| State Marker Number | Subject | Location |
| 578 | Courthouse Burned | Cadiz, Courthouse lawn, US 68 |
| 619 | Calvary vs. Gunboat | Canton, US 68 |
| 764 | Site of Burnett Home | W. of Cadiz, US 68 |
| 872 | Pres. Davis' Escort | Jct. US 68, KY 80, |
| 881 | Civil War Sniper | Jct. US 68 & KY 453 |
| 994 | Drummer Boy at 7 | 6 mi. S. of Golden Pond, off US 68 |
| 998 | Laura Furnace | 6 mi. S. of Golden Pond, US 68 |
| 1100 | St. Joseph's Parish | Triangle at Golden Pond, US 68 |
| 1159 | County Named, 1820 | Cadiz, Courthouse lawn, US 68 |
| 1308 | Golden Pond | Golden Pond, at park in town, US 68, KY 80 |
| 1357 | Empire Furnace | 7 1/2 mi. NW of Cadiz, KY 274 |
| 1366 | Center Furnace | 7 1/2 mi. NW of Cadiz, KY 274 |
| 1367 | Stacker Furnace | Linton, KY 164 |
| 1375 | James Thomas, Sr | 3.5 mi. W. of Jct. KY 139 & 807 |
| 1380 | Trigg Furnace | 2.4 mi. E. of Rockcastle, KY 274 |
| 1788 | Drury Bridges (Bridgers, Bridger) 1765-1840 | Maple Grove, 8 mi. S. of Cadiz, KY 1062 |
| 1832 | Upper Donaldson School | KY 1175 [Old Dover Rd.] &
Donaldson Creek Rd., 9 mi. S. of Cadiz |
| 1838 | First Court of Trigg County | By a well on US 68 |
| 1840 | Maple Grove School | 7 mi. S.W. of Cadiz, Maple Grove Rd.,
1/4 mi. off KY 1062 |
| 1890 | Lower Donaldson School | Approx. 10 mi. S. of Cadiz, near shore of Lake Barkley |
| 1892 | Donaldson | 8 mi. S. of Cadiz, Jct. KY 807 & 1062 |
| Extra | Locations of Burned Courthouses | Downtown Cadiz |
578 COURT HOUSE BURNED
619 CAVALRY vs. GUNBOAT
(Canton, US 68, Trigg Co.)CSA General Nathan Bedford Forrest with 6 cavalry companies joined Gen.
Charles Clark, Nov. 15, 1861, at Hopkinsville. On reconnaissance learned of
USA gunboat CONESTOGA'S intent to destroy C SA supplies at Canton. They met
here November 20 in 7 hours of ship-to-shore combat. CONESTOGA left.
Forrest's command had stood ground well, first time under fire. See map
other side.
(W. of Cadiz, US 68, Trigg Co.)
Henry Cornelius Burnett, 1825-66, represented district, U.S. Congress,
1855-61. Presided at Russellville Convention in Nov., 1861, which formed Ky.
provisional government. A member of Confederate Congress from Ky., 1861-65.
After dispersal of C SA government from Richmond, sought pardon from
President Andrew Johnson. When pardon was received, charges of treason were
dropped.
872 PRES. DAVIS' ESCORT(Jct. US 68, KY 80, Trigg Co.)
C SA Pres. Jefferson Davis, when attempting to escape in closing days of
Civil War, was captured with his family in south Georgia, May 10, 1865. Lt.
Hazard Perry Baker, chief of escort, presented his sword to Union commander
as symbol of surrender of President of the Confederacy. Baker, native of
Trigg Co., enlisted at start of war. Grave, 4 mi. south, KY 1254.
(Jct. US 68 & KY 453, Trigg Co.)
In 1862 Jack Hinson swore revenge against Union Army when two sons were
executed as bushwhackers. From ambush he picked off men in blue uniforms on
gun boats and on land. With a price on his head, he continued his vendetta
until his gun bore 36 notches at close of war. He guided General Nathan
Bedford Forrest in his last campaign in area, Oct. -Nov., 1864.
(6 ml. S. of Golden Pond, off US 68, Trigg Co.)
Nathan Futrell, reputed to be the youngest drummer boy in War of the
Revolution, was born, N.C., 1773. Joined N.C. Continental Militia. Married,
1798, came to Ky., 1799. Settled here on Ford's Creek, 1820, where he
farmed, set out the first apple orchard, built one of area's first grist
mills, was official surveyor. Died, 1829. He and his wife, Charity, buried
on adjacent hill.
(6 mi. S. of Golden Pond, US 68, Trigg Co.)
Site of one of several furnaces operated in this region between the rivers,
now lakes. This one, Laura, built 1855 by Tennesseans at cost of $40,000.
Produced iron successfully, employing as many as 130, until Civil War forced
it to close down. After the war it was in blast intermittently, but it could
not be made profitable, was closed In 1872. See over.
(Rear of Marker)
IRON MADE IN KENTUCKY
A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965.
Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous
furnaces mailing pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red
River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal
furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of
railroads.
(Triangle at Golden Pond, US 68, Trigg Co.)
Settlement of German immigrants founded the first Catholic Church in the
county, 1882, a mission of the Louisville diocese. Prussian agriculture,
architecture, and traditions flourished under their influence. Due to
migration the parish declined about 1900, and the church was razed in 1925.
Now the parish cemetery is all that remains of the European colony.
1159 COUNTY NAMED, 1820
(Cadiz, Courthouse lawn, US 68, Trigg Co.)For Col. Stephen Trigg, Virginian. Came to Ky. as member of Court of Land
Commissioners, 1779. Settled Trigg's Station near Harrodsburg, 1780. In Va.
Legislature was active in establishing town of Louisville, 1780. Justice of
Peace, on first Lincoln Co. court, 1781. Trigg killed at Battle of Blue
Licks, Aug. 19, 1782. Trigg County formed from Caldwell and Christian.
(Golden Pond, at park in town, US 68, KY 80, Trigg Co.)
A town from 1882 - 1969. Named for nearby pond which gives a golden
reflection from the sunrays. It was originally two settlements, Fungo and
Golden Pond, later becoming one. Twice destroyed by fire and rebuilt, 1898
and 1936. The town prospered from abundant natural resources in the area,
the rich valley soils, the timbered hills, cool springs, iron ore, wildlife.
(7 1/2 mi. NW of Cadiz, KY 274, Trigg Co.)
Stood 1 mile west. Built 1843 by Thomas Tennessee Watson, It was a brick
stack with a maximum inner diameter of 9 1/2 ft., 35 ft. high. It burned
charcoal fuel, and Its air blast was powered by steam. In 45 weeks of 1856,
made 1836 tons of pig iron. Operations transferred to Center Furnace in 1861
because of floods, Civil War military actions. See other side.
(Rear of Marker)
IRON MADE IN KENTUCKY
A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd In US in 1830s, 11th in 1965.
Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous
furnaces making pig Iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red
River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace
era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern
methods. Over.
(7 1/2 mi. NW of Cadiz, KY 274, Trigg Co.)
Sometimes called Hematite, furnace was built by 1852 by Daniel Hillman 2 1/2
mi. west; 35 ft. high, 10 ft. across Inside at widest point. Operated,
although not continuously, until 1912, burning charcoal fuel. Its air blast
was powered by steam. In 46 weeks of 1856, it produced 2,139 1/2 tons of pig
iron, mostly shipped by steamboat to fabricators. See other side.(Rear of Marker)
IRON MADE IN KENTUCKY
A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd In US in 1830s, 11th in 1965.
Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous
furnaces making pig Iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red
River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace
era ended In 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern
methods. Over.
(Linton, KY 164, Trigg Co.)
Also called Olive Landing and Line Island, was built here by William Ewing
and French Rayburn in 1845 - 46, and it afterward owned by Samuel Stacker.
It had a steam-powered air blast. Using ore from deposits nearby and locally
made charcoal fuel,it produced pig Iron at intervals until 1856, when It was finally abandoned.
See the other side.
(Rear of Marker)
IRON MADE IN KENTUCKY
A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd In US In 1830s, 11th in 1965.
Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous
furnaces making pig Iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red
River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace
era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern
methods.
(3.5 mi. W. of Jet. KY 139 & 807, Trigg Co.)
Served in Revolutionary War, 10th Regiment, Donoho's Company under General
Nathanael Greene. Born In Bertle County, N. C. in 1760. Married Mary Standley in 1790.
He migrated to Donaldson Creek, 1806, and settled on 200-acre Kentucky land grant. Built
cabin 50 yards south of here. Died 1832; buried with wife in family graveyard 1/2 mile south. See over.
(Rear of Marker)
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
First Thomas to settle permanently in area. Active in county affairs and
served as justice of the peace. Seven children were: Cullen, Temperance,
Starkie, Mary, Perry, and James, Jr., all born in N. C.; and Stanley, born
In Kentucky. His descendants, who present this marker In his honor, have
migrated to a number of states, although many still live in Trigg Co. Over.
1380 TRIGG FURNACE
(2.4 ml. E. of Rockcastle, KY 274, Trigg Co.)Built here in 1871 by the Daniel Hillman Iron Co., was a brick-and-stone
blast furnace producing pig Iron from locally mined ore. It burned charcoal
fuel, and used steam power to blow preheated air through the stack. Most
Iron made here was processed at the works of the Tennessee Rolling Mills, 3
miles NW. Operations ceased by 1878. See the other side.
(Rear of Marker)
IRON MADE IN KENTUCKY
A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965.
Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone suppliedmaterial for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the
Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions.
Charcoal-furnace era ended In 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use
of modern methods. Over.
1788 DRURY BRIDGES (BRIDGERS BRIDGER)
1765-1840
(Maple Grove, 8 ml. S. of Cadiz, KY 1062, Trigg Co.)
This Trigg County pioneer came to Ky from N. C. in 1804 and built a cabin
here, near Beechy Fork Creek, on 85 1/2-acre land grant. Born 1765; son of
Wm. Bridgers, patriot who helped N. C. troops during Rev. War. Direct
descendant of Joseph Bridger (1628-1686), influential Royalist and member of
Virginia House of Burgesses. See over.
(Rear of Marker)
DRURY BRIDGES (BRIDGERS BRIDGER)
1765-1840
Bridges married Charity Calhoun in 1790; they had seven children. Active in
the community, the couple became charter members of Donaldson Creek Baptist
Church, 1814. Their home was later site of Maple Grove post office. Drury
Bridges died in 1840; his wife in 1852. Both are buried in family cemetery
nearby. Presented by The Thomas-Bridges Assn.
(KY 1175 [Old Dover Rd.] & Donaldson Creek Rd., 9 ml. S. of Cadiz, Trigg Co.)
Organized 1813, this grade school operated for 135 years. First teacher was
Ephriam Cowand, whose salary was 4 barrels of corn and $2 .00 per pupil.
School met first at Donaldson Creek Church 1 1/2 mi. west; later used nearby
log cabin,1815-1910. One-room concrete block structure built 1911; used until 1948,
when school consolidated. Presented by former students, teachers, and
friends
1838 FIRST COURT OF TRIGG COUNTY
(By a well on US 68 in Trigg Co.)On May 15, 1820, justices of the peace, commissioned for the newly formed
Trigg County, met at the log home of Samuel Orr, in the vicinity of this well,
in town of Warrington. Composing the court were: Samuel Orr, Abraham Boyd,
Ferdinand Wadlington, John Goode, William Scott, Presley Slaughter,
James Daniel, Beman Fowler and Richard Dawson. (See photos below)
BELOW: This is the building beside the marker and well
(7 mi. S.W. of Cadiz, Maple Grove Rd., 1/4 ml. off KY 1062, Trigg Co.)
An early log schoolhouse first was opened by teacher William Bridges
(1800-1844), son of settlers Drury and Charity Bridges. Education continued
in new concrete block school, erected in 1913. After serving the Trigg
County community for many years, the school closed, 1949. Maple Grove
Baptist Church was organized at school site, 1943. Presented by The
Thomas-Bridges Association
(Approx. 10 mi. S. of Cadiz, near shore of Lake Barkley, Trigg Co.)
One-room structure known as Dixon School, built 350 yds. S.W. in 1881. After
building burned, new school was constructed in 1913; approximately 50
students attended each year. Pupils often competed with other schools in
athletic and scholastic matches. Second building withstood 1937 Ohio Valley
flood despite water that reached eaves. Presented by Former Students and
Teachers.
(Rear of Marker)
LOWER DONALDSON SCHOOL
School operated during seven-month school terms that began in July. Lower
Donaldson also served as community center, with pie suppers and political
meetings. School closed in 1958 and building razed in 1962, after U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers bought property for Barkley Dam and Lake project.
Partially funded by Ky Bicentennial Commission.
(8 mi. S. of Cadiz, Jct. KY 807 & 1062, Trigg Co.)
This community was first settled ca. 1798. Among the prominent Revolutionary
War veterans who settled here were John Cohoon, James Thomas, Sr., and
Nathan Futrell. These early pioneers cleared forests, planted crops and
orchards, set up lumber and grist mills and distilleries. Donaldson post office,
established 1855, was on this site 1894-1913. See over.(Rear of Marker)
DONALDSON
This seven-mile-long valley has numerous fresh-water springs that feed
Donaldson Creek. It was once a hunting ground for the Chickasaw Indian
tribe. Area was part of Christian County until Trigg was created in 1820. Donaldson
precinct formed in 1917; citizens voted here for more than forty years.
Photo of Locations of Courthouses burned during Civil War.
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