John J. Crittenden

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Historical Marker #1160 in Marion commemorates the namesake of Crittenden County, who was a War of 1812 veteran.

John Jordan Crittenden was born in Woodford County in 1787. Called "one of Kentucky's great statesmen," he was governor of Kentucky, attorney general under three presidents, and was a United States senator five times. During the War of 1812, Crittenden was an aide to both General Samuel Hopkins and Governor Isaac Shelby.

In 1860, when civil war was imminent, Crittenden proposed several resolutions–termed the Crittenden Compromise–to preserve the Union. His efforts failed, and the conflict eventually erupted. His own family was divided during the Civil War. One of his sons was a Union general, while another was a Confederate general.

Crittenden died in Frankfort in 1863 and was buried there. Crittenden County was formed and named in his honor in 1842.