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)
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.
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. It 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 the northwest corner of Court Square in front of the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase. It is also in the American Midwest, in the South, and specifically in the Upper South. 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 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.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Converging of Indian Trails (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
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.
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.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012
3. Courthouse Burned Marker (corner view)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012
4. Courthouse Burned Marker (corner view, back side)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012
5. Confederate Soldiers Monument
C.S.A.
Erected by Tom Johnson Chapter U.D.C
Our heros deeds and hard won fame will live
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012
6. Caldwell County Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012
7. 1866 Flag Pole Base
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2012
8. Caldwell County Courthouse (south entrance)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 46 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.
