| County Introduction |
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| Cumberland county was established in 1799 and named after the Cumberland River which was named by explorer Dr. Thomas Walker. He named both the Cumberland Gap and the Cumberland River after the English Duke of Cumberland. The county seat is Burkesville. |
| County Origins |
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| Cumberland County, Kentucky was formed from Green County. It was created on 14 Dec 1798. |
| County Lines Redrawn |
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| In 1800, a part of Cumberland County was used to form Wayne County. |
| In 1820, a part of Cumberland County was used to form Monroe County. |
| In 1825, a part of Cumberland County was used to form Russell County. |
| In 1835, a part of Cumberland County was used to form Clinton County. |
| In 1860, a part of Cumberland County was used to form Metcalfe 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 Title | Marker Location | Marker Information |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan-on to Ohio | Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90 | July 2, 1863, CSA Gen. John Hunt Morgan crossed Cumberland River near here, brushing aside Union patrols on north bank. Morgan placed some troops in ambush one mile from here and drove Union forces back to camp at Marrowbone. Morgan crossed Kentucky, invading Indiana and on into Northeastern Ohio, where he surrendered July 26. He was imprisoned at Columbus, Ohio. |
| Courthouse Burned | Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90 | 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.) Raid ended at Burkesville with robbery of stores, impressment of horses and burning of courthouse, Jan. 3. All county records saved. Lyon then moved south to Alabama. |
| Raiders Entered Here | Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90 | CSA Morgan's Raiders entered Kentucky here July 2, 1863. Union forces skirmished at Burkesville that day, followed by battles at Tebb's Bend July 4 and Lebanon on the 5th. At Brandenburg crossed Ohio River July 8 into Indiana. In northeastern Ohio, ammunition used up, they surrendered on July 26. Imprisoned at Columbus, Ohio, Morgan escaped Nov. 24, returned south. |
| Lincoln's Father Here | Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90 | Thomas Lincoln made claim for land in Cumberland County in May, 1801. In Jan., 1802 and again in 1804 he was appointed constable. On Sept. 5, 1802, he was commissioned ensign in Cornstalk Militia of Cumberland County. Returned to Washington County. Married Nancy Hanks 1806. To this union Pres. Lincoln was born. Thomas brought to Ky. from Va. as a child, 1782. |
| Cumberland County | Burkesville, Courthouse lawn, KY 61, 90 | Established, 1798, taken out of Green County. Later, between 1800 and 1860, parts of Wayne, Monroe, Russell, Clinton, Metcalfe were taken from its original territory. First known white men here, 1769. Daniel Boone explored area, 1771. Burkesville, laid out in 1798 on land owned by Samuel Burks, was vital riverport for timber and farm produce during steamboat era. |
| Old American Oil Well | 3 mi. N. of Burkesville, KY 61 | Site of early American gusher that covered Cumberland River with oil and created spectacular "river of fire," March, 1829. Oil bottled from this well was widely sold for medicinal use in United States and Europe under trade name, "American Oil." The claims of the superior qualities of this oil merited it the name of Old American Oil Well. Original boring was for salt well. |
| Melmont | 2 mi. N. of Burkesville, KY 704 | The home of Brig. Gen. John Edwards King (1757-1828). Revolutionary War land grant for service through war attaining rank of Capt., 1780. Born in Va. Settled here 1799. Outstanding military tactician in War of 1812. Commended by Shelby for leadership in Battle of the Thames, 1813. Served as clerk of both county and circuit courts, 1803-24. His gravestone here. |
| Historical Items For Sale |
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