The Blockhouse
Shelby County, Shelby County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
The Blockhouse. Built in 1858 by townspeople for civil defense against guerrillas. Located in middle of intersection. Measured 12 by 18 feet with loopholes on all sides. Manned by townsmen when alarm sounded. Several encounters with gangs attempting to raid town. Torn down in 1870 when civil law and order were assured, and marauders had been dispersed. (Reverse) Martin's Raid - In August 1864 Captain David (Black Dave) Martin and gang attempted raid on courthouse to secure guns stored there. Thomas C. McGrath, merchant, J. H. Masonheimer, tailor, and others defended town against raiders. Three guerrillas were killed, and McGrath wounded. Mission failed. Martin died in 1896 and was buried in Grove Hill Cemetery.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
During the Civil War, the border state of Kentucky was plagued by guerrilla bands and marauders who preyed on divided communities. In 1858 the townspeople built a small log blockhouse in the middle of the intersection, pierced with loopholes and manned whenever an alarm sounded. In August 1864 the guerrilla captain David "Black Dave" Martin tried to raid the courthouse for its stored guns, but townsmen drove him off, killing three raiders.
Why it matters
It preserves the memory of the irregular, close-to-home warfare that made the Civil War so brutal in the divided border states, where civilians armed themselves against roving raiders.
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Related people
- · David "Black Dave" Martin
- · Thomas C. McGrath
- · J. H. Masonheimer
Related events
- · Martin's Raid
Themes & tags
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