Revolutionary War Veterans in Kentucky Office
Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Veterans of American Revolution Elected Governor of Kentucky. Isaac Shelby, 1792-96, 1812-16; Col., Va. Militia James Garrard, 1796-1800, 1800-4; Col., Va. Militia Christopher Greenup, 1804-8; Col., Va. Militia Charles Scott, 1808-12; Brevet Maj. Gen., Cont. Army George Madison, 1816-died same year; Capt., Caroline Militia, Va. John Adair, 1820-24; Brig. Gen., S.C. Line Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution. (Reverse) Veterans of American Revolution Elected U.S. Senator from Ky. John Brown, 1792-1805; Private, Va. Militia John Edwards, 1792-95; Drummer, Pa. Line Humphrey Marshall, 1795-1804; Capt.,Va. Militia John Breckinridge, 1801-5; Subaltern, Va. Militia George Walker, 1814; Pvt., Morgan's Rifle Corps John Adair, 1805-6; Brig. Gen., S.C. Line Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
This monument, presented by the Kentucky Society of the Sons of the Revolution, honors the many Revolutionary War veterans who went on to lead the new state of Kentucky. Governors such as Isaac Shelby, James Garrard, Christopher Greenup, Charles Scott, George Madison, and John Adair, along with early U.S. Senators from Kentucky, had all served in Continental or state forces during the fight for independence. Their military ranks are recorded alongside their offices.
Why it matters
It shows how the generation that won American independence went on to build the governments of the western states, carrying the Revolution's ideals into public office.
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Related people
- · Isaac Shelby
- · James Garrard
- · Christopher Greenup
- · Charles Scott
- · George Madison
- · John Adair
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Gov. George Madison
Frankfort, KY
George Madison came to Kentucky as a young Virginian who had already soldiered in the Revolutionary War, and he spent roughly two decades as auditor of the state's public accounts after his appointment by Governor Isaac Shelby. Distinguished service in the War of 1812 lifted him to popularity, and in 1816 Kentuckians elected him governor. He died only weeks after taking office—the first Kentucky governor to die in office—and Lieutenant Governor Gabriel Slaughter completed the term. Madison rests in the state section of the Frankfort Cemetery.
Captain Jack Jouett Home
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In the small hours of June 4, 1781, Jack Jouett spurred his horse some forty miles through the Virginia backcountry to reach Charlottesville ahead of Banastre Tarleton's British dragoons, giving Governor Thomas Jefferson and the fleeing legislature the minutes they needed to escape capture. Often called "the Paul Revere of the South," Jouett later crossed the mountains to build a life in Kentucky. This was also home to his son, Matthew Harris Jouett, who became one of the young republic's most admired portrait painters.
Scott County
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Formed from Woodford County in 1792, Scott County was the second created after Kentucky became a state. It honors General Charles Scott, a Virginia-born Revolutionary officer who saw action at Trenton, Germantown, Monmouth, and Stony Point, settled in Kentucky in 1785, and later served as the state's fourth governor.
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