Meade County, Kentucky

Text

Historical Marker #845 in Brandenburg commemorates the naming of Meade County after a War of 1812 casualty.

James M. Meade of Woodford County saw active service throughout the early nineteenth century. As a member of the 17th United States Infantry, Meade fought at the Battle of Tippecanoe in present-day Indiana in 1811. There, Meade distinguished himself and was promoted to captain.

Meade's regiment soon found themselves fighting for their lives at the Battle of the River Raisin, fought near present-day Monroe, Michigan. There, one early historian noted, "Captain Meade was conspicuously in the forefront, occupied a very exposed position, and was mortally wounded while gallant leading his company in a charge."

Meade County was formed and named in his honor in 1823. Nine Kentucky counties are named for soldiers who were killed at the Battle of the River Raisin.