Kentucky Historical Marker #0063
Royal Spring. One of the finest in Kentucky discovered July 9, 1774, by Colonel John Floyd and party. Georgetown's source of water supply since earliest settlement. Site of McClelland's Station, 1775.
Georgetown, Big Spring Park, Water St., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0610
Confederate Governor. Home of George W. Johnson, born 1811 in Scott Co. Named first Confederate Governor of Ky. in Nov. 1861, he followed CSA army's withdrawal to Tenn. from Bowling Green in Feb., 1862. He became aide to General John C. Breckinridge but fought as private in Battle of Shiloh and mortally wounded, Apr. 7, 1862 - still as CSA Governor. Burial was in cemetery here. Originally installed on June 22, 1964. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Confederate Governor
3169 Ironworks Rd., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0701
Georgetown Raided. CSA Gen. John H. Morgan, on Kentucky raid here, July 15, 1862, camped two days. Destroyed rail bridges, USA stores, dispersed Home Guards. On 17th defeated USA at Cynthiana. Started back to Tenn. On last raid, Morgan was here, July 10, 1864, after taking Lexington. On 12th CSA met defeat at Cynthiana and retreated to Virginia. See map on other side.
Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, KY 227, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0739
U.S. Vice President. Richard Mentor Johnson, 1780-1850, one of four Kentuckians-more than any state, except New York-who were U.S. Vice Presidents. Others were John C. Breckinridge, Adlai Ewing Stevenson and Alben W. Barkley. Johnson home 2 mi. north. Col., War of 1812. Congressman, 1807-19, 1829-37; Senate, 1819-29. Vice Pres. with President Van Buren, 1837-41. Ky. legislature, 1841-42.
3 mi. W. of Georgetown, in Great Crossings Park, KY 227, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1166
Hemp in Scott County. Rev. Elijah Craig established at Georgetown, in 1789, one of the earliest ropewalks, which were long sheds for spiral winding of hemp fibers. Also started fulling mill in 1793. Both factories made cordage and rigging for vessels built on the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. Peak production in 1839; over 1,000 tons processed yearly with value of $120,000. See over. (Reverse) Hemp in Kentcky - First crop grown, 1775. From 1840 to 1860, Ky.'s production largest in U.S. Peak in 1850 was 40,000 tons, with 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.
N. lawn of Cardome Centre, US 25, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1283
Johnston's Inn. Robert Johnston, a Revolutionary War captain, was born in Virginia in 1749. He and his wife operated a tavern in their house here from 1796-1812. Located on what was the main road between Maysville and Lexington, this inn served stage and horseback passengers in its 30-foot tavern room with sleeping accommodations overhead. This house appears on first Ky. map of 1784.
1975 Georgetown Rd., Paris, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1487
Georgetown College. First Baptist College west of the Alleghenies. Chartered in January, 1829, by "The Trustees of the Kentucky Baptist Education Society." Later named Georgetown. The site of Rittenhouse Academy, Georgetown, chosen for the College, July, 1829. Giddings Hall was first building erected. Under leadership of Pres. Howard Malcom, in 1840s, a permanent program was formed.
Entrance to College, East Main St., Georgetown, US 62, 460, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1701
Oxford Christian Church. Organized at the Old Sugar Ridge Schoolhouse in July 1831. In 1847 new, frame church was built under supervision of Elders John A. Gano, Sr., and "Raccoon" John Smith. The original membership was about 100. Church was repaired in 1881 under the pastorate of Elder C. F. Forscutt. Present brick church built 1900-01 by E. C. Muddiman. Presented by Oxford Christian Church. (Reverse) Oxford Historic District - Oxford was laid out and settled by landowner named Patterson. The village was a busy settlement by 1847. Hart Boswell tavern typifies rural commercial buildings of period. Historic District includes nineteenth as well as early twentieth century architecture. Leading influence in Victorian style was stonemason and bricklayer E. C. Muddiman. Presented by Oxford Christian Church.
5 mi. from Georgetown on Oxford Rd., US 62, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1716
First Baptist Church. Organized 1811, its first meeting house erected here, 1815. Howard Malcom, pastor and president of Georgetown College, urged relocation of church near college and lease of original site to black congregation, 1842. G. W. Dupee, a slave, was first official pastor; 19 have served church. Reuben Lee was pastor when present edifice built, 1870. Presented by First Baptist Church.
209 W. Jefferson St., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1734
Ward Hall. Junius R. Ward had this mansion (75 ft. by 75 ft.) built circa 1855. Striking features are its coquina (coral and fossils) foundation, 40 ft. columns, and stone window and door frames. A frequent guest was his niece-noted southern belle Sallie Ward. After the Civil War devastated his fortune, Ward sold estate in 1867. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Over. (Reverse) Ward Hall - Built as summer home, Greek Revival house in Corinthian motif has two roofs. Bottom is slate; top, once copper, had a huge copper tank for water. Deep rubbed walnut woodwork, variety of Greek trim on cornices, and an elliptical staircase are part of mansion's lavish detail. Among past owners was Col. Milton Hamilton, who offered house to legislature for state capitol. Over.
1 mi. W. of Georgetown, US 460, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1841
Early Education in Georgetown. The roots of Georgetown College go back to 1788, when Baptist minister Elijah Craig began an academy which offered classical education-Latin, Greek, and sciences. This early school was in large log house near corner of South Broadway and West College Streets. Ten years later, Craig's school was absorbed by Rittenhouse Academy. Its assets taken over by Georgetown College.
Broadway & College, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1888
Matthew H. Jouett (1788-1827). Master portrait painter Matthew Harris Jouett was born in Mercer Co., a son of Capt. Jack Jouett. He graduated from Transylvania and studied law under Judge George M. Bibb. Served in War of 1812 as paymaster of infantry regiment. Vouchers were lost during battle, and Jouett was thrown into debt. After leaving army he abandoned law and devoted himself to art. Over. (Reverse) Matthew H. Jouett (1788-1827) - Jouett was noted for his ability to paint men, women, and children equally well. His portraits reflect unusual ability to memorize faces. Depicted eminent people of era, including Lafayette. Jouett studied briefly with Gilbert Stuart in Boston. Struggled to support large family; paid war debt before he died at farm near Lexington. Judged one of Kentucky's greatest artists.
Georgetown Rd. [US 25] & Nandino Blvd., Lexington, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1934
Georgetown Cemetery. Incorporated 1850, with 31 acres purchased by 1860. Tombstones older than 1860 reflect reinterment from other graveyards. Buried here are Kentucky governors Joseph Desha and James F. Robinson, Confederate gov. George W. Johnson, equine artist Edward Troye, educator Thornton Johnson, Dr. Wm. Loftus Sutton, and reformer Anne Payne Coffman. Presented by City of Georgetown & Cem. Board.
Georgetown, South Broadway, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1938
New Zion. On Nov. 23, 1872, former slaves Calvin Hamilton and Primus Keene purchased 23 acres. They sold plots to other freedmen and formed black community of Briar Hill; it was later named New Zion. Keene sold land for community well, school, and church. Calvin Hamilton's home survives. Descendants of founders still live in New Zion. Presented by Scott County Fiscal Court.
4 mi. from Georgetown, KY 922, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1961
Lexington Colored Fair Association. Started in 1869 by the Lexington Colored Agricultural and Mechanical Assoc., the annual fair promoted racial achievement and offered entertainment which attracted thousands from Ky. and beyond. When located on Georgetown Pike, the site had an exhibition hall, amphitheatre, and racetrack. (Reverse) Successful Enterprise - Though similar fairs were held statewide, Lexington's Colored Fair was most successful, lasting well into the 1930s. Fairs were as popular as Emancipation Day among the state's black citizens. Cash prizes were awarded winners in categories from livestock and racing to music and floral display. The fairs showed African American accomplishments since emancipation.
644 Georgetown St., Lexington, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2408
Frankfort and Cincinnati Railroad. Built 1888-90 as the Kentucky Midland Railroad, it spanned 40 miles from Frankfort to Paris. Had connections on both ends to the L&N. Name changed to Frankfort & Cincinnati in 1899, but it had no connections to Cincinnati. Ran “Cardinal” passenger rail, 1927-52. Tracks in Bourbon Co. abandoned in 1967; all tracks removed by 1987. (Reverse) The Depot, Centreville Stop32- Approx. 200 ft. west of here stood Centreville Depot, built in 1889. George R. Burberry became depot agent/telegrapher in 1892. From here, he & his family also operated the Centreville Commission Co., which sold coal, grain & fertilizer. The depot served as a commercial center for the community until it burned in 1963.
206 Russell Cave Rd., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0135
Choctaw Indian Academy 1825-1843 - 2 Miles. The U.S. Government established at Blue Springs Farm, home of Vice President R. M. Johnson, its first Indian school for sons of Indian Chiefs. Future leaders of many tribes were educated here. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Choctaw Indian Academy
Georgetown, US 460, near Jct. US 227, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2491
Miller's Run Historic District. Miller’s Run, a tributary of North Elkhorn Creek, was named for John Andrew Miller, an explorer from Pennsylvania who came to Scott County in 1775. The 870-acre district travels along Miller’s Run and contains eight early Kentucky houses. The John A. Miller House, constructed of stone in 1782, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. (Reverse) The residences within the borders of the district are: John Andrew Miller House, James D. Offutt House and slave cabin, Richard Keene House, Shannon-Herndon House, Thomas Barlow House, John Keene House, and Beatty-Chinn House. The historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
3790 Paris Pike, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2496
Garth School. First public school in Ky. built by the holding company plan, in which bonds were sold to build the school until construction costs could be paid. Garth was opened in 1926 on the site of the former Georgetown Female Seminary. Bricks from the seminary were used in construction. In 1943, the board of education received title to the property. (Reverse) The school was named for Edwin Claude Garth, who died in a car accident. His parents gave $10,000 toward the $25,000 land purchase. School served students in grades 1-12 until 1958. In 1974, the city and county school systems merged and Garth became an elementary school. 6-acre campus used as city park when school not in session.
South Broadway, between Jackson St. & Clayton Ave., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1454
Scott County Courthouse. Present structure, 4th courthouse of Scott County, erected in 1877 at a cost of $34,600. It is an outstanding example of the French "Second Empire Style," known in U.S. as "Gen. Grant Style." Built of materials obtainable in this area. Distance from ground to top of steeple is 185 ft. Designed by Thomas Boyd of Pittsburgh, who served as supervising architect. (Reverse) Goebel Trial Here - Scott County courthouse chosen by Judge J. E. Cantrill for trials of the 20 persons accused of being involved in the assassination of Governor William Goebel. Although the murder was in Frankfort, the hearings were held in Georgetown to insure fair trials to the indicted. Three of the principal suspects were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 460, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2021
Payne-Desha House. Built ca. 1814-15 by Robert Payne, a veteran of Battle of the Thames in War of 1812. Former Kentucky Governor Joseph Desha bought the Federal-style stone house in 1841. In late 19th century, Italianate alterations to exterior included porches and roof brackets. Inside, original staircase, arched hallway, and hand-carved mantels remain. Presented by Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Shacklette, 1998. (Reverse) Joseph Desha (1768-1842) - A major general in War of 1812, Desha served in Ky. House of Representatives (1797, 1799-1802), as state senator (1802-07), and in U.S. Congress (1807-19). His term as governor (1824-28) was marked by controversy. The Deshas retired to a Harrison County farm in 1828, then moved to this house 13 years later, where he died Oct. 11, 1842. Presented by Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Shacklette, 1998.
Georgetown, 201 Quail Run Rd., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2112
Chambers Ave./Ed Davis School. Site of school built in 1894 for African American students. First principal, Charles Steele was founder of the school and of black education in Georgetown. He served until his death in 1908. Edward B. Davis, principal 1908-34, added a two-year high school in 1911 and four-year program in 1924. Presented by Ed Davis Reunion Committee. (Reverse) Chambers Ave./Ed Davis School - Under Davis's leadership, school became one of 19 black high schools accredited in Kentucky. Name changed to Ed Davis School in 1929. Football team "Mud Turtles" won Blue Grass Conference in 1929, 1930, 1949; tied with Dunbar, 1948. Grade school closed, 1937. Supreme Court's 1954 ruling on segregation led to high school's closing, 1956. Presented by Ed Davis Reunion Committee.
Georgetown, Ed Davis Park, Chambers Ave., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2286
Galloway Pike Iron Bridge. Pratt through truss bridge was built in 1910 over North Elkhorn Creek at historic Branham’s Mill site. Scott County Fiscal Court had Lexington’s Empire Bridge Co. construct the steel bridge. It is 120 feet long, 12 feet wide, 12 feet high. Property owner C. H. Singer gave $1,000 toward construction expense due to high cost of bridge. (Reverse) Branham's Mill~ Bridge occupies historic creek crossing site of mill of Richard and James Branham. Richard, the father, received 200-acre land grant for service as sergeant in Washington’s regiment in French and Indian War. Family occupied setting after 1783 survey. Mill was one of the most important early landmarks in Scott County.
KY 1218, Galloway Pike, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1861
Gen. Basil W. Duke, C.S.A.. A close associate of brother-in-law John Hunt Morgan, Duke provided tactics, discipline, and spirit, major elements of success of famous 2nd Ky. Cavalry. Wounded in battle twice, 1862; captured July 1863 in Ind.-Ohio raid; exchanged August 1864. After Morgan's death, Basil Duke appointed to command brigade. Later led part of the escort for Jefferson Davis in April-May 1865. (Reverse) Basil W. Duke (1838-1916) - Scott County native Basil Duke-attorney, politician, and author-is most noted for Civil War service to Confederacy. Admitted to bar in 1858, he began law practice in St. Louis. After Civil War he settled in Louisville. Elected to Ky. House of Rep. Duke led powerful railroad lobby and was bitter enemy of Wm. Goebel. Writings include History of Morgan's Cavalry. Buried Lexington.
Georgetown courthouse square, Main St., Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0508
Remember the Raisin. Rendezvous of Kentucky Volunteers, Aug. 15, 1812, ordered to relieve Gen. Hull at Detroit. Kentuckians took Frenchtown (Monroe) on Raisin River Jan. 18, 1813. Four days later enemy attacked-killed, massacred, wounded, or captured all but 30. Of 1050 men not half reached home. Ky. counties named for officers: Allen, Ballard, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Edmonson, McCracken, Meade, Simpson. Dedicated August 5, 1962. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Remember the Raisin!
Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 460, Georgetown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1248
Scott County, 1792. Formed out of a part of Woodford County, it was the second created after Kentucky became a state. Named for Gen. Charles Scott, 1739-1813, a Va. native. Officer in Revolution, saw service at Trenton, 1776, Germantown and Monmouth, 1777, Stony Point, 1779. Came to Kentucky in 1785. Represented Woodford Co. in the Va. Assembly, 1789-90. Fourth governor of Ky., 1808-12.
Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 460, Georgetown, KY, United States