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Johnson County Kentucky E-mail
Johnson County Kentucky Map

 

County Introduction
Johnson county was established in 1843 and named after Gen. Richard M. Johnson (1780-1850), a hero of the War of 1812, a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Vice President of the United States. The county seat is Paintsville.



 

County Origins
Johnson County, Kentucky was formed from Floyd County, Lawrence County, and Morgan County.


 

County Lines Redrawn
In 1860, a part of Johnson County was used to form Magoffin County.
In 1870, a part of Johnson County was used to form Martin County.

Roadside Historical Markers

Roadside historical markers introduce the history of each Kentucky Highlands County. These markers provide interesting facts about many important events, people and places throughout the Highlands.

Marker TitleMarker LocationMarker Information
Mission AccomplishedPaintsville, US 23, 460 On mission to clear area of CSA forces, Colonel G. W. Gallup with USA troops was attacked here April 13, 1864 by CSA force under Lt. Colonel E. F. Clay. Union troops repulsed Confederates. Next day USA attacked CSA at Half Mountain, south of Salyersville. 60 CSA killed or wounded; 60 men, 200 horses, 400 saddles, 300 small arms captured. USA losses were slight.
Jennie's CreekPaintsville, 1/2 mi. W. of Jct. US 23 & 460 Under orders to dislodge CSA from this area Col. James A. Garfield's troops reached Paintsville on Jan. 6, 1862. The next day he sent Col. Wm. Bolles to clear out CSA cavalry at mouth of Jennie's Creek. After Confederate defeat here, Gen. Humphrey Marshall withdrew to Middle Creek. After a heavy engagement there on Jan. 10, Marshall returned to Virginia.
War on the Big SandyHager Hill, US 23, 460 On mission to dislodge CSA from area, Colonel James A. Garfield's troops reached Paintsville on Jan. 6, 1862. Under threat of USA flank movement on left and rear, Gen. Humphrey Marshall abandoned his strong breastworks here at Hager Hill. Moving to Middle Creek he was overtaken on Jan. 10 by large USA force. After engagement Marshall retreated to Virginia.
Morgan's Last RaidPaintsville, South, US 23, 460 On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on 10th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.
Jenny (Jennie) Wiley5 mi. S. of Paintsville, US 23, 460 Captured by Indians in present Bland Co., Va., Oct. 1787 or '89. Four children and brother killed. A child born in captivity killed also. Harman party pursued, had to give up. Came here and joined by others built stockade. After nearly a year Mrs. Wiley escaped, followed "dream" to safety here. Reunited with husband in Va. They settled in this county in 1800.
Harman Station5 mi. S. of Paintsville, US 23, 460 The first settlement in Eastern Kentucky. Matthias Harman's party of hunters from Virginia built stockade near river bank, 1787. Indians forced evacuation in 1788, and burned blockhouse. Harman and others returned, 1789, and rebuilt an enduring fort. These men at Blockhouse Bottom broke Indian hold on Big Sandy Valley, opened Eastern Kentucky for settlement.
The Walker ExpeditionPaintsville, KY 40 at KY 581 Doctor Thomas Walker led first expedition of record from Virginia into eastern Kentucky and camped at present site of Paintsville in 1750. Here, June 7, 1750, he discovered French cabins at mouth of Paint Creek and named river Louisa, honoring daughter of King George II and sister of Duke of Cumberland for whom Walker named the Cumberland River and the Gap.
American HistorianPaintsville, US 23 Bypass William Elsey Connelley, born on Middle Fork, Jennie's Creek, 1855. Wrote: The Founding of Harman's Station, The Wiley Captivity, History of Kansas and 13 other major works; collaborated with Coulter on History of Kentucky, edited by Kerr. Contributed to journals on ethnology, folklore of Wyandots; prepared only written vocabulary of their language. Died, 1930.
County Named, 18431/2 mi. N. of Paintsville, near high school, US 23 For Richard M. Johnson, native of Kentucky, US Vice-President, 1837 to 1841, US Rep. 1807-19, 1829-37, US Senator 1819-29, intimate of President Jackson. His tactics as Colonel of Ky. Mounted Riflemen, War of 1812, won Battle of the Thames and earned him title: "Father of American Cavalry." Johnson was formed from parts of Lawrence, Floyd and Morgan counties.
PaintsvillePaintsville bypass, Jct. Jefferson Ave. & US 23 The second oldest settlement in Eastern Kentucky, at first named Paint Lick Station. Established in 1790 by Col. John Preston. Dr. Thomas Walker probably camped at mouth of Paint Creek, near some abandoned log cabins, in 1750. Rev. Henry Dixon laid out town and built first house in 1826. Paintsville incorporated in 1872, but city government much older.
John C.C. Mayo-"Dreamer"3rd & Court Sts., Paintsville Mayo (1864-1914) migrated to this county with his family at an early age. He foresaw the wealth in coal and with meager savings from teaching, he and two others bought mineral rights in Johnson Co. Soon his holdings extended throughout the valley. By early 1900s he had interested Eastern capitalists in Big Sandy coal fields; served as primary link in their development.

 

Historical Items For Sale
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