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

"Horrible Massacre" / African American Cemetery

"Horrible Massacre" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

1. "Horrible Massacre" Marker

Inscription. "Horrible Massacre" On January 25, 1865, Co. E. 5th United States Colored Calvary (USCC) attacked by Confederate guerillas while driving herd of 900 cattle to Louisville. About 22 men killed and at least eight severely wounded. Based at Camp Nelson, nearly all of the recruits were former slaves. The 5th also fought in 1864 Saltville battles.
Given by Camp Nelson Restoration & Preservation
Foundation and the 12th USCHA, Reactivated
African American Cemetery The 5th USCC troopers killed (sic) 1865 Simpsonville slaughter were buried in a mass grave by local residents. Area used as African American cemetery. Members of the Trim #2 United Brothers of Friendship Lodge operated the cemetery until the last member died in 1965. Lodge hall located in Simpsonville.
Given by Shelby County Historical Society

Erected 2008 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2283.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites

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• War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1865.

Location. 38° 13.427′ N, 85° 22.294′ W. Marker is near Simpsonville, Kentucky, in Shelby County. Marker is at the intersection of Shelbyville Road (U.S. 60) and Webb Road, on the right when traveling east on Shelbyville Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Shelbyville Road, Simpsonville KY 40067, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln Institute Campus (approx. 0.2 miles away); Simpsonville Methodist Church (approx. ¾ mile away); Old Stone Inn (approx. 1.3 miles away); Capt. John Simpson (approx. 1.4 miles away); Thelma L. Stovall (approx. 2.7 miles away); Ednum Gregg (approx. 3.1 miles away); Benjamin Bridges, Sr. (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Simpsonville.

Also see . . . Simpsonville Civil War Massacre - The Armchair General. (Submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

African American Cemetery Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

2. African American Cemetery Marker

"Horrible Massacre" marker and memorial grave markers. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

3. "Horrible Massacre" marker and memorial grave markers.

In Memory of the 22 men massacred. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

4. In Memory of the 22 men massacred.

Nearby info about the massacre. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

5. Nearby info about the massacre.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,093 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.