Princeton in Caldwell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Courthouse Burned

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

1. Courthouse Burned Marker (front side)

Inscription.
[front side]
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. US troops fled Princeton as Lyon came from Eddyville. Courthouse burned on Dec. 15. Records saved. Next day, Lyon stopped US force, then moved toward Madisonville.

[back side]
Locations of twenty-two courthouses in Kentucky burned during the Civil War.
• Route of Brig. Gen. Hylan B. Lyon December 1864
• Courthouses burned on Lyon's Raid
• Other courthouses which were burned as an incident to the war

Erected 1963 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 579.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1864.

Location. 37° 6.557′ N, 87° 52.925′ W. Marker is in Princeton, Kentucky, in Caldwell County. Marker is at the intersection of East Market Street (U.S. 62) and North Harrison Street (Kentucky Route 293), on the left when traveling west on East Market Street. Marker is located in

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the northwest corner of Court Square in front of the Caldwell County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Market Street, Princeton KY 42445, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Black Patch War (within shouting distance of this marker); County Named, 1809 (within shouting distance of this marker); William Prince, 1752-1810 / Founder of Princeton (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shandy Hall (Princeton) (about 500 feet away); Trail of Tears (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Shandy Hall (Princeton) (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named William Prince (about 700 feet away); Ogden Memorial United Methodist Church (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Twenty-two Kentucky courthouses were burned during the Civil War.

Also see . . .
1. Courthouses Burned During the Civil War.
The greatest "courthouse burning spree" was conducted by Gen. Hylan B. Lyon, a native of Eddyville. He invaded Kentucky with 800 men in December, 1864, to recruit Confederate soldiers, secure supplies and divert forces from the defense of Nashville which was under attack. Lyon and his forces arrived at Princeton on Dec. 15 where, as the general said in a report, "I burned the courthouse and annoyed the people." (Submitted on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Courthouse Burned Marker (<i>back side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

2. Courthouse Burned Marker (back side)

2. Hylan Benton Lyon.
Civil War Confederate Brigadier General. Born in Caldwell County, Kentucky, he graduated from West Point in 1856, was commissioned an officer in the US Army 3rd Artillery and fought in the Indian wars on the frontier. At the start of the Civil War, he resigned his commission and raised a company in the Confederate 3rd Kentucky Infantry. (Submitted on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Hyland B. Lyon Burned Kentucky Courthouses. (Submitted on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Courthouse Burned Marker (<i>corner view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

3. Courthouse Burned Marker (corner view)

(Northwest corner of Caldwell County Courthouse in the background.)

Courthouse Burned Marker (<i>corner view, back side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

4. Courthouse Burned Marker (corner view, back side)

(Northwest corner of Caldwell County Courthouse in the background.)

Confederate Soldiers Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

5. Confederate Soldiers Monument

(Southeast corner of Caldwell County Courthouse grounds, facing West Main Street.)

C.S.A.In memory of Confederate Soldiers and the cause for which they fought 1861-1865
Erected by Tom Johnson Chapter U.D.C
Our heros deeds and hard won fame will live1912

Caldwell County Veterans Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

6. Caldwell County Veterans Memorial

1866 Flag Pole Base image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

7. 1866 Flag Pole Base

(Flag pole base commemorating 1866 courthouse.)

Caldwell County Courthouse (<i>south entrance</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012

8. Caldwell County Courthouse (south entrance)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 816 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.