Kentucky

"Soon after, I returned home to my family, with a determination to bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.
Daniel Boone

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/kentucky.html#t7s02wxFgEaYyJHC.99

Friday, December 16, 2016

Choctaw Indian Academy

 

Historical Marker #135 in Scott County notes the location of the Choctaw Indian Academy. Established in 1818, it was later sponsored by future U.S. Vice-President Richard M. Johnson.

At the end of the eighteenth and early-nineteenth century, as the population of Euro-American settlers increased and the threat of Native American attacks decreased, efforts were made to acculturate Indians who were willing to assimilate. 

Before the Indian Removal Act of 1830, some tribes chose to remain in their home areas and adopted white ways of living. The Indians of the southeast, for instance, often chose to incorporate white forms of dress, marry white neighbors, and practice white agricultural methods. Some Native Americans even owned African-American slaves.

During this time, Kentuckian Richard M. Johnson was in a unique position to help acculturation projects. Johnson had gained fame for reputedly killing the great Shawnee warrior Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames during the War of 1812. Johnson used that fame to forward his already budding political career. 

In 1818, the Baptist Mission Society of Kentucky started the Choctaw Indian Academy at Great Crossings, Kentucky, located near Georgetown and Johnson's home. The school soon failed, however, from a lack of funding. When some Choctaw Mississippi lands were ceded to the United States, the tribal leaders requested that some of the treaty money be used to fund educational initiatives. Therefore, they reached out to Johnson. The congressman, along with his brother-in-law, William Ward, the U.S. government agent for the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi, had the school restarted in 1821.

At the Kentucky school, Choctaw boys were taught to speak English, as well as other foundational subjects including writing and arithmetic. In addition to academic subjects, some practical courses were taught. The school gained in popularity during the 1820s and 1830s, and had a record enrollment of 188 in 1835. During this period, other tribes also sent students and financial support to the institution. 

The end of the school had its roots in the Indian Removal Act of 1830. That legislative action led to the migration of thousands of Native Americans to west of the Mississippi River to Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. There, many of the migrating tribes—including the Choctaw—started their own reservation schools and attendance began to dwindle at Johnson's Kentucky school. After the Choctaws eliminated their financial support for the school it soon closed in 1842.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Longnecker Home

Antebellum home in Mason County between Maysville and Mayslick. Home of banker Benjamin Longnecker born 1804.

Built circa 1834 and known as Briar Hill farm

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Old and New Breathitt County Courthouse in Jackson

Breathitt County was formed on February 8, 1839 from portions of Clay County, Estill County and Perry County. It was named after Governor John Breathitt.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Rose Hill

Rose Hill Mansion in Woodford County on Kidds Mill Road

Circa 1815




Thursday, June 11, 2015

Friday, April 24, 2015

Pisgah Presbyterian Church Founded 1794

Located in Wood ford County and built in 1812. Burial site of 7 Revoltionary War soldiers , Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler and Lt. General Harris Field, commanding General at Guadacanal in WWII.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Rabbit Hash, KY Boone County

The name Rabbit Hash may derive from the historic use of the local rabbit population as food. The hamlet's most notable building, the Rabbit Hash General Store, is regarded as the best known and best preserved country store in Kentucky. There is a distinction made between urban Rabbit Hash and suburban Rabbit Hash.

Friday, May 30, 2014

My Old Kentucky Home





MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME
by Stephen Foster

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
'Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom,
While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,
All merry, all happy and bright;
By 'n' by hard times comes a-knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

CHORUS
Weep no more my lady
Oh! weep no more today!
We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
For the Old Kentucky Home far away.

They hunt no more for the possum and the coon,
On meadow, the hill and the shore,
They sing no more by the glimmer of the moon,
On the bench by the old cabin door.

The day goes by like a shadow o'er the heart,
With sorrow, where all was delight,
The time has come when the people have to part,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

CHORUS

The head must bow and the back will have to bend,
Wherever the people may go;
A few more days, and the trouble all will end,
In the field where the sugar-canes grow;

A few more days for to tote the weary load,
No matter, 'twill never be light;
A few more days till we totter on the road,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Downtown Danville | Kentucky Life | KET







Danville is known as the City of Firsts in Kentucky, and its vibrant downtown helps this Boyle County town keep its top spot in Bluegrass culture and history.

The location of the first Kentucky courthouse in 1785, Danville was the first capital of Kentucky. It still takes the spotlight in politics, having hosted both the 2000 and 2012 vice presidential debates. Home to the first college and the first law school in the West, Danville today is home to Centre College, one of the top private liberal arts colleges in the country.

Downtown Danville boasts a vibrant Main Street filled with shops and restaurants, the Community Arts Center, as well as Constitution Square State Park and historic churches. In June, music fills the air during the Great American Brass Band Festival

Jack & Matthew Jouett | Kentucky Life | KET





This historical marker segment recalls a famous father and son, one an unheralded war hero, the other a renowned artist.

The father, Jack Jouett Jr., played a little known but pivotal role in the American Revolution, saving Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature from capture by the British. 

On June 3, 1781, the young militia captain was enjoying himself at a tavern in Louisa, Virginia, when he happened to spy British troops riding in. He quickly surmised that they were on their way to Charlottesville, where Governor Jefferson and the legislature had fled after Benedict Arnold's raid on Richmond. Jack made a heroic, all-night 40-mile ride through back roads to sound the alarm at Monticello.

Virginia's legislature honored Jack for his bravery, awarding him two fine pistols and a sword. Although he is known by many Virginians as their own Paul Revere, his story has fallen into relative obscurity outside the state.

After the war, Jack Jouett settled in what eventually became the state of Kentucky and raised a family. 

His second son, Matthew, displayed a talent for portraits at an early age. Nonetheless, Matthew followed his father's wishes and practiced law. He served in the War of 1812, but after the war was over he devoted his energies to his first love, art.

Already respected for his portraits, he sought to become even better. He studied in 1816 under the famous Gilbert Stuart, who said Matthew was the only student he had who was worthy of his teaching. Among the notable men of the era who sat for a portrait by Matthew were the Marquis de Lafayette and Henry Clay. 

Matthew died young at age 39, but is renowned to this day as Kentucky's greatest painter.




Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Logan's Fort in Lincoln County

Logan's Fort set on a slight elevation about fifty yards west of the smaller spring at St. Asaph. The fort was 90 X 150 feet and was constructed of logs. Gates were located at each end and were raised and lowered by leather thongs. The main gate faced east.

Along the south side, two blockhouses were built, one on each end, with three cabins between, which were occupied by Wm. Menniffee, Wm. Whitley and the James Mason families. On the north side, only one blockhouse was built. It was on the northwest corner. There were four cabins adjoining occupied by George Clark, Benjamin Logan, Benjamin Pettit and Samuel Coburn.

A conventional cabin occupied the northeast corner. This was the only corner of the fort without a blockhouse. The cabin that Logan built in 1775 was a part of the fort.

The fort's water came from a spring that lay 50 yards to the east. A tunnel was dug from inside the southeastern blockhouse to the springhouse, which covered the spring.

The tunnel was four feet deep and three feet wide. A person could obtain water, undetected, in time of siege by the Indians.

The land about the fort had been cleared of all trees and cane so the Indians would not have shooting cover to approach the fort. The ridge to the south of St. Asaph's Branch was not cleared and most of the firing of Indian guns came from here. The distance, 200 to 250 yards, was too great, and the shot and arrows had little effect.

At the foot of the hill, on St. Asaph's Branch, just below the fort, the settlers maintained a gristmill. In all probability, this was the first mill built in Kentucky. During his first visit to the fort in late April of 1778, Daniel Trabue spoke of eating bread - something that could not be obtained at Fort Boonesborough.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Jack Jouett- The Other Paul Revere

Jack Jouett: America
's Other Paul Revere
On the night of June 3-4, 1781, Captain John "Jack" Jouett, Jr. rode 40 miles through the backwoods of Virginia to warn Governor Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature of the approach of 250 British troops.
Jack Jouett's heroic act saved the American Revolution by preventing the capture of its most important political leaders.
Jouett migrated to the Bluegrass after the war, where he played an important role in the Kentucky statehood convention, served in the legislature, and became a prosperous planter and breeder of fine horses and cattle.
He and his wife Sally Robards reared twelve children, including renowned portrait painter Matthew Harris Jouett.
This rural homestead includes a 1780's frontier stone cabin, used as a kitchen by the Jouetts. The 1797 Federal-style brick house features a formal parlor, a dining room, and three bedrooms. Period furnishings complement the rooms.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Old Talbott Tavern Bardstown

The Old Talbott Tavern, also known as the Old Stone Tavern, a historic tavern built in 1779, is located in the Bardstown Historic District of Bardstown, Kentucky, across from the historic Nelson County Courthouse. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 30, 1973. According to tradition, the tavern has never closed since its opening in 1779.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Crittenden Cabin

Birthplace of John J. Crittenden, Kentucky Governor, 5 time US Senator and US Attorney General. Built by his father in 1783. Located in Woodford County off US 60 near Versailles.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Justice Thomas Todd House-Frankfort

The Thomas Todd House is located at 320 Wapping Street. The Federal style structure was built in 1812 by either Hayden Edwards or William Walker with the Victorian stylefeatures added later.

After serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, Thomas Todd studied law and land surveying under his cousin Harry Innes. In 1784 Todd move to Kentucky when Judge Harry Innes was appointed to begin the federal court in Danville, Kentucky. During his time in Danville, Todd served as a clerk for five Constitutional Conventions regarding Kentucky's statehood. After being admitted to the bar in 1788, Todd was a clerk to federal Judge Innes and served as the clerk of the Kentucky House of Representatives until 1799 when the Kentucky Supreme Court was created and Todd was appointed its chief clerk. Kentucky Governor James Garrard appointed Todd to fill the a newly added seat to the Court, and five years later he was named Chief Justice of the Kentucky Court. In 1807, United States President Thomas Jefferson appointed Todd, then age forty-one, to United States Supreme Court where he served until his death in 1826. After his appointment to the Supreme Court, Todd remained active in local and state affairs.

In 1818, while serving on the U.S. Supreme Court, Todd purchased the house on Wapping Street and lived there with his second wife Lucy (Payne) Washington, sister of Dolley Madison. Todd died on February 7, 1826 and was buried in the Innes family cemetery. Later Todd was reinterred in the at Frankfort Cemetery.



Sunday, September 22, 2013

Flora Cliff Nature Preserve

Floracliff Nature Sanctuary is a 287-acre nature preserve located in the palisades region of the Kentucky River in southern Fayette County. The preserve is comprised of steep slopes, mixed hardwood forests, Kentucky River bottomlands, swiftly running tributary streams and limestone palisades. Of geological significance is a 61-foot surface deposit of travertine known as Elk Lick Falls.

Old Providence Church

Built in 1790 on Howard's Creek in Clark County. Attended by Daniel Boone and church where several relatives were baptized. United Baptists formed here. 

     The 'Old Stone Meeting House' on Howards Lower Creek, Clark County, Ky., is said to be the oldest church that is now in existence between the Alleghany and the Rocky Mountains. 


Built before the year 1796 by a colony of Baptists who came from Virginia. 

Colbyville Tavern

Built in 1820.  by Colby Taylor. Popular stage stop between Lexington and Winchester. Andrew Jackson stayed here in 1835.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Keene Springs Hotel


The Keene Springs Hotel is a rambling wood-frame, two-story Greek Revival-style building built in sections in 1841 by Mason Singleton, Jr. in the hamlet of Keene, nearNicholasvilleKentucky in Jessamine County. They owned and operated the hotel and tavern as a resort destination for the whitesulphur springs nearby. During the choleraepidemic of 1848-1849 and outbreaks in the early 1850s, residents of Lexington came to the hotel to try to escape the spread of disease. The Singletons operated the hotel until 1857, when they sold it to Alfred McTyre.

After the American Civil War, tourist travel decreased because of the poor economy. F.S. Wilson purchased the hotel in 1868 and operated it as a boarding house through the end of the century. In the 20th century until the 1960s, Wilson family descendants used the structure as a general store and residence.

The hotel is privately owned. A lessee operates a restaurant three days a week and is gradually restoring the building. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1984.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Caveland built in 1797

Caveland built in 1797 by Richard Hickman and located off Athens-Boonesboro Road in Clark County. Member 1792 Constitutional Convention, State Senator and Lt. Governor.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Home of KY's 12th Governor James Clark- Winchester

Holly Rood - Later known as Clark Mansion - is one of the most historic homes in Clark County. It's construction was started 1813 by James Clark (12th Governor of Kentucky) and followed simple lines of federal style architecture from his native Virgina. Upon completion in 1814, the new house was named Holly Rood for the home of Mrs. Clark's father. He had named his home in Virgina after the country estate of Mary, Queeen of Scots. The home is open to individual and group guided tours by special arrangements.


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Weisenberger Mill

Weisenberger Mill is located on the South Elkhorn Creek in southern Scott County, Kentucky. The creek has provided the water to power the mill's twin turbines since the 1800's. Six generations of Weisenbergers have operated the mill at the present location since 1865. 

August Weisenberger emigrated from Baden, Germany to start milling at Midway, Kentucky in 1862. He purchased the existing mill in 1865. Philip, his son, was the second generation to take over operating the mill. He was later joined by his son August and then his son,Phil. Today, Mac Weisenberger, Phil's son owns and operates the mill. His son, Philip has joined the family business as well. 

In the early years, our primary products were soft wheat flour and white cornmeal. Through the years it became apparent that the customers demanded more. As a result, our present policy of meeting all the baking needs of our customers evolved. We now offer more than seventy items in various sizes. Our inventory contains flour for any baking purpose, complete mixes for many popular end products, and breading blends for chicken, fish, meats, and vegetables.

Weisenberger Mill

Weisenberger Mill is located on the South Elkhorn Creek in southern Scott County, Kentucky. The creek has provided the water to power the mill's twin turbines since the 1800's. Six generations of Weisenbergers have operated the mill at the present location since 1865. 

August Weisenberger emigrated from Baden, Germany to start milling at Midway, Kentucky in 1862. He purchased the existing mill in 1865. Philip, his son, was the second generation to take over operating the mill. He was later joined by his son August and then his son,Phil. Today, Mac Weisenberger, Phil's son owns and operates the mill. His son, Philip has joined the family business as well. 

In the early years, our primary products were soft wheat flour and white cornmeal. Through the years it became apparent that the customers demanded more. As a result, our present policy of meeting all the baking needs of our customers evolved. We now offer more than seventy items in various sizes. Our inventory contains flour for any baking purpose, complete mixes for many popular end products, and breading blends for chicken, fish, meats, and vegetables.

In the picture above, you can see a horse drawn wagon that is carrying flour to the railroad station in Midway.  White Dove Flour is a brand name that was once used for one of the flours that we made here. 
Weisenberger Mill is located on the South Elkhorn Creek in southern Scott County, Kentucky. The creek has provided the water to power the mill's twin turbines since the 1800's. Six generations of Weisenbergers have operated the mill at the present location since 1865. 

August Weisenberger emigrated from Baden, Germany to start milling at Midway, Kentucky in 1862. He purchased the existing mill in 1865. Philip, his son, was the second generation to take over operating the mill. He was later joined by his son August and then his son,Phil. Today, Mac Weisenberger, Phil's son owns and operates the mill. His son, Philip has joined the family business as well. 

In the early years, our primary products were soft wheat flour and white cornmeal. Through the years it became apparent that the customers demanded more. As a result, our present policy of meeting all the baking needs of our customers evolved. We now offer more than seventy items in various sizes. Our inventory contains flour for any baking purpose, complete mixes for many popular end products, and breading blends for chicken, fish, meats, and vegetables.

In the picture above, you can see a horse drawn wagon that is carrying flour to the railroad station in Midway.  White Dove Flour is a brand name that was once used for one of the flours that we made here. 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

General Albert Sidney Johnston Birthplace- Old Washington,Mason County

Albert Sidney Johnston (February 2, 1803 – April 6, 1862) served as  a General  in three different armies: the Texian (i.e., Republic of Texas) Army, theUnited States Army, and the Confederate States Army. He saw extensive combat during his military career, fighting actions in the Texas War of Independence, the Mexican-American War, the Utah War, and the American Civil War.

Considered by Confederate President Jefferson Davis to be the finest (and the second-highest ranking) general officer in the Confederacy before the emergence of Robert E. Lee, he was killed early in the Civil War at the Battle of Shiloh and was the highest-ranking officer, Union or Confederate, killed during the entire war.Davis believed the loss of Johnston "was the turning point of our fate".

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Boyle County Courthouse- Danville, KY


The second and present Boyle County courthouse was built by, architect James R. Carrigan in 1860-62.

It is of Italianate style with a majestic two- story clock tower rising above the building.

The courthouse was built on the site of a previous courthouse that was destroyed by fire in 1860.