Kentucky Historical Marker #0169
Jackson Purchase. 8,500 sq. mi. area, former tribal lands of Chickasaw Indians. U.S. paid $300,000 for tract in 1818 after negotiations by Gen. Andrew Jackson and Gov. Isaac Shelby. Bordered by Tenn., Ohio and Miss. Rivers. Now comprises Ky.'s 8 and Tenn.'s 20 westernmost counties. Seven identical markers were dedicated at entrances to the Jackson Purchase region on U.S. roadways in 1962. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Jackson Purchase
State Line Rd. [KY 166] & Highland Dr., Fulton, US 45 Bypass, Fulton Co.; Paducah, US 60, W. end of Tenn. River Bridge, McCracken Co.; Kentucky Lake, US 68, Marshall Co., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0575
Gen. George Rogers Clark. Gen. George Rogers Clark visited this spot, 1778. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant landed here Sept. 6, 1861 to occupy Paducah for Federal Union. Capt. Jack B. Sleeth laid first successful submarine cable, 1847. It reached from foot of Campbell St. to Illinois shore. Presented 1963 by Woodmen of the World.
Riverfront, Broadway & Ky. Ave., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0793
Chief Paduke. Chief of sub-tribe of Chickasaw Indians, who lived and hunted in this area until Jackson Purchase, 1818. Land here then owned by Gen. William Clark, who founded Paducah; named it in honor of the friendly chief. Statue sculptured by Lorado Taft, 1909, who combined features of various Indian tribes in its execution. Marker sponsored by Junior Chamber of Commerce.
19th & Jefferson St., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0828
Fort Anderson. Union fortification built, 1861, by Gen. Charles F. Smith. Manned by 5,000 troops. Jump-off for Grant's Miss. Valley Campaign. Fort was attacked March 25, 1864 by CSA Gen. Nathan B. Forrest's forces. Col. Albert P. Thompson, CSA, of Paducah killed. CSA burned riverfront warehouses. Next day USA troops under Col. S. G. Hicks burned homes in range of the fort. Presented by Paducah Sun-Democrat.
Park, end of 4th St., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0839
Old Judge Priest. Here for six years presided William Sutton Bishop, the famed Judge Priest of Irvin S. Cobb's stories. Judge Bishop, 1839-1902, was First District Circuit Court Judge from 1891 to 1897. Served in 7th Ky. Conf. Inf. "This was a man," Paducah Bar Assn. Presented by Southern Bell Telephone Company.
Paducah, Courthouse lawn, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0865
Original Boundary. When Gen. William Clark platted town of Paducah in 1827, and when it was incorporated by Legislature, 1830, this was its west boundary. The 12 blocks in the plat were bordered by Oak St. (now Fourth), Clark St. on the south, Jefferson St. on the north and the river on the east. Original name of town, Pekin, changed by Clark to honor legendary Indian Chief Paduke. Presented by Peoples First National Bank & Trust Co.
4th & Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0866
Gen. Lloyd Tilghman. Born Md., 1816. Graduated West Point, 1836. Built railways in South. In Mexican War, 1846-48. Resided Paducah, 1852-61. Built first R.R. here. Joined Confed. Army, July, 1861. Captured at Ft. Henry, Feb., 1862. Exchanged six months later. Formed new command at Jackson, Miss. Killed, May, 1863, Champion's Hill, near Vicksburg. Communication Workers Local 3315, Sponsors.
Tilghman High School, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0868
First Baptist Church. Organized as mission, New Bethel Church 1839; constituted as church Nov. 14, 1840. First met courthouse at 2nd and Kentucky; lst building, 300 block Broadway; 2nd and 3rd buildings at 5th and Jefferson. Second building seized by Union army, 1861, for use as hospital during Civil War. Present, 4th, building dedicated May 9, 1965. Presented by Church.
2980 Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0899
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Organized, 1849, affiliated with Campbell-Stone Movement in plea for Christian Unity. Located at Seventh and Jefferson, 1895-1965. Tower Bell, cast in 1868, used on area river packets sixty years. Murrell Blvd. congregation merged following 1937 flood. A part of largest and oldest religious body indigenous to the United States. Presented by Church.
Blandville Rd., Paducah, US 62, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0962
Irvin S. Cobb. Native of Paducah, famed wit and humorist; newspaper reporter, war correspondent and feature writer; author of books, short stories, movie scripts and plays. Started career with local paper. Moved to New York, 1904; to Hollywood, 1934. Beloved, especially for his high tribute to Kentucky's proud folk in his writing and speeches. Sponsored by Paducah Retail Merchants Association.
Oak Grove Cemetery, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0970
Wilmington. Site of first McCracken County seat half mile south. Established in 1827, three years after county was formed. Town site covered 102 acres, on which there were only eight buildings. First court held home of Isaac Lovelace; courthouse completed, 1830. Floods caused the removal of county seat to Paducah in 1832. The county records had to be moved to Paducah in a skiff.
KY 358 between Paducah & Atomic Energy Plant, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0977
Marine Ways. 400 feet south is Paducah's oldest continuous industry. Incorporated by act of the legislature Jan. 24, 1854. First ways, completed March that year in eight sections, were capable of holding boats 350 feet in length. During the more than century that the company has been operating, Paducah has been one of the important boat-and-barge building and repair centers. Presented by Marine Ways.
lst & Ky. Sts., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1061
First Presbyterian Church. Organized October 29, 1842, at home of Judge James Campbell on Broadway, with eight charter members. Reverend A. W. Campbell served as first pastor. Met in homes and courthouse until 1848, when church was built near corner of Third and Kentucky. Moved to this location, 1888. Dedication of present building, Dec. 3, 1933. Presented by James Rhodes.
7th & Jefferson, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1035
Church of Christ. Organized in Paducah in 1906 from a six-week tent meeting. Oldest of Churches of Christ in area. Until one-room structure on Goebel Ave. was built in Aug., 1906, meetings held under tree. Second location, 19th and Broadway, dedicated 1924 and present building Aug., 1959. "Serving God and man in restoring New Testament Christianity." Presented by Church.
2855 Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1036
$5 Bought Paducah. In 1827, Gen. Wm. Clark purchased 37,000 acres of land, including the site on which Paducah now stands, for $5. This land, part of a Revolutionary War grant to his brother, George Rogers Clark, was secured from George Woolfolk, of Louisville, who had been named administrator of George Rogers Clark's estate when he died. Marker presented by Hart's Bread, 1967.
2nd & Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1032
Clara Barton's Visit. The organizer of the American Red Cross in 1881, Clara Barton, came to Paducah March 13, 1884, on the steamboat "Josh V. Throop" to help direct relief work during the Ohio River flood. Relief boats traveled from Pittsburgh to Cairo in first flood relief operation of the American Red Cross. In memory of Charles and Anna Sullivan.
2nd & Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1031
Col. Hicks' Hdqrs.. Here stood the headquarters of Colonel Stephen G. Hicks, commander of the USA occupation forces here during Battle of Paducah March 25, 1864. Next day Col. Hicks ordered sixty private homes that had been used by CSA forces as cover near the fort burned to the ground. Most owners filed suits but were never repaid for their homes. Marker presented by William Clark Market House Museum.
Broadway, between 2nd & 3rd Sts., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1043
Gen. Lloyd Tilghman. Heroic statue of this Confederate erected in 1909 by his sons and United Daughters of Confederacy. Born in Maryland. Chief engineer, 1855-56, New Orleans and Jackson Railroad, first to enter Paducah. Joined Confederates July 5, 1861. Killed in battle near Vicksburg, Miss., on May 16, 1863. Sculptor was Henry H. Kitson of Boston, Mass. Marker presented by Tilghman Class of 1929.
Lang Park, Fountain Ave., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1052
First Log Cabin. Here in April 1821, three years after the Jackson Purchase, the first home, a round-log cabin, was built by James and William Pore. Only a few Indians remained. James Davis, his wife, and three sons built a shelter soon after. In next five years a score or more settled along the Tennessee River. Town was first named Pekin. See over. Marker by Greater Paducah Chamber of Commerce. (Reverse) First Frame House - Was built by Albert Hayes in 1826 a few feet south of here. It had three rooms, was "quite attractive in those days" and bore the name "Fox House." Tradition is that Gen. William Clark stayed here when he platted town, May 26, 1827, and changed its name, Pekin, to Paducah, in honor of Chief Paduke. Over. Marker by Greater Paducah Chamber of Commerce.
lst & Broadway, East side of flood wall, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1065
Historic Riverfront. Here the Tenn. River flows into the Ohio. Owen's Island opposite Kentucky Ave. There in 1779 George Rogers Clark's small army landed to prepare for its defeat of the British in the Illinois country. In 1780 Col. John Donelson landed 30 boats with 30 families that had floated down river from east Tenn. After stopover went up Ohio and Cumberland, founded Nashville. Over. (Reverse) Historic Riverfront - Here Captain Nicholas Roosevelt's New Orleans made port, 1811. First steamer to ply the rivers from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. In 1861 Union troops under Gen. U. S. Grant landed here to occupy Paducah for duration of the war. Clara Barton arrived, 1884, on the Josh V. Throop during American Red Cross' first major flood relief operation. See over. Marker presented by Downtown Paducah Kiwanis Club.
Riverfront near Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1062
Gunsmith Ferd Hummel. Site of a one-story frame store, Hummel's Gunshop. He came here in 1861. Federal soldiers occupying Paducah in Civil War brought their firearms to him for repair. When the Confederates raided the city, March, 1864, they looted his shop, but he had secreted best arms in his home. Hummel, continuing as a gunsmith, was granted a patent on a breech-loading firearm in 1881.
4th St. near Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1058
Temple Israel. An organized Jewish community has existed in Paducah since 1864, when Paducah Chevra Yeshurun Burial Society was chartered. The first Jewish house of worship in Paducah was established in 1871, located on the east side of South Fifth between Clark and Adams. In 1873, the Paducah Jewish congregation became charter member, Union of American Hebrew Congregations. See over. (Reverse) Temple Israel - In 1893 a new structure was built on the southeast corner of Seventh and Broadway and incorporated as Temple Israel. That temple served as home for the congregation until May, 1963 when Temple Israel on southeast corner of Madison and Joe Clifton Drive was dedicated. Temple Israel Cem. is located on Lone Oak Highway. See over. Presented by Temple.
28th & Monroe St, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1090
Grace Episcopal. Grace Church was organized in 1848 in the home of Adam Rankin, led by the Rev. N. N. Cowgill of Hickman. The first structure, built of lumber cut in Louisville and floated downstream, was located on riverfront near Market Street. Consecrated on April 21, 1851. During Civil War property was confiscated by U.S. government and church was used as hospital. (Reverse) Grace Episcopal - Cornerstone for present Gothic edifice, one of Paducah's oldest landmarks, was laid on April 26, 1873 under rectorship of the Rev. W. M. Pettis who envisioned a building large enough to serve a growing city. Dedication and first service held June 21, 1874. Restoration of property after ravages of 1937 flood was led by the Rev. Custis Fletcher, rector. Presented by Church.
820 Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1108
The Flood Wall. Paducah's $8,000,000 flood wall was built by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, is twelve miles long and protects the city to a height three feet above the 1937 flood level. The Flood of 1937 could not recur again in Paducah because of the flood wall, TVA's dams, and other upstream reservoirs. In all, flood control has cost TVA almost $200,000,000. Over. (Reverse) The 1937 Flood - The Ohio Valley Flood of 1937 was the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. and drove over one million citizens from their homes. When the Ohio River reached its crest in Paducah on Feb. 2, 1937, the water stood at 60.8 feet. Over 90 per cent of the city was inundated, 27,000 people were evacuated, and damage exceeded $22,000,000. Over.
1st & Broadway next to Flood Wall, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1111
Paducah's Indian Name. Paducah, only major Kentucky city with an Indian name, was named in honor of legendary Indian Chief Paduke by Gen. William Clark when he platted town in 1827. Village was first named Pekin. The Paducahs, Chief Paduke's sub-tribe of Chickasaw Indians, had lived and hunted in this area until land was taken by Jackson Purchase in 1818. Presented in Memory of Lee Anna Rhodes. Presented by James Rhodes.
415 Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1180
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. A key facility in producing the Uranium 235 needed for fuel in nuclear electrical generating stations and other peaceful uses. The $785,000,000 plant was built in 1951-4 and is operated by the Union Carbide Corp. Nuclear Div. for the Atomic Energy Commission 17 miles west of Paducah off US 60. Can be seen from the access road. Presented by Union Carbide Corp.
Main entrance to Noble Park, Paducah, US 60, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1174
First Public Well. July 22, 1833, the City Council authorized John Hynes and David Smith "to let a contract for a public well." In 1835 the old well was ordered cleaned and a new one built with "windlass, chain, and hook for the bucket." The well required constant care, and misuse of the bucket led to adoption of an ordinance July 11, 1834. Over. Marker presented by Paducah Tourist Commission. (Reverse) Public Well Ordinance - "Persons drawing water are in the habit of starting the windlass and letting the bucket run down with great speed by which the bucket is frequently broken. Resolved that if this occurs hereafter, he or she...shall pay 4 dollars fine...[or]...shall receive on the lower back ten stripes well laid." Over. Marker presented by Paducah Tourist Commission.
119 Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1277
Forrest's Bivouac. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest and his CSA troops bivouacked one mile southwest of this spot after Battle of Paducah, March 25, 1864. Forrest moved to Mayfield next day where he paroled his men in order that they could visit their homes in western Kentucky and Tennessee. After three-day furlough troops joined Forrest at Trenton, Tennessee, without loss of a man.
KY 994 (Old Mayfield Rd.) near Jct. of Bogart-Schmidt Rd., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1287
Forrest's Headquarters. In a grove of trees at this site, CSA Gen. Nathan B. Forrest had headquarters, Battle of Paducah, on March 25, 1864. USA Fort Anderson attacked, warehouses burned, about 60 homes destroyed by USA after battle. CSA lost 300 men, withdrew that night. This battle climaxed Forrest's memorable raid seeking horses, ammunition, and medicines. Presented by Western Kentucky Gas Company.
1501 Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1431
Westminster United Presbyterian Church. Incorporated March 3, 1851, by an act of Kentucky General Assembly as Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Merged with Presbyterian Church USA, 1906, and became Kentucky Avenue Presbyterian Church. In 1951 the congregation moved to the modified Gothic structure here and changed name to Westminster Presbyterian Church.
28th and Broadway, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1469
West Kentucky Industrial College. Ground broken for this college on December 9, 1909, by Dr. Dennis H. Anderson, who had a determination to improve education for Negroes in Kentucky. The cornerstone for first building laid, 1911. Dr. Anderson failed to get bill passed in 1912 legislature to make the school a state institution. It did become state-supported in 1918 and by 1938 had grown to be the third largest Negro junior college in the United States. Presented by the National Alumni Association: Lorenzo Goatley, President, J. D. Marks, Jr., Secy. (Reverse) West Kentucky Industrial College - Before it merged with Ky. State, 1938, this college was served by Presidents D. H. Anderson, 1909-37, and H. C. Russell, 1937-38. A vocational school established in 1938. The following have served as its president: M. H. Griffin, 1938-43; H. C. Russell, 1943-47; M. J. Sleet (Acting Pres.), 1947-48; C. L. Timberlake, 1948-57; and H. C. Mathis since 1957. School has continued to meet the vocational needs of Kentuckians. Presented by the National Alumni Association.
1400 Thompson Ave., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1518
Burks Chapel A.M.E. Church. Organized ca. 1871 at home of Dinah Jarrett with 12 members. Named for its founder, Moses Burks. On this site was first structure, a frame church. Brick church built, 1874. In 1911, under the Rev. P. A. Nichols, the present edifice was constructed. Rev. G. H. Matthews became pastor in 1960 and made many worthwhile improvements. Presented by The Gleaners Club, Catherine Means, Pres.
635 Ohio St., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1721
Paducah Community College. Founded at 707 Broadway in 1932, this is oldest nondenominational two-year college in Ky. Originally private, Paducah Jr. College was a municipal institution, 1936-1968. In 1949-1953 college became focal point of NAACP'S successful efforts to integrate higher education. Since 1968, school has been part of Community College System of the University of Kentucky.
In front of College, Paducah, US 62, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1754
Whitehaven. Main part of house, two-story brick structure, built in 1860s by Edward Anderson. Edward Atkins bought it in 1903 and had noted Paducah architect A. L. Lassiter transform Victorian farmhouse into Classical Revival mansion. He added the Corinthian-columned front portico, and named the house Whitehaven. See over. Presented by McCracken County Civic Beautification Board. (Reverse) Whitehaven - In 1908, Paducah Mayor James P. Smith bought and renamed home "Bide-A-Wee," Scottish adage for "Come Rest A While." Smith family members lived here until 1968. After mansion restored, it opened on June 23, 1983, as Whitehaven Tourist Welcome Center. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. See over. Presented by McCracken County Civic Beautification Board.
Paducah, Whitehaven Tourist Welcome Center, US 45 & I-24, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1957
8th of August. Traditionally on August 8, African Americans assemble in Paducah to celebrate freedom and pay tribute to their roots. They gather annually for dances, ballgames, and picnics, as a family occasion and in a spirit of community remembrance. In some years people have come from as far away as St. Louis, Memphis, and Chicago. Presented by Paducah-McCracken Co. Tourist Comm.
Community Center, 505 S. 8th St., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2360
Eagle Rest Plantation. Settled by Scott family ca. 1845. Developed from family farmstead to highly diversified & productive cattle, jack stock and mule ranch. In 1998, recognized by National Cattleman’s Beef Assoc. as one of the oldest cattle ranches in U.S. under continuous family ownership. Oldest registered cattle brand in Ballard Co. & sixth oldest in Ky. (Reverse) Designated a Kentucky Landmark and Kentucky Sesquicentennial Farm. Since 1978, it has been home of Judge Jimmy Don Robinson & the late Dr. Charlene Robinson, renowned stock woman & general practitioner. They made efforts to acquire majority of the original land tracts that had been divided among heirs & revitalize the farm.
7665 Paducah Rd., Kevil, Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2404
Woodland School. Former site of a Rosenwald School for African Americans in Massac, New Hope and Hills Chapel. In this one-room wooden structure, one teacher taught 25-30 students from grades 1-8. Many of the students were children and grandchildren of former slaves. Woodland School opened in the 1920s and closed in 1963, due to the integration of Kentucky schools. (Reverse) Rosenwald Schools- From 1912-1932, Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist and CEO of Sears, Roebuck, & Co., collaborated with Booker T. Washington, preeminent African American educator, to build 5357 new one-room schools to serve African Americans across the south and southwest. Their goal was to improve the quality of education for children in rural areas.
5740 Hocker Rd., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1027
Second Courthouse. First courthouse at Wilmington, 1824-32. Second courthouse, a two-story brick structure, 36 feet square, built near here at a cost of $3,049, on land given by Gen. William Clark, founder of Paducah. Courthouse also provided meeting place for various early churches. Replaced after 25 years by third courthouse at 6th and Washington. Marker presented by Harry Harris.
2nd & Ky., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0916
Paducah, Kentucky. McCracken county seat, founded by Gen. William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition at confluence of Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Named for legendary Indian Chief Paduke. Home of Vice Pres. Alben W. Barkley and birthplace of Irvin S. Cobb. First occupied in Civil War by Gen. U. S. Grant. Became supply base of his Miss. River campaign. Great Atomic Energy plant nearby. (Reverse) McCracken County - Formed, 1824, from Hickman County. Named for Capt. Virgil McCracken of Woodford County, Ky., who was killed in Battle of River Raisin near Detroit during War of 1812. Area 237 square miles. Ohio and Tennessee Rivers brought industry dependent on river transportation. First county seat at Wilmington, 1825, and moved to Paducah, 1832. Government is County Commission.
North 8th & Julia Sts., Paducah, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0840
Paducah, Kentucky. McCracken county seat, founded by Gen. William Clark, of Lewis and Clark Expedition, at confluence of Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Named for legendary Indian Chief Paduke. Home of Vice Pres. Alben Barkley and birthplace of Irvin S. Cobb. First occupied in Civil War by General U. S. Grant. Became supply base of his Miss. River campaign. Great Atomic Energy Plant nearby. (Reverse) McCracken County - Formed, 1824, from Hickman County. Named for Captain Virgil McCracken of Woodford County, Ky., who was killed in Battle of River Raisin near Detroit during War of 1812. Area 237 square miles. Ohio and Tennessee rivers brought industry dependent on river transportation. First county seat at Wilmington, 1825, and moved to Paducah, 1832. Government is County Commission. Presented by Citizens Bank & Trust Company.
Paducah Community College Campus, US 62-W, Paducah, KY, United States