Near Bighill in Madison County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Merritt Jones / Wayside Tavern / Jones Tavern / CSA Cemetery
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
1. Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern Marker
(Front):
A log tavern down this lane was by 1830s an overnight stop on the Old State Road from Cumberland Gap to Lexington. The older half of building dates back to ca. 1800. During Civil War, Jones Tavern was alternately held by Confederate and Union forces. In Jan. 1864, Gen. U.S. Grant and staff stayed overnight on their way from east Tennessee to Lexington. Over.
(Back): During the Battle of Richmond, Aug. 29-30, 1862, this building was a Confederate field hospital for men wounded while fighting father north near Mt Zion Church. Thirteen who died here, including a boy soldier only fifteen years old, are buried in a small cemetery in the woods above the house. See over.
Erected 1992 by Kentucky Historical Society / Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1905.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1864.
Location. 37° 32.213′ N, 84° 12.88′ W. Marker is near Bighill, Kentucky, in Madison County. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Confederate Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Civil War Action (approx. 1.1 miles away); Big Hill Skirmish (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of Starns' Defeat (approx. 3 miles away); Church of Christ, Union (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Battle of Richmond Knocked at Berea's Door (approx. 5 miles away); Encampment at Bobtown / Engagment at Bobtown / Advance to Kingston (approx. 5½ miles away); Kentucky's Earliest Artforms (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bighill.
Regarding Merritt Jones / Wayside Tavern / Jones Tavern / CSA Cemetery. The tavern location and cemetery can only be reached by foot. Limited parking is available at the base of the hill approximately 0.1 miles from the marker. Both locations are stops on the Kentucky's Civil War Heritage Trail (Battle of Richmond) and there are directional signs. Take appropriate precautions when visiting these sites. Visit the Battle of Richmond Visitor's Center for additional information.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
2. Jones Tavern/CSA Cemetery Marker
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
3. Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern / Jones Tavern/CSA Cemetery Marker
Looking South along US 421.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
4. Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern / Jones Tavern/CSA Cemetery Marker
Looking North along US 421.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
5. CSA Cemetery
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
6. CSA Cemetery
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
7. CSA Cemetery
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, May 6, 2010
8. Road to the tavern & cemetery with directional markers.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,400 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 21, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
