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City Park And Site Of Ratliff Tavern
James Garfield Historical Marker
Located on the corner of Huffman Avenue and College Street is the site where James A. Garfield was sworn in as Brigader General in the Union Army in 1862. Presently the City Park, this is the only site connected with Civil War events in the downtown. Garfield's troops encamped on this site until the 1862 flooding forced them up on the hill where Pikeville College now stands. His oath of office as Brigadier General was administered by the Pike County Squire John Charles in this location. Garfield later became President of the United States, but was assassinated shortly after his inauguration. Although the historical marker indicates Garfield was sworn as General in January, 1862, it actually occurred in March 1862. In the early 1930's, the Bowles House, the grand house where Garfield lived while in Pikeville, was torn down.
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