Hardinsburg in Breckinridge County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Joseph Holt, Father of the Judge Advocates

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 14, 2020

1. Joseph Holt, Father of the Judge Advocates Marker

Inscription.
The second-son of a wealthy Breckinridge County family, Joseph Holt inherited 10,000 acres of lush farmland here along the Ohio River. Though he was away for many years, this place was always home.

Influential and Powerful Joseph Holt developed a keen interest in polities while practicing law in Mississippi. A lifelong Democrat, he backed James Buchanan in the 1856 presidential election. He helped secure Kentucky's vote and victory for the Democratic Party. For his efforts, Buchanan appointed Holt to three successive posts during his administration, including secretary of war.

A Staunch Unionist Holt, a slave owner, was conflicted over the institution. He wrote, “Slavery is contrary to every principle of justice, every precept of morality, every feeling of humanity, every sentiment of honor.” His brother, Robert, a Mississippi planation owner, railed against the government that Joe Holt felt honor-bound to defend.

When the Civil War began, Joe Holt supported President Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, and openly condemned Kentucky's stance of neutrality. Holt was instrumental in keeping the Commonwealth

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in the Union.

Camp Joe Holt In July 1861, a Union recruiting and training center was established in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and named Camp Joe Holt in his honor. There, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, thousands of loyal Kentuckians enlisted in the Union army.

Judge Advocate General In July. 1862, Congress created the office of Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army. Two months later, President Lincoln appointed Holt to the position, which he held for over thirteen years.

A Forgotten Man In the years following the Civil War, Kentucky, though a Union state, embraced the “Lost Cause” espoused by former Confederates. Those who had served the Union fell out of favor and Holt's contributions to the nation were forgotten. Unionist and “Father of the Judge Advocates,” Holt loved his country and left a legacy of which Kentuckians can be proud.

Captions:
Left: General Joseph Holt, Judge Advocate General, ca. 1865. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
Right: Camp Joe Holt, established during Kentucky's short-lived period of neutrality, became a hospital facility in 1862. It closed

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 14, 2020

2. Joseph Holt, Father of the Judge Advocates Marker

The Holt family cemetery is in the background.

in 1866. Indiana Historical Society

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Military • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1861.

Location. 37° 54.77′ N, 86° 34.628′ W. Marker is in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, in Breckinridge County. It is on State Road 144, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6205 KY-144, Hardinsburg KY 40143, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Western Coal Field.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured

Judge Joseph Holt image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

3. Judge Joseph Holt

Photo taken between 1860 and 1875, Brady-Handy photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

as the crow flies: A different marker also named Joseph Holt (a few steps from this marker); Joseph Holt and Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rome Courthouse (approx. 3 miles away in Indiana); Hines Raid 1863 (approx. 4.9 miles away in Indiana); a different marker also named Joseph Holt (approx. 5 miles away); Cloverport History 1873-1929 (approx. 6 miles away); Cloverport History 1901-1922 (approx. 6 miles away); Cloverport History - Late 1900's to Present (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hardinsburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 747 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on December 11, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.