KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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Buffalo Springs
(Marker Number: 2091)

County: Scott
Location: Stamping Ground, entrance to Buffalo Spring Park, Spring St.

Description: This bowl-shaped basin is one of the state's three major "stamping grounds." Formed when bison herds trampled the soil by the spring, the area was at the junction of several trails used by migrating herds. After the bison left, the spring served the area's human inhabitants who settled the town of Herndonsville (later Stamping Ground) in the early 1800s.

(Reverse) Buffalo Springs - Local residents and industry used the spring. A tanyard operated in Stamping Ground as early as 1814, and ca. 1869 a whiskey distillery opened on the site. In late 1934 the new Buffalo Springs Distillery opened. Water works was developed in 1934. Later owners were Stagg Co. (1941) and Schenley Distillery (1951). It closed, 1968. Presented by Stamping Ground Woman's Club.

(Subjects: Distilleries | Springs)

Cardome
(Marker Number: 718)

County: Scott
Location: N. lawn of Cardome Center, US 25

Description: Home of Gov. James F. Robinson, 1844 until death, at age 82, in 1882. He succeeded Beriah Magoffin who resigned as Governor, August 1862, after refusing Lincoln's call for troops. Robinson supported Union during year as Governor. Lawyer, jurist of distinction. Trustee, Georgetown College, 1831-81, and President of Board, 1864-81. House built, 1821: Cardome Academy, 1896.

(Subjects: Georgetown College | Lincoln, Abraham)

Chambers Ave./Ed Davis School
(Marker Number: 2112)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Ed Davis Park, Chambers Ave.

Description: 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.

(Subjects: African American | Schools | Sports)

Choctaw Indian Academy 1825-1843 - 2 Miles
(Marker Number: 135)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, US 460, near Jct. US 227

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Indians | Johnson, Richard M.)

Confederate Governor
(Marker Number: 610)

County: Scott
Location: 4 mi. SW of Georgetown, US 62

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Breckinridge, John Cabell | Civil War | Shiloh, Battle of)

Early Education in Georgetown
(Marker Number: 1841)

County: Scott
Location: Broadway & College, Georgetown

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Georgetown College)

First Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 1716)

County: Scott
Location: 209 W. Jefferson St., Georgetown

Description: 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.

(Subjects: African American | Baptist Church | Georgetown College | Schools)

Galloway Pike Iron Bridge
(Marker Number: 2286)

County: Scott
Location: KY 1218, Galloway Pike, Georgetown

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Mills | Bridges)

Gen. Basil W. Duke, C.S.A.
(Marker Number: 1861)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown courthouse square, Main St.

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Books | Civil War | Confederate Army | Davis, Jefferson | Morgan, John Hunt)

Georgetown Cemetery
(Marker Number: 1934)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, South Broadway

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Cemeteries)

Georgetown College
(Marker Number: 1487)

County: Scott
Location: Entrance to College, East Main St., Georgetown, US 62, 460

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Georgetown College | Schools)

Georgetown Raided
(Marker Number: 701)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, KY 227

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Georgetown College | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt)

Hemp in Scott County
(Marker Number: 1166)

County: Scott
Location: N. lawn of Cardome Centre, US 25, Georgetown

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Hemp)

Lindsay's Station
(Marker Number: 218)

County: Scott
Location: 1 mi. N. of Stamping Ground, Jct. KY 227 & 368, Cedar Pk.

Description: Anthony Lindsay chose this site for his station, built about 1790. lt was located near Lecompte's Run, a branch of the Elkhorn named for Charles Lecompte, who was here with William McConnell and others in 1775. The station was on old buffalo trace, leading north to Ohio River, and was a regular stop for travelers and traders. Lindsay's grave is 100 yds. north.

(Subjects: Buffalo Trace | Creeks | Forts and Stations | McConnell, William | Roads)

Marriage Place of Parents of Frank and Jesse James
(Marker Number: 2088)

County: Scott
Location: Stamping Ground, 406 Locust Fork Pike

Description: Zerelda Cole and Robert James were married in this house on December 28, 1841. The house belonged to Zerelda's uncle and guardian, James Lindsay. Zerelda and Robert met while Robert was a Baptist ministry student at Georgetown College. See over. Presented by John Waymond Barber.

(Reverse) Parents of Frank and Jesse James - Zerelda and Robert James in 1842 moved to Kearney, Missouri, where they had 4 children. Two of their sons became well known as notorious outlaws Frank and Jesse James, who visited Scott Co. relatives during their outlaw years. A. Frankin (Frank) James was born Jan. 10, 1843, and Jesse Woodson James was born Sept. 5, 1847.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Georgetown College)

New Zion
(Marker Number: 1938)

County: Scott
Location: 4 mi. from Georgetown, KY 922

Description: 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.

(Subjects: African American)

Oxford Christian Church
(Marker Number: 1701)

County: Scott
Location: 5 mi. from Georgetown on Oxford Rd., US 62

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Christian Church | Taverns)

Patriot's Stage Stop
(Marker Number: 1337)

County: Scott
Location: White Sulphur, Jct. of Ironworks Pk. & KY 227, 460

Description: This house, 1800-32, a stagecoach stop owned by Julius Gibbs. On the Iron Works Pike, route for hauling iron products from furnaces in Bath County to Kentucky River. Gibbs enlisted 1775, in first Va. Regiment under Col. Patrick Henry. Served until 1781. Pioneer settler of Great Crossings, 1782. Charter member of its Baptist church, 1785. Presented by Mrs. Lena Gibbs Ransdell and Gibbs' Descendants.

(Subjects: Henry, Patrick | Iron Industry | Revolutionary War | Stagecoach Stops)

Payne-Desha House
(Marker Number: 2021)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, 201 Quail Run Rd.

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Thames, Battle of | War of 1812)

Remember the Raisin
(Marker Number: 508)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 460

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Indians | Raisin River, Battle of | War of 1812)

Robert H. Brooks (1915-1941)
(Marker Number: 2037)

County: Scott
Location: Sadieville, 1/2 mi. from city limits, KY 32

Description: Born Oct. 8, 1915, in Sadieville, this African American entered an "all white" National Guard unit before WW II began. As a private in Co. D, 192nd Tank Battalion, he was stationed in the Philippine Islands. Brooks was killed on Dec. 8, 1941, during the initial Japanese bombing of Clark Field, near Fort Stotsenburg.

(Reverse) Robert H. Brooks (1915-1941) - Brooks, at age 26, was officially declared the first U. S. Armored Forces casualty of WW II. He is buried in the American-Manila Cemetery in the Philippine Islands. The main parade ground at Fort Knox was named Brooks Field in his honor on December 23, 1941. Presented by City of Sadieville, Scott County Fiscal Court, and American Legion Scott Post No. 24.

(Subjects: African American | Cemeteries | Fort Knox | Forts and Stations | World War II)

Royal Spring
(Marker Number: 63)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Big Spring Park, Water St.

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Floyd, John | Forts and Stations | Georgetown College)

Sadieville Rosenwald School
(Marker Number: 2306)

County: Scott
Location: 714 Pike Street, KY 32, Sadieville

Description: One of 158 Rosenwald schools built in Kentucky, ca. 1917-1920. Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald developed plans to build schools throughout the South. This one-teacher school cost $2500 and was funded by African Americans, the Scott Co. Board of Education, and the Rosenwald Fund.

(Reverse) Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church- Prior to the establishment of Sadieville, the African American church was organized in 1872. The lot was deeded to trustees of the congregation by Thomas J. & Josie Burgess on Nov. 13, 1884, “for the purpose of erecting a house of worship.” It is the oldest surviving church in Sadieville.

(Subjects: African American | Baptist Church | Schools | Washington, Booker T.)

Scott County Courthouse
(Marker Number: 1454)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 460

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Courthouses)

Scott County, 1792
(Marker Number: 1248)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, US 25, 460

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Revolutionary War)

St. Francis Church
(Marker Number: 1593)

County: Scott
Location: At church, White Sulphur, US 460

Description: The oldest parish in Covington Diocese, this was a pioneer mission center for East Kentucky. Parish, second oldest in the state, was formed by Maryland settlers who arrived in 1786. First church built circa 1794; resident pastor was Reverend Stephen Theodore Badin, first priest ordained in U.S. Present church constructed in 1820 at a cost of $3,600.

(Reverse) St. Francis Church - Dedicated to Francis de Sales. Four priests who served here became bishops: Edward Fenwick (1822), Guy Chatbrat (1834), F. P. Kenrick (Phila., 1830, and Balt., 1851) and F. Brossart (1915). Bishop G. A. Carrell, also pastor here, established first seminary of Diocese, 1856. Visitation nuns located school and convent here, 1875; moved to Cardome, 1896.

(Subjects: Bishops | Catholic Church)

Stamping Ground
(Marker Number: 217)

County: Scott
Location: Stamping Ground, Woodlake Pk., KY 1688

Description: This area first explored April 1775 by William McConnell, Charles Lecompte and party from Penn. Buffalo herds had stamped down undergrowth and ground around the spring-origin of town's name. McConnell and Lecompte in Battle of Blue Licks, Ky., 1782.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Buffalo Trace | Indians | McConnell, William)

U.S. Vice President
(Marker Number: 739)

County: Scott
Location: 3 mi. W. of Georgetown, in Great Crossings Park, KY 227

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Barkley, Alben W. | Breckinridge, John Cabell | Cleveland, Grover | Johnson, Richard M. | Vice Presidents )

Ward Hall
(Marker Number: 1734)

County: Scott
Location: 1 mi. W. of Georgetown, US 460

Description: 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.

(Subjects: Civil War | National Register of Historic Places)

Zion Hill / Zion Hill School
(Marker Number: 2267)

County: Scott
Location: S. Weisenberger Mill Rd. & Zion Hill Ln., Midway

Description: Established prior to the end of slavery. Originally known as South Elkhorn Bend & Lenerson. The name was later changed to Zion Hill. It was a prominent African American community with two stores, church, and post office. Whitney M. Young, president of Lincoln Institute, a black boarding school, began his early education here.

(Reverse) Site of one of the 158 Rosenwald Schools constructed in Kentucky between 1917 and 1932. The one-room schoolhouse provided an education for African American children required to attend segregated schools. This program grew out of Booker T. Washington’s vision for educational reform & his partnership with Julius Rosenwald.

(Subjects: African American | Schools | Washington, Booker T.)