KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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"The Cedars"
(Marker Number: 1602)

County: Grayson
Location: 2 mi. E. of Leitchfield at Rogers Springs, KY 1214

Description: Built in 1847 by Benjamin Lone Rogers, around a log cabin that dates back to 1789. Mansion took its name from a cluster of trees that originally grew in front of the house. This transitional Greek Revival structure is one of the oldest brick houses in Grayson County. It was center of Rogers Springs community, named for its mineral and fresh-water springs.

(Subjects: Springs)

County Named, 1810
(Marker Number: 873)

County: Grayson
Location: Leitchfield, Courthouse lawn, US 62

Description: For Col. William Grayson, 1740-90, aide-de-camp to Gen. Washington. Lawyer; in Revolutionary Army, 1776-79; Board of War, 1780-81; Virginia Assembly and Continental Congress, 1784-87; State Convention ratifying Federal Constitution, 1788; and first U.S. Senate, 1789-90. Washington once owned 5,000 acres in county, which was formed from Hardin and Ohio counties.

(Subjects: Revolutionary War | Washington, George)

Courthouse Burned
(Marker Number: 589)

County: Grayson
Location: Leitchfield, Courthouse lawn, US 62

Description: Twenty-two Kentucky courthouses were burned during Civil War, nineteen in last fifteen months: twelve by Confederates, eight by guerrillas, two by Union accident. See map on reverse side. Dec. 24, 1864, a contingent of CSA Gen. Lyon's force, ordered to harass and delay pursuing Union troops, burned courthouse at Leitchfield. Records destroyed.

(Subjects: Civil War | Courthouses Burned)

Grayson Springs
(Marker Number: 768)

County: Grayson
Location: 3 mi. E. of Leitchfield, KY 88

Description: Site of famous spa started in mid 1820's, owned by M. P. Clarkson, and known for healing powers of its mineral water springs. Resort reached its height in 1900 under ownership of Mercke brothers. Also home of St. Augustine's, first Roman Catholic Church in Grayson County, founded in 1815 by Father Charles Nerinckx, one of the great pioneer missionaries of Kentucky.

(Subjects: Springs)

Green Mill
(Marker Number: 906)

County: Grayson
Location: Falls of Rough, KY 79, 110

Description: Built in 1823, this mill operated continuously by the Green family for over 140 years. It was part of 6,000-acre farm-timber complex supporting several family-owned industries. Farmers from seven counties brought grain for milling into flour and cornmeal. Willis, first of family here, bought land, 1821. Member legislature, 1836-37, and of US Congress, 1839-45.

Jack Thomas House
(Marker Number: 1634)

County: Grayson
Location: East Main St., Leitchfield

Description: First story, east wing of house, was the earliest brick residence in Grayson County. It was built ca. 1810 by Jack Thomas, first county and circuit court clerk. He added two-story brick wing on north, Federal style. Despite alterations of the 1870s-80s, original walls remain. A striking feature of construction is uniform log joists supporting first floor.

Leitchfield Landmarks
(Marker Number: 1741)

County: Grayson
Location: Leitchfield, Clinton & Market Sts.

Description: Leitchfield was laid off 1810, and named for David Leitch, prominent landowner and founder of Leitch's Station. His estate gave land for Grayson's county seat. Site chosen because of fresh water springs, particularly "Big Spring" nearby. Grayson's first circuit court met under large oak tree on this hill; Judge Henry P. Broadenax presided. Town was incorporated in 1866.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations)

Pioneer Family
(Marker Number: 1828)

County: Grayson
Location: KY 224, E. of KY 479, Millerstown

Description: Millerstown, settled before 1800, founded by Jacob Miller, Jr. He owned 500 acres along Nolin River and built grist mill. Christopher, a brother, was prisoner of Indians for 11 years; rescued by spies of Anthony Wayne, he then helped Wayne secure peace, 1794. Christopher and brother Nicholas both served in Ky. House of Rep. Town was at peak ca. 1900, with population of 150.

(Subjects: Grist Mills | Rivers)

Revolutionary War Soldier
(Marker Number: 1592)

County: Grayson
Location: S. of main entrance to Rough River Dam State Park, KY 79

Description: George Eskridge, born in Virginia in 1763, served in Revolutionary War, having enlisted in the Virginia Continental line at an early age. Eskridge came to Kentucky and settled in Grayson County, circa 1811. Built a log house at Falls of Rough River and established a ferry which connected a road known as Eskridge Ferry Road. He died in 1827.

(Subjects: Ferry | Revolutionary War | Rivers)

Shaw's Station
(Marker Number: 1980)

County: Grayson
Location: Leitchfield, Shaw's Station Rd.

Description: Named for Benham (Bonum) Shaw, this pioneer settlement (today's Leitchfield) was located at the headwaters of Beaver Dam Creek. This station was a stop along the important trail which ran from settlements at Nashville, Tenn., northward to Louisville, Ky. Shaw was pioneer to Severns Valley, ca. 1779. A creek in present-day Elizabethtown also bears his name.

(Reverse) Beaver Dam Creek Baptist Church - Now known as First Baptist Church of Leitchfield, Beaver Dam Creek Baptist Church was constituted May 29, 1804; became member of Salem Assoc. Later joined Goshen Assoc. upon its formation in 1817. Pioneer Benham Shaw was deacon at Beaver Dam Creek Baptist Church. Presented by First Baptist Church and Grayson County Tourism Commission.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Creeks | Forts and Stations)

Washington's Land
(Marker Number: 212)

County: Grayson
Location: W. of Yeaman Church of Christ, KY 54

Description: Filson's 1784 map of "Kentucke" showed "abundance of iron ore" here. General A. Spotswood visited area in 1797 and reported to George Washington, who purchased tract of 5,000 acres, Nov., 1798. His death, 1799, came before he could visit or develop the land.

(Subjects: Washington, George)