785. Merrifield was trained as a physician by his wife’s father and Bloomfield town founder, Dr. John Bemiss.

(Reverse) The Greek Revival mansion was built by Matthew Batcheldor, a carpenter and builder of national repute. The interior finish of the house is among the finest Greek Revival woodwork in the state. The farm also includes a brick smokehouse, tobacco barn, and cabin that belonged to Abraham Lincoln’s uncle.

Washington County

County:

Washington

Location:

Description:

The first county formed by first Assembly of Kentucky, 1792. Named for Geo. Washington. Springfield, county seat, laid off, 1793, by Matthew Walton; veteran of War of Revolution, legislator. Courthouse built in 1816, oldest used as such in state (1965). First settlers in area, 1776. Pres. Lincoln's grandfather came this part Ky., 1782; parents married in county, 1806. Over.

(Reverse) Washington Co. Contd. - Col. John Hardin, Revolutionary soldier, laid claim in area, 1780. Settled, 1786. On peace mission in Ohio, 1792, murdered by Indians. First Dominican Priory in U.S., 1806, where Jefferson Davis went to school, 1815-16. John Pope, U.S. Senator, 1807-13, came to Springfield, 1820. Governor, Arkansas Terr., 1829-35; Congress, 1837-43. Home and grave in city. Over.

Washington County

County:

Washington

Location:

Description:

Davis, Jefferson

Lincoln, Abraham

Washington, George

William H. Townsend (1890-1964)

County:

Anderson

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Description:

This renowned scholar, raconteur, and lawyer was born in Anderson Co. Educated first in a one-room school at Glensboro, he graduated from U.K. Law School in 1912. Among his books was Lincoln and the Bluegrass (1955). His talk on Cassius Clay, "The Lion of White Hall," now a taped classic. Presented by Mary Genevieve and Joe Murphy.

(Reverse) William H. Townsend (1890-1964) - Townsend had the largest private collection of Lincolniana in U.S. Recognized as a leading expert on Abraham Lincoln, Townsend was a founder of the Ky. Civil War Round Table, 1953. He served as its first president until his death. Named posthumously to Fayette County Bar's Hall of Fame, 1996. Presented by Mary Genevieve and Joe Murphy.

Books

Clay, Cassius M.

Lincoln, Abraham

University of Kentucky

Woodford County's Civil War Generals

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Woodford

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Major General Charles William Field, 1828-1892, soldier, engineer; West Point, 1849. Frontier service in southwest to 1855, instructor in cavalry tactics West Point to 1861. Colonel 6th Virginia Cav. 1861. Brig. gen. infantry brigade 1862. Opened battle at Mechanicsville; fought at Cedar Mt., 2nd Bull Run, in latter seriously wounded, never fully recovering. 1864, maj. gen. in command Hood's Texas div. Bore heavy part in battles at Cold Harbor and Petersburg. His division half of Lee's army and only effective fighting unit intact left to surrender at Appomattox.

Brig. General James S. Jackson, 1823-1862, Union soldier, lawyer, Congressman, veteran Mexican War. Authorized by Lincoln, he recruited 3rd Ky. Cav. in fall 1861. For a time commanded Buell's entire cavalry. Commissioned brig. gen., assigned to command 10th Div. of Buell's army, July 1862. Leading troops at Perryville, he was killed Oct. 8, 1862. Forney wrote: "To die such a death, and for such a cause, was the highest ambition of a man like James S. Jackson. . . . He was a Union man for the sake of the Union; and now with his heart's blood, he has sealed his devotion to the flag."

Maj. General Eli Long, 1837-1903, Union soldier, graduated from Kentucky Military Institute, 1855. Frontier service against Indians until 1861. Organized 4th Ohio Cavalry as colonel, 1862. Commissioned brig. general, 1864. Commanded brigade during Atlanta campaign, 1864. He led an assault at Selma, Alabama, March 1865, where his bravery inspired the troops in Union's greatest cavalry victory and for which he was breveted maj. gen. During the Civil War he was wounded five times and cited for gallantry five times. After war lived at Plainfield, New Jersey, and is buried there in Hillsdale Cemetery.

(Reverse) Woodford County's Civil War Generals - Brigadier General Abraham Buford, 1820-1874; Confederate cavalryman; cousin of John and N. B. Buford. Graduate West Point, 1841; frontier service Kansas and Indiana terr., 1842-1846; brev. capt. Mexican War; raised, equipped a Kentucky Brig. for CSA, commissioned brig. general, 1862. Covered Bragg's retreat from Ky.; in Vicksburg campaign; twice raided Western Ky. and Paducah, capturing horses and vast supplies, spring 1864; led brigade in CSA victory, Brice's Cross Roads, Miss., June 1864; covered Hood's retreat after defeat at Nashville December 1864; defeated at Selma, Ala., March 1865. He lived at Bosque Bonita in Woodford Co., owning famous race horses Nellie Gray, Inquirer, Crossland, and Versailles.

Maj. Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte Buford, 1807-1883, Union soldier, graduate West Point 1827. Artillery school, 1827-1828; professor philosophy, West Point, 1834-1835; engineer Licking River improvement, 1835-1842; businessman, banker, Rock Island, Illinois, colonel Illinois Reg., 1861; brig. gen. 1862; commander District of East Arkansas; breveted maj. gen. 1865; U.S. Comm. to inspect Union Pacific R.R., 1867-1869.

Maj. Gen. John Buford, 1826-1863, Union cavalryman, graduate West Point 1848. Scouting, fighting Indians in west and southwest, 1848-61. Great endurance, fine disciplinarian, brig. gen. cav., 1862, and chief of cavalry, Army of Potomac. He fought at 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville; scouted Lee's move into Penn., selected strategic defense positions at Gettysburg and held CSA advance until Union infantry arrived. He died of overexertion and wounds, at age 37, Dec. 16, 1863, holding a major general commission signed by Abraham Lincoln.

(Subjects: Buell, Don Carlos | Civil War | Horses | Lincoln, Abraham | Mexican War | Perryville, Battle of | West Point)