Danville in Boyle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

John Marshall Harlan / Kentucky's "Great Dissenter"

(1833-1911)

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 4, 2018

1. John Marshall Harlan / Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" Marker (Side 1)

Inscription. 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.

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.

Erected 1977 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1606.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 37° 38.779′ N, 84° 46.409′ W. Marker is in

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Danville, Kentucky, in Boyle County. Marker is one of five markers located on the Courthouse Lawn. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Danville KY 40422, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Courthouse a Hospital (here, next to this marker); First Crop / Hemp in Kentucky (here, next to this marker); Poet, Lawyer and Soldier / Theodore O'Hara (a few steps from this marker); County Named, 1842 (a few steps from this marker); American Revolution Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Boyle County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); School for the Deaf (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

Also see . . . John Marshall Harlan. (Submitted on August 12, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

John Marshall Harlan / Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" Marker (Side 2) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 4, 2018

2. John Marshall Harlan / Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" Marker (Side 2)

John Marshall Harlan / Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 4, 2018

3. John Marshall Harlan / Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" Marker

Marker is one of five markers located on the Courthouse Lawn.

John Marshall Harlan image. Click for full size.

Brady-Handy Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)

4. John Marshall Harlan

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.