Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

The Blockhouse / Martin's Raid

Martin's Raid Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 14, 2019

1. Martin's Raid Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Blockhouse Built in 1858 by townspeople for civil defense against guerrillas. Located in middle of intersection. Measured 12 by 18 feet with loopholes on all sides. Manned by townsmen when alarm sounded. Several encounters with gangs attempting to raid town. Torn down in 1870 when civil law and order were assured, and marauders had been dispersed.

Martin's Raid In August 1864 Capt. David (Black Dave) Martin and gang attempted raid on courthouse to secure guns stored there. Thomas C. McGrath, merchant, J. H. Masonheimer, tailor, and others defended town against raiders. Three guerrillas were killed, and McGrath wounded. Mission failed. Martin died in 1896 and was buried in Grove Hill cemetery.

Erected 1967 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1089.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Notable Buildings • War, US Civil

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. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1864.

Location. 38° 12.651′ N, 85° 12.952′ W. Marker is in Shelbyville, Kentucky, in Shelby County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 60) and 5th Street on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Main Street, Shelbyville KY 40065, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shelbyville Fountain (a few steps from this marker); Founder Capt. William Shannon (a few steps from this marker); Shelby County WWI Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Shelby County, 1792 (within shouting distance of this marker); Squire Boone's Station, 1779 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis and Clark in Kentucky 1806 Return of Expedition / Death of Meriwether Lewis (within shouting distance of this marker); Reconstruction in America / Lynching of Reuben Dennis (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lynching in America / Lynching of Sam Pulliam (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelbyville.

The Blockhouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 14, 2019

2. The Blockhouse Marker

View of marker towards the Shelby County Courthouse. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 14, 2019

3. View of marker towards the Shelby County Courthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.