Most Kentuckians know little about the War of 1812, but its effect on
the Bluegrass State still resonates. About 64 percent of the American
fatalities in the war that some historians have dubbed America's Second
Revolution were from Kentucky even though none of its battles were
fought in the state.
And 30 of Kentucky's 120 counties, including Crittenden County, are named after
figures in the war. Though most prominently known as a governor of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney General and member of both chambers of Congress, John J. Crittenden was a military officer acting as a confidential assistant to Kentucky Gov. Isaac Shelby in the Battle of the Thames in Canada during the war. Crittenden County was not formed until 1842, carved out of a portion of Livingston County.
Kentuckians will learn more in 2012 about one of the
least remembered wars in America's history, thanks to an 18-member
bicentennial commission set up by the state legislature. It is made up
of lawmakers, state officials, historians and five citizen members.
For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.
