Kentucky Historical Marker #0197
School for the Deaf. On this corner, in 1823, Kentucky founded the first state-supported school in the United States for the instruction of deaf children. Classes met in an old inn that was known as the Yellow House. Reverend and Mrs. John R. Kerr served as first Superintendent and Matron from 1823 until 1833. School was moved to present campus on South Second Street in 1827. Originally erected in 1963. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: School for the Deaf
4th & Main Sts., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0036
Birney Home. Birthplace of James G. Birney, abolitionist leader, candidate for President 1840 and '44. His 1844 votes caused Henry Clay's defeat. Birney's father built home, 1800. One son was Gov. of Mich., 1861-63, and Min. to the Hague; two were Maj. Gens. and two Colonels, USA. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: James G. Birney Home
US 150, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0049
Site of Log Courthouse. Kentucky District Court sessions held here March 14, 1785, until Court of Appeals set up in 1792. Created by Virginia statute on May 6, 1782, the court first met in Harrodsburg on March 3, 1783. Later meetings at Low Dutch Station and John Crow's Station before moved here. Samuel McDowell, John Floyd, George Muter, first judges; Walker Daniel, prosecutor; John May, clerk. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Site of Log Courthouse
134 S. 2nd St., Constitution Square, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0756
Courthouse a Hospital. Boyle County's first courthouse erected here, 1842, destroyed by great fire of 1860. This building completed 1862. First occupied by Union forces as hospital after battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862. On 11th a Union force drove CSA from fairgrounds, thru town, skirmishing all way. CSA armies gathered at Bryantsville, started back to Tenn. on 13th. See over.
Courthouse lawn, Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1140
Clark's Station. Early pioneer settlement erected before 1779. Developed by George Clark, brother-in-law of William Whitley, whose party came to Ky. about 1775. Located on Clark's Run Creek, named for George Clark, it was one of the first stations built in the vicinity of the forts at Harrodsburg and Stanford. Clark raised a crop here as early as 1775, improved the site in 1776.
US 150 & KY 52, SE of Danville, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1218
County Named, 1842. For Judge John Boyle, 1774-1834. State representative, 1800; U.S. Congress, 1803-9; Kentucky Court of Appeals, Chief Justice, 1810-26; U.S. District Judge for Kentucky, 1826-34. The Judge "lived for his country," setting many important legal precedents for the new state. The 94th county, formed from parts of Mercer and Lincoln, with Danville named the county seat.
Courthouse lawn, Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1279
First Crop. Kentucky's first recorded hemp crop, 1775, was on Clark's Run Creek, near Danville. Grown by Archibald McNeill, who brought the first seed with him when he located here. Hemp production spread slowly throughout the area, but Boyle County later became one of ten Bluegrass counties which together produced over 90 percent of entire US yield in 1889. Over. (Reverse) Hemp in Kentucky First crop grown, 1775. From 1840 to 1860, Ky. production largest in U.S. Peak in 1850 was 40,000 tons, value of $5,000,000. Scores of factories made twine, rope, gunny sacks, bags for cotton picking and marketing. State's largest cash crop until 1915. Market lost to imported jute, freed of tariff. As war measure, hemp grown again during World War II. See over.
Courthouse lawn, US 127, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1376
Old Crow Inn. The oldest existing stone house in Kentucky, built 1784, is part of this building. The house has been enlarged and Doric pillars added. Land purchased from John Crow by James Wright, 1781. Next owner, Colonel Joshua Barbee, who built original house. In 180 years only three families have been owners. Adams family since 1899. Presented by Joshua B. Adams. (Reverse) John Crow - Came to Harrodsburg in 1774 with James Harrod and his group of 32. Settled near here in 1776. Founded Crow's Station, 1782, which became the political and cultural capital for District of Kentucky when Supreme Court met there, 1783-85. John Crow sold to Walker Daniel, 1784, land on which he established Danville in 1788. Over. Presented by Joshua B. Adams.
US 150, Danville city limits, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1422
Governor Owsley Home. Mansion built by William Owsley at close of term as Governor of Kentucky, 1844-48. Tract on which house stands part of land claimed by James Harrod prior to 1785. Owsley (1782-1862) served as Judge on the Court of Appeals, State Senator, and Secretary of State before elected Governor. Owsley County named for him. Marker presented by Charles E. Beck.
US 127, 1.5 mi. N. of Danville, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1442
Trinity Episcopal Church. One of the oldest church buildings in Danville. Erected in 1830 after Trinity parish founded in 1829. Rebuilt on the original walls following fire which swept central part of town, 1860. James Birney and Ephraim McDowell members of first vestry. In churchyard is tombstone of first rector, Rev. Gideon McMillan, a victim of the cholera epidemic of 1833.
Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1705
Lottie Moon (1840-1912). This dynamic Southern Baptist missionary spent almost forty years (1873-1912) teaching and ministering in China. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Danville, 1868-71, and taught at Caldwell Female Institute, later a part of Centre College. Lottie Moon's life inspired Christmas offering for Baptist foreign missions; fund named for her, 1918.
1570 North Danville Bypass, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1772
Pioneer Methodist Preacher. Reverend Francis Clark organized first Methodist Society in Ky., 1783; such groups formed Methodist Episcopal Church, established 1784. Clark, from Virginia, settled near here. A local preacher, he was assisted by John Durham, lay leader. Society, led by Clark and Durham, began westward movement of Methodism. Grave is north on Quirk's Run Road. Presented by United Methodists-Ky. Conference.
US 150, W. of Danville, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1909
Fisher's Garrison. Stephen Albert Fisher, Rev. War soldier from Va., assigned in 1775 to active duty and wounded while serving with Colonel John Bowman's militia. Returned to Ky. in 1779 with wife Mary Magdalene Garr. He established garrison of military significance in vicinity of 400-acre settlement tract. Bros. Adam (in Rev.) & Barnett followed to Ky. Presented by Col. Richard Hampton Fisher, S.A.R.
Near 391 McDowell Dr., Lexington Rd., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2005
Jacobs Hall. Kentucky School for the Deaf first opened 1823 in Danville, at 4th and Main Sts. In 1826, it moved to this campus. Jacobs Hall is oldest surviving building, constructed 1855-57, of Italianate design by architect Thomas Lewinski. Its interior is marked by a main hall with curving staircase and four-story atrium open to the cupola. Exterior remains unchanged. (Reverse) John A. Jacobs, Sr. (1806-69) - KSD's first trained teacher, principal, third superintendent, 1825-1869. A Centre College student, he was sent in 1824 to Hartford, Conn., for training under T.H. Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, pioneers of deaf education in America. He introduced Methodical Signs here and authored texts for deaf students.
School for the Deaf campus, S. Second St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2135
Alcorn Homestead. Former home of Sophia K. Alcorn. Born in Lincoln County in 1883, she invented the Tadoma method to teach deaf-blind individuals to speak through the feel of sound vibrations from the lips and cheeks. The method was named for two deaf-blind students, Tad Chapman and Oma Simpson. The system still used internationally. Presented by Lincoln Co. Historical Society. (Reverse) Sophia K. Alcorn - Sophia Alcorn devised a system of written visual symbols to assist in developing speech in deaf children. Known as the "Alcorn Symbols," the system is used by teachers of deaf today. Remembered as educator from Ky. School for Deaf in Danville. She was active in Stanford Presby. Church. Died, 1967, and buried in Buffalo Springs Cemetery, Stanford. Presented by Lincoln Co. Historical Society.
409 Danville St., Stanford, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2186
John William Bates (1855-1945). Original site of Bate High School, built 1912 and named in honor of its founder, John William Bate. Born a slave in Louisville, Bate received an AB from Berea College in 1881 and an AM in 1891. He moved to Danville to teach in 1881 and served community there as distinguished educational leader for 59 years. Over. Retiring at age 85, Bate noted: “I found a one-room school and I left a building of twenty rooms. I was the one teacher and now there are 15. I found 6 students and left a school with 600.” His foresight and dedication provided opportunities for African American children to achieve. Over. Given by Danville Bd. of Ed./Bate Alumni Assoc.
School grouunds, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2244
John Todd Stuart, 1807-1885. Abraham Lincoln’s friend and 1st law partner was born on Nov. 10, 1807, in Fayette Co. The son of a Presbyterian minister & Mary Todd Lincoln’s aunt, Stuart graduated from Centre College in 1826. Two years later he became a lawyer in Springfield, IL. Met Lincoln when an officer in Black Hawk War and encouraged him to study law. Over. (Reverse) Lent Lincoln law books and they were law partners, 1837–1841. He was a Whig in IL legislature and US Cong. Backed John Bell over Lincoln in 1860 election and went to Cong. as Democrat in 1862. Was frequent White House visitor despite disagreeing with some of Lincoln’s policies. Was pres. of Natl. Lincoln Monument Assoc.
Main Street, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2273
Buford-Salter House. Built ca. 1820 on lot #46 of the original town plat. Thomas Buford son of town founder, Wm. Buford., appointed sheriff of Garrard Co. in 1803. He was a member of Ky. Legislature, 1806-09, and served in Senate, 1809. Veteran of War of 1812. In 1841, Michael & Ocee Reed Salter purchased house. He served in the Revolutionary War.
208 Danville St., Lancaster, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2281
Dr. Ephraim McDowell, 1771-1830. Burial site of Ephraim McDowell, the “father of modern surgery.” His family moved here from Va. in 1784. He studied medicine in Va. and Scotland before practicing in Danville. In 1802, he married Sarah Shelby, dau. of Ky.’s first gov. Was also a founder & early trustee of Centre College. (Reverse) McDowell-Crawford Surgery- Dec. 25, 1809, McDowell performed world’s 1st successful abdominal operation when he took a 22-pound ovarian cyst from Jane Todd Crawford of Green County. With no anesthesia, she sang hymns during the ordeal. She recovered in 25 days & lived until 1842. McDowell died in 1830 and is buried in the Presbyterian churchyard.
West Main St. at McDowell Park, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2386
Willis Russell House. Willis Russell, a well-educated & emancipated slave of Rev. War captain Robert Craddock, relocated from Warren Co., Ky. to Danville around April 1838. He taught black children in this pre-1795 log home that he inherited when Capt. Craddock died in 1837. Over (Reverse) Craddock and Tardiveau- Russell was educated at the home of Robert Craddock by French Rev. War soldier Peter Tardiveau, who spoke seven languages & interpreted political matters for Gen. George Rogers Clark. Both Craddock and Tardiveau were members of the Political Club that petitioned for Kentucky statehood. Over
204 E. Walnut St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2433
Bright's Inn. Bright’s Inn, a stagecoach stop near the Wilderness Road, was built in 1815 by Capt. John Bright. The original inn was constructed of logs, and, in 1820, a two-story limestone addition was built for travelers going from Lexington to the Cumberland Gap. Visitors to the inn included Isaac Shelby, George Rogers Clark & Henry Clay.
1210 Danville Rd., Stanford, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2527
Family Services Association of Danville. On June 1, 1916, representatives of local churches, civic clubs and Centre College, inspired by Hull House and the Progressive Era, founded the Community Work Board (CWB), which made social work scientific, opposed begging; gave coal, meals, and clothes to the needy; taught woodworking, cooking, sewing, chair-caning. It opened a public laundry, bath. Over. Assisted the FERA, WPA, CCC and trained Depression workers for other counties. Started playground and Bible school; provided space for Red Cross & Habitat for Humanity. Helped start what became the United Way and established the Senior Citizens Center. Adopted the name "Family Services Association of Boyle County" in 1970. Dedicated October 13, 2017.
447 S. Third Street Danville, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0024
Poet, Lawyer and Soldier. Theodore O'Hara was born in this city, Feb. 11, 1820. He read law with Judge Wm. Owsley. Newspaper work included editing Frankfort Yeoman and Louisville Times. He served in Mexican War, Cuban rebellion and Civil War; on staffs of Generals J. C. Breckinridge and A. S. Johnston, CSA. Died 1867; reinterred with military honors, 1874, in Frankfort Cemetery. (Reverse) Theodore O'Hara: O'Hara's memorable poem, "The Bivouac of the Dead," was written to commemorate the burial of Kentucky soldiers who fell at Battle of Buena Vista. By act of legislature O'Hara was reinterred beside his Mexican comrades. "On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the dead." For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Theodore O'Hara
Courthouse lawn, Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0056
Logan's Station. Or St. Asaph. Colonel Benjamin Logan settled here after leaving party of Colonel Henderson at Hazel Patch because of settlement plans. Scene of courageous rescue of fallen companion by Logan in Indian attack (1777). For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Logan's Station
Waterworks & Danville Sts., Stanford, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1091
"Uncle" Charlie Moran. Colorful college football coach and National Baseball League umpire. Coached Praying Colonels of Centre College into national football spotlight, 1916-23. See other side. First coached, 1898-99, at Bethel College, Russellville, Ky. Then held four other coaching positions before going to Texas A. and M., where he coached, 1908-13, and at Carlisle Indian School, 1914-15. After seven years at Centre, then went to Bucknell Univ., 1923-25; Catawba College, 1929-39. National League umpire, 1917-39. Officiated at four baseball World Series-1927, 29, 33, 38. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, 1879. University of Tenn., 1897. Resident of Horse Cave. Died, 1949. Interred Horse Cave Cemetery. (Reverse) Coach Moran's Banner Football Record at Centre Centre Opponent Centre Opponent 1919 1920 95 Hanover 0 66 Morris Harvey 0 Centre Opponent Centre Opponent 1919 12 - Indiana - 3 57 - St. Xavier - 0 69 - Transylvania - 0 46 - Virginia - 7 14 - W. Virginia - 6 56 - Kentucky - 0 56 - DePauw - 0 77 - Georgetown - 7 1920 120 - Howard - 0 55 - Transylvania -0 14 - Harvard - 31 0 - Georgia Tech - 24 34 - DePauw - 0 49 - Kentucky - 0 28 - VPI - 0 103 - Georgetown - 0 77 - Tex. Christian - 7 1921 National Champions 14 - Clemson - 0 14 - VPI - 0 28 - St. Xavier - 6 98 - Transylvania - 0 6 - Harvard - 0 55 - Kentucky - 0 21 - Auburn - 0 25 - Wash. and Lee - 0 21 - Tulane - 0 38 - Arizona - 0 Post season 14 - Texas A and M - 22 1922 72 - Carson-Newman - 0 21 - Clemson - 0 55 - Mississippi - 0 10 - VPI - 6 10 - Harvard - 24 32 - Louisville - 7 27 - Kentucky - 3 27 - Wash. and Lee - 6 0 - Auburn - 6 42 - S. Carolina - 0 1923 14 - Carson-Newman - 0 28 - Clemson - 7 29 - Oglethorpe - 0 0 - Pennsylvania - 24 10 - Kentucky - 0 20 - Sewanee - 6 17 - Auburn - 0 19 - Wash. and Lee - 0 3 - Georgia - 3
US 127, Centre College Campus, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1606
John Marshall Harlan (1833-1911). Born in Boyle Co. and a graduate of Centre College, 1850, Harlan practiced law in central Ky. after 1853. Although against Lincoln and abolition in 1860, he was a strong Unionist during Civil War; recruited 10th Ky. Infantry. Elected Attorney General of Kentucky in 1863. Supported rebuilding Union and amendments 13-15. Named to Supreme Court by Pres. Hayes; served nearly 34 yrs. (Reverse) Kentucky's "Great Dissenter" - During John Marshall Harlan's Supreme Court tenure, he authored 1161 opinions, spoke for the Court 745 times and wrote 316 dissents. Harlan was a highly respected jurist because of his individualism, dedication, and courage. He dissented with vigor, often alone, on issues of civil rights, interstate commerce, and income tax. Many of his dissents became the law of the land.
Weisiger Park, Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2216
Lewis and Clark in Kentucky- Danville. In December 1806, William Clark, coleader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean, visited his nephews in school in Danville. Clark was en route to Washington to report to President Jefferson and other government officials about the journey. Over. (Reverse) It is likely that the Expedition coleader Meriwether Lewis visited Danville in November 1806 with Expedition veterans and a Mandan Indian delegation while traveling the Wilderness Road eastward to Washington.
Constitution Square, Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2284
Ephraim McDowell House. Home of Ephraim McDowell, the “father of modern surgery.” Here on December 25, 1809, McDowell performed the first successful abdominal operation when he took a 22-pound ovarian cyst from Jane Todd Crawford of Green Co. With no anesthesia, she sang hymns during the operation. Crawford recovered in 25 days and lived until 1842. Over. (Reverse) Built in 3 stages. Brick ell, or single-story wing, built 1790s. McDowell purchased house in 1802 and added front clapboard section c. 1804. Rear brick office and formal gardens added in 1820. House sold when McDowell died in 1830. In 1930s, Ky. Med. Assoc. bought house; restored by WPA. House dedicated on May 20, 1939. Now a house museum. Over.
125 S. Second St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0755
Grayson's Tavern. Danville's first tavern, operated in this building before 1800 by Benjamin Grayson. Often within these walls the burning political issues of the day were discussed. The Danville Political Society, organized in 1786 and the first of its kind in the West, met and dined here at Grayson's Tavern to "plan the course of the empire" before blazing log fires.
lst & Walnut Sts., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0754
Presbyterian Church. One of three founded, 1784, by Reverend David Rice; earliest of this denomination west of Alleghenies. Here worshipped: James G. Birney, whose presidential candidacy in 1844 caused defeat of Henry Clay; John C. Breckinridge, whose 1860 candidacy resulted in election of Lincoln; Samuel D. Burchard, whose "Rum, Romanism and Rebellion" defeated James G. Blaine in 1884.
500 W. Main St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0923
Centre College. Founded on this campus in 1819 by pioneer Kentuckians who held that heart and mind must be trained together, and dedicated to the inculcation of ideals of culture and character in the hearts of American youth. Veritas Lux Mentis.
US 127 on Centre College campus, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2388
First USCT Recruits at Camp Nelson. May 23, 1864, nearly 250 black men, most of them slaves, left Boyle Co. to march to Camp Nelson in Jessamine Co. to enlist in the Union army. On the way, some Danville citizens threw stones and shot pistols at the recruits. When they reached camp, Union Col. Andrew Clark initially refused to accept them because no policy allowed for the recruitment of slaves. (Reverse) Although a few local slave owners tried to reclaim some of the men, the recruits were accepted into the army, causing a Union policy change that allowed able-bodied African American men, including slaves, to enlist. Over 5,000 U.S. Colored Troops were eventually recruited at Camp Nelson, with some of the first coming From Boyle County.
Constitution Square, Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1958
African American Business District. In this block a thriving African American business district stood for over 100 years. Restaurants, barber and beauty shops, medical and dental offices, and retail shops drew patrons from Boyle and nearby counties. Until razed by urban renewal in 1973, the district was a center of local African American social and economic life. (Reverse) Doric Lodge No. 18 (F. & A.M.-P.H.A.) - Danville's Doric Lodge No. 18 was founded 1888 as Boyle Association and moved to this site in 1920. For 50 years, the lodge was a cultural and social center of the African American community of Boyle County. Donations of $1,000 by each of ten members of the brotherhood secured a loan enabling construction of building in 1920. Over.
Constitution Sq., 2nd St., Danville, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0190
Walker Daniel. Founded Danville, 1781. First Atty. Gen. of Ky. District, 1783. As a member of Commission went to Falls of Ohio to allot lands in Clark's grant to members of Ill. Regt. Daniel was killed by Indians, Aug. 1784, on way to visit brother at Bullitt's Lick. Originally dedicated in 1963. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Walker Daniel
2nd & Main St., Danville, KY, United States