History Buffs Will Enjoy Visiting Historic Campbellsville in Kentucky

Are you a history buff? If so, you're going to enjoy visiting historic Taylor County in Campbellsville, Kentucky. It's a charming small town that is packed-full of history and a ton of small-town charm. Whether your just passing through, or plan on spending a few days...you'll find several fun things to see and do in Campbellsville.

If your looking for several of the historical markers related to this area, you'll find several of them located in a park that's adjacent to the Taylor County Courthouse. The first historical marker that we want to feature is the Courthouse Burned historical marker #582. Here's what it says.

Courthouse Burned Historical Marker

Gen. Hylan B. Lyon with 800 men invaded Ky., Dec. 1864, to enforce CSA draft law and divert USA from Nashville. In 23 days he burned seven courthouses used by Union forces. See map on reverse side. the courthouse at Campbellsville was burned Dec. 25. Some records saved. Desertions had reduced ranks to 250 and Lyon moved out of state via Burkesville, Jan. 3.

By: 1963 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways.

If you take the time to look to the left and behind this historical marker you'll see street art (wall art) that depicts a scene that correlates with many of the markers in this area. Sorry our photographs aren't crisp & clear...we were visiting late in the day and the sun was hitting everything at a weird angle. The wall mural is gorgeous and much prettier when you see it in person.

Nearby you'll find the Taylor County War Memorial which honors our nation's heroes who served and died in defense of our country during World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. It's a beautiful memorial that sits right in the park. We definitely paid our respects while we were there.

History buffs are going to enjoy visiting these historical markers too! Here's some information about each one. They're all located within the park and within walking distance from one another. Several of the markers are double-sided, so make sure you read both sides!

Cumberland Trace Historical Marker

Side 1
As early as 1779 and 1780, many settlers traveled over the trace, passing through what is now Taylor County. The Cumberland Trace branched off from the Wilderness Road near Logan's Station in Lincoln County (40 mi. east). It was the trail traveled by the pioneers who came through the Cumberland Gap to settle the then new lands of Ky. and Tenn.

Side 2
Turning west from Logan's Station, the trace crossed the Rolling Fork River; went down to Robinson Creek in what is now Taylor County; then near Buckhorn Creek, and down the south side of the Trace Fork of Sinking Creek (Pittman Creek). It crossed the Green River at Pittman's Station and went south across the Cumberland River to the site that is now Nashville.

By: 1970 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways. This is historical marker #1383 for your documentation.

Confederate Raids Historical Marker

Gen. John Hunt Morgan's cavalry, returning from second Kentucky raid, here, Dec. 31, 1862. Took supplies. Went on to Tenn. On raid Union's rail supply line wrecked and $2,000,000 property destroyed. Morgan through here again after three hour battle at Tebb's Bend, July 4, 1863. Continued raid into Indiana to NE Ohio, where captured, July 26th. See map other side.

By: 1964 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways. This is historical marker #706.

Brig. Gen. Elias Barbee Historical Marker

Side 1 (Shown Above)

Born 1763. Died 1843. Served in Rev. War from Culpeper Co., Va. His five brothers, Daniel, John, Joshua, Thomas and William, also served in Revolution. Elias Barbee came early to what is now Taylor County. Lived eight miles N.W. of Campbellsville. He was appointed Major in 1792, Colonel in 1797, and Brig. General, in 1799, in Ky. Militia, 16th Regt., Green Co., Ky.

Side 2 (Shown Above)

Represented Green Co. in Kentucky Senate. In 1822, Senator Barbee introduced a bill in the Senate calling for the establishment of the present Kentucky School for the Deaf at Danville, KY. Bill drawn up by Judge John Rowan, passed by Legislature and signed by Gov. Adair, establishing on April 10, 1823, first state-supported school for the deaf in the United States.

By: 1975 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Transportation. This is historical marker #1536.

Campbellsville Historical Marker

First settled about 1800. Town, established by Legislature, 1817, was made seat of government when county was formed. It was named for Adam and Andrew Campbell who with three brothers came from Va., settling on father's land grants. Adam and Andrew among founders of town. Andrew died, 1819. Adam was prominent farmer and leader in Taylor County affairs.

By: 1966 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways. This is historical marker #995.

We spent several days in Campbellsville, Kentucky on business...but when we did have some leisure time, we went out to explore. If you're looking for some things to do or places to stay while visiting the area, make sure you check out our Kentucky section right here on the blog and follow us over on Pinterest.