Calhoun in McLean County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

James Bethel Gresham

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2015

1. James Bethel Gresham Marker

Inscription. First American killed in action, World War I. Born Beech Grove, 1893, moved to Indiana, 1901, and enlisted there, 1914. Served under Gen. Pershing on Mexican border, 1916. Sent overseas June 14, 1917. Pfc. Gresham killed, Nov. 3, 1917, in the battle of Sommerviller, Lorraine. French honored him with monument there. Buried in Indiana. Silver Star citation, Jan. 1920.

Erected 1964 by the Kentucky Historical Society Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 664.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 14, 1917.

Location. 37° 37.544′ N, 87° 26.655′ W. Marker is in Calhoun, Kentucky, in McLean County. It is at the intersection of Kentucky Route 56 and Rangers Landing Road, on the right when traveling west on Kentucky Route 56. Next to marker is an American flag on a pole. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14322 KY-56, Calhoun KY 42327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region

and in the Western Coal Field.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the South,

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 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sebree Colored School (approx. 4.7 miles away); McMullin-Warren House (approx. 5.1 miles away); Louis "Grandpa" Jones

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(approx. 6.8 miles away); Charles Hansford / Charles Hansford (1759-1850) (approx. 11.4 miles away); McLean County War Memorial (approx. 11.4 miles away); Camp Calhoun Cemetery (approx. 11.7 miles away); Camp Calhoun (approx. 11.7 miles away); County Named / Calhoun (approx. 11.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calhoun.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Forrest Reconnoitered (was approx. 11.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Explore Kentucky History article on James Gresham. (Submitted on September 24, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Youtube video about James Gresham. (Submitted on September 24, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
3. Wikipedia article on James Gresham. (Submitted on December 23, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Marker and flag at road corner. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2015

2. Marker and flag at road corner.

View towards Rangers Landing Road. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2015

3. View towards Rangers Landing Road.

Monument located at Crawford County Courthouse - Van Buren, Arkansas. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 3, 2016

4. Monument located at Crawford County Courthouse - Van Buren, Arkansas.

Notes the first 3 deaths of the U.S. AEF in WWI.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 828 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on December 23, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.