KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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A Confederate Thrust
(Marker Number: 519)

County: Kenton
Location: Ft. Mitchell Country Club, off US 25, 42

Description: In the Confederate effort to gain control of Central Ky., Gen. Heth and troops reached outskirts of Covington Sept. 6, 1862 as threat to the North. Object was to hold USA troops here and prevent their moving to resist Bragg's forces nearing Louisville. Large Union forces crossed river for defense. Heth withdrew Sept. 12, obtaining recruits, food and supplies.

(Subjects: Bragg, Braxton | Civil War)

African American Elks
(Marker Number: 1956)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, 229 East 11th St.

Description: Covington native Benjamin F. Howard (1860-1918) was co-founder, with Arthur J. Riggs of Shelbyville, of the first national African American Elks organization, called Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. Chartered in Ohio, 1899; Howard elected as first Grand Exalted Ruler. Covington's Ira Lodge No. 37 formed in early 1900s. Presented by City of Covington and Kentucky African American Heritage Commission.

(Subjects: African American)

Ben Lucien Burman (1895-1984)
(Marker Number: 1967)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, Riverside Dr.

Description: Born in Covington and inspired by the Ohio River, he became famed chronicler of life and people along America's rivers and in Kentucky's mountains. His 22 novels, fables, and works of nonfiction were widely translated. Burman's Steamboat Round the Bend (1933) became Will Rogers' last movie. See over. Presented by Northern Kentucky Heritage League.

(Reverse) Ben Lucien Burman (1895-1984) - Hailed as "new Mark Twain" for his stories of river life, Burman also became "a second Aesop" with his "High Water at Catfish Bend" (1952) and six related fables of mythical animal folk. Awarded French Legion of Honor in 1946 for World War II reports from Africa. Roamed world as special writer for Reader's Digest. Over.

(Subjects: Authors | Books | Clemens, Samuel Langhorne (Mark Twain) | Films | Ohio River | World War II)

Carneal House, ca. 1815
(Marker Number: 1429)

County: Kenton
Location: 406 E. Second St., Covington

Description: Built by Thomas Carneal, a founder of Covington, on land purchased in 1814 from Thomas Kennedy. First brick house in the city. Georgian in concept, style reveals the influence of the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio. In 1825 Lafayette visited as a guest of owner William W. Southgate. Other famous visitors were Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and Andrew Jackson.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Jackson, Andrew | Lafayette, Marquis de)

Civil War Fortifications
(Marker Number: 2151)

County: Kenton
Location: Top of Ohio River bank on Covington-Commons

Description: Reports of Kirby Smith’s CSA troops approaching Cincinnati caused panic in September 1862. Gen. Lew Wallace led Union troops and volunteers from rural Ohio (known as “Squirrel Hunters”) across Ohio River on a hastily constructed pontoon bridge made of coal barges. Marching south to Ky. hills, they fortified area at Newport, Covington, Forts Mitchell and Wright.

(Reverse) Some 50,000 guarded approaches to Cincinnati. After CSA Gen. Henry Heth tried this strong defensive line, the rebel army retreated. Lew Wallace later wrote Ben Hur, published in 1880. Pontoon bridge was laid in shadows of stone piers of John Roebling Suspension Bridge, prototype of his Brooklyn Bridge.

(Subjects: Civil War | Confederate Army | Ohio River)

Clay-Bullock House
(Marker Number: 2014)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, 528 Greenup St.

Description: This two-story frame house was built in 1839 by John W. Clayton. The original exterior is of shingle siding, though the house has been subject to alterations in both 19th and 20th centuries. During the Civil War, Clayton's daughter, Mary C. Bullock, ran a private school here attended by Frederick Grant, son of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Presented by City of Covington & Oakley Farris.

(Subjects: Civil War | Grant, Ulysses S.)

Confederate Financier
(Marker Number: 1638)

County: Kenton
Location: Dixie Highway at Beechwood Rd., Ft. Mitchell, US 25 & 42

Description: Eli Metcalfe Bruce, a vital link to equipment and food for Southern cause, is buried nearby in Highland Cemetery. He amassed a fortune in meatpacking before War, then moved plants south. He acquired blockade runners to export cotton and bring supplies. Twice elected to CSA Congress; on staff of Gen. John C. Breckinridge as noncombatant. Presented by the Bruce Family.

(Reverse) Confederate Benefactor - Eli M. Bruce (1828-1866) used his wealth to assist destitute Confederate soldiers and their families after the War. He helped many stranded Kentuckians home and provided funds for education of disabled CSA Ky. soldiers. Pardoned by President Andrew Johnson, Bruce then bought and renamed Southern Hotel in N.Y.C. for penniless ex-Confederates. Presented by the Bruce Family.

(Subjects: Breckinridge, John Cabell | Cemeteries | Civil War)

County Named, 1840
(Marker Number: 1168)

County: Kenton
Location: Independence, Courthouse lawn, KY 17

Description: For General Simon Kenton, 1755-1836. Pioneer of area. Born in Virginia. At 16, thinking he had killed a man, fled beyond Alleghenies, becoming companion of Daniel Boone and other early pioneers of Ky. Scout for Governor Dunmore of Va. Returned to Kentucky, 1782. Frequently engaged in Indian warfare. Fought with Kentucky troops at Battle of Thames. Kenton Co. formed out of Campbell.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Dunmore, John Murray | Indians | Kenton, Simon | Thames, Battle of | War of 1812)

Covington & Lexington Turnpike
(Marker Number: 2224)

County: Kenton
Location: Triangle at Washington, Pike & 7th Sts., Covington

Description: Predecessor of this turnpike was an old buffalo trail, following the Dry Ridge, a natural divide between watersheds of Licking & Kentucky rivers. Trail later used by pioneers, & then as a military road from Cincinnati’s Fort Washington. In 1819, Ky. General Assembly chartered a turnpike along part of the route. Over.

In 1834, Ky. chartered Covington & Lexington Turnpike Road Co. to build artificial road. Macadamized turnpike finished in early 1850s. Was important in moving farm goods from the Bluegrass, notably hogs and cattle, to Covington and Cincinnati, then major meatpacking centers. Road entered Covington on Pike St. Over.

(Subjects: Kentucky River | Lexington | Roads)

Daniel Carter Beard, 1850-1941
(Marker Number: 50)

County: Kenton
Location: 322 E. Third St., Covington

Description: Boyhood home of "Uncle Dan," youth leader, outdoorsman, artist and author. Born in Cincinnati and later came to Covington to live. Inaugurated Boy Scout movement in America, 1905, and was one of the first National Commissioners of the Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the first medal for outstanding citizenship of state of Kentucky.

Dr. James E. Randolph (1888-1981)
(Marker Number: 2152)

County: Kenton
Location: St. James AME Chirch, 120 Lynn St., Covington

Description: Born in Missouri, Randolph earned a medical degree from Meharry College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1917. He moved to Covington in 1922 and opened an office on Greenup St., where he practiced for 59 years. He was the first African American physician at St. Elizabeth Hospital and the first to be admitted to the Campbell-Kenton Medical Society.

(Reverse) Among Dr. Randolph’s several honors are the La Salette Academy’s Gold Medal for service to the community (1976) and the Eastside Neighborhood Park that bears his name (1974). In 1997, he was posthumously inducted into the Northern Ky. Leadership Hall of Fame. Randolph is buried at Mary Smith Cemetery in Elsmere, Ky.

(Subjects: African American | Hospitals | Physicians)

Erlanger Depot / Erlanger Proper Subdivision
(Marker Number: 2154)

County: Kenton
Location: 3319 Crescent Avenue, Erlanger

Description: The Cincinnati Southern Railroad built depot, and it opened in 1877. This is the last wooden depot between Cincinnati and Chattanooga. Passenger service between these two cities started in 1880. After depot had served for over 100 years, Norfolk Southern decided to close and destroy it. Instead, Erlanger Historical Soc. saved it; became a museum, 1990.

(Reverse) Erlanger Land Syndicate filed plan with Kenton Co. Clerk of Courts in 1887. Original plat contained 220 building lots. This was an early planned community whose backers marketed subdivision aggressively. Began as a railroad community; matured as suburb along major highway. Historic District listed on the National Register, 2002.

(Subjects: National Register of Historic Places | Railroads)

First City Hall
(Marker Number: 1862)

County: Kenton
Location: 3rd St., Covington

Description: Covington's first permanent city hall erected on this site in 1843; one of first in entire Ohio Valley. During Republican State Convention in 1860, fiery emancipationist Cassius M. Clay spoke here. Almost eighty years later, on June 3, 1938 (in the courtyard of later city hall), Kentucky's last execution by hanging took place. Presented by City of Covington.

(Reverse) First City Hall - City Hall doubled as a hospital in 1848 for returning Mexican War veterans. It was site of many antislavery meetings. This prominent nineteenth-century social and political center also served as the location for pro-Union military and political activities during the Civil War. Presented by City of Covington.

(Subjects: Civil War | Clay, Cassius M. | Mexican War | Railroads)

First United Methodist Church
(Marker Number: 1659)

County: Kenton
Location: 5th & Greenup Sts., Covington

Description: Congregation first used public school house, ca. 1805. The first building was erected, 1832, on Garrard St., then replaced by one on Scott St., 1843. Church split over slavery, 1846. M. E. Church South remained on Scott St.; Union M. E. group located at Fifth and Greenup. Two churches reunited, 1939. Jesse Grant, father of U. S. Grant, had a pew here. Over.

(Reverse) First United Methodist Church - This Gothic structure erected, 1867, with Amos Shinkle as liberal donor. Burned; rebuilt, 1947. Pastors elected bishops: H. H. Kavanaugh, D. W. Clark, and U. V. W. Darlington. Pastors 1939-1979: J. L. Murrell, W. A. E. Johnson, J. W. Worthington, W. P. Davis, C. A. Nunnery, A. J. Roberts, C. S. Perry, W. R. Yates, A. W. Gwinn. Presented by a Friend.

(Subjects: Bishops | Grant, Ulysses S. | Methodist Church)

Fort Mitchel
(Marker Number: 546)

County: Kenton
Location: Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell

Description: Near here stood old Ft. Mitchel, erected Oct. 1861. Scene of several skirmishes between CSA forces under Gen. Henry Heth and USA troops under Gen. Lew Wallace September, 1862. Major anchor in a line of seven forts defending Cincinnati. They ran along hills around Covington about 10 miles, from Bromley, on river to west, east to river near Ft. Thomas.

(Subjects: Civil War | Forts and Stations)

Fort Wright
(Marker Number: 1917)

County: Kenton
Location: 409 Kyles Ln., Municipal Building, Ft. Wright

Description: Near here stood Fort Wright, built in Sept. 1862 by Union troops to help defend Cincinnati area from advancing Confederate armies. Fort named for Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, USA, who later was chief engineer for completion of the Washington Monument. The city of Fort Wright is named for both the fort and the engineer-general. Presented by Citizens of Fort Wright.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations)

Frank Duveneck (1848-1919)
(Marker Number: 1854)

County: Kenton
Location: Goebel Park, Covington

Description: City was home to internationally known artist. Early artistic work was painting and carving altars for Catholic churches. At age 21, he went to Munich to study; in 1878, founded art school there. Married Elizabeth Boott, also an artist, who died two years later. Sculpted an outstanding bronze memorial for her grave in Florence, Italy. Over. Presented by City of Covington.

(Reverse) Eminent Artist - Frank Duveneck, major American portrait, genre, and landscape painter, returned home to teach after wife's death. Joined faculty of Cincinnati Art Academy and remained active in international exhibitions. Received special gold medal at Panama-Pacific Exposition, San Francisco, 1915. Buried Mother of God Cem., south of Covington. Presented by City of Covington.

(Subjects: Artists | Catholic Church | Cemeteries)

Gen. Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel
(Marker Number: 1758)

County: Kenton
Location: Ft. Mitchell, Grandview Dr.

Description: This park named for General Mitchel (1809-62), who assisted in Union defense of Cincinnati during Civil War. Fort Mitchell, one of 7 forts erected around city, named for him. Born in Ky.; graduate of West Point and served in Mexican War. A noted astronomer, he founded Cincinnati Observatory; later director of the Dudley Observatory, N.Y. Died of yellow fever while in the service.

(Subjects: Civil War | Forts and Stations | Mexican War | West Point)

Grace United Church of Christ
(Marker Number: 1531)

County: Kenton
Location: 819 Willard St., Covington

Description: Organized as a Reformed Church and German-language day school. Cornerstone laid July 13, 1862. Victorian Gothic church second oldest in Covington still used by founding congregation. Dedicated Palm Sunday, 1863. Construction interrupted when this area was threatened by Morgan's Raiders. Name of Grace Reformed Church adopted during war in 1918.

(Subjects: Germans | Morgan, John Hunt)

Grant House
(Marker Number: 1594)

County: Kenton
Location: 520 Greenup St., Covington

Description: From 1859 to 1873 this was the home of Jesse Root and Hannah (Simpson) Grant, parents of General Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States. Jesse served as the Postmaster of Covington from 1866 to 1872. Gen. Grant's sister, Mary, lived here with her husband, Rev. Michael Cramer, who served as United States Minister to Denmark. Presented by family of A. L. Eilerman.

(Reverse) Grant House - President Grant visited this house on several occasions. In January 1862, he sent his wife and children here to live. The children attended local schools. Among the famous persons to visit here were Generals William T. Sherman, A.H. Terry, George Stoneman and John Rawlins, who was later Secretary of War. Presented by the family of A. L. Eilerman.

(Subjects: Grant, Ulysses S. | Sherman, William T.)

Haven Gillespie (1888-1975)
(Marker Number: 1836)

County: Kenton
Location: Goebel Park, 5th & Philadelphia Sts., Covington

Description: The composer of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" was a native of Covington. He attended local school, became a printer, and later employed by Cincinnati Times-Star and N.Y. Times. Gillespie's songs carried Americans through Great Depression and World War II; they include "Breezin' Along With The Breeze," "You Go To My Head," "Honey," and "That Lucky Old Sun."

(Subjects: Newspapers)

Holmes High School
(Marker Number: 1691)

County: Kenton
Location: 25th St. & Madison Ave., Covington

Description: Holmes is one of Kentucky's earliest tax-supported, coeducational, public high schools. It was founded as Covington High School in 1853, at Scott and 11th Sts. Present name adopted when moved to this site. Campus is former estate of New Orleans merchant, Daniel Henry Holmes, and site of Union Army activity during Civil War. Over. Presented by Holmes High School PTA.

(Reverse) Holmes Dale Estate - Holmes Castle, home of Daniel Henry Holmes, erected here in 1866. His son, Daniel Henry, Jr., was noted 19th century poet. The 32-room, English-Gothic manor was acquired by Covington Board of Education; from 1919-36 the mansion was part of Holmes High School. In 1936, it was razed and replaced by a new administration building. Over. Presented by Holmes High School PTA.

(Subjects: Civil War | Poets | Schools)

Holy Cross Parish
(Marker Number: 1887)

County: Kenton
Location: 3600 Block of Church St., Covington

Description: This parish, established in 1890, spurred the growth of Latonia community. Benedictine Sisters came here to teach in 1891. Original two-story church and school on west side of Longworth, now Church St. Present church was completed, 1908, under Fr. John B. Reiter. Dominated by bronze-domed twin towers, church is of German Romanesque influence.

(Reverse) Holy Cross Church - Church's vast interior features handsome detailing and vaulted ceiling unobstructed by columns. Marble imported from Africa and Italy. Main altar inlaid with gold; stained glass from Germany, France, Belgium, and England. Transcept windows depict lives of St. Helen and St. Paul. Restored, 1990. On Natl. Register of Historic Places. Presented by The Holy Name Society and City of Covington.

(Subjects: Catholic Church | National Register of Historic Places)

Jacob Price
(Marker Number: 1821)

County: Kenton
Location: Jacob Price Homes, Greenup St., Covington

Description: This prominent black businessman owned and operated a lumberyard at 426-428 Madison Avenue. As a Baptist minister, Price was major figure in development of city's black churches. He was also a leader in obtaining free public education for blacks in northern Kentucky. Died in 1923. Jacob Price housing project named to honor his accomplishments.

(Subjects: African American | Baptist Church)

John G. Carlisle/Covington
(Marker Number: 167)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, John G. Carlisle Elem. School, Pike St. & Holman Ave.

Description: Home of John Griffin Carlisle, born Kenton County 1835, died New York City 1910. U.S. Representative 1877-90, Speaker 1883-89, Senator 1890-93, Secretary of the Treasury 1893-97. Buried Linden Grove Cemetery, Covington.

John W. Stevenson Home
(Marker Number: 1852)

County: Kenton
Location: 314 Greenup St., Covington

Description: Scene of early political career, 1847-65. From this home and office base, Stevenson represented Kenton County in legislature and 1849 Constitutional Convention and served in U.S. House. He became lt. governor, 1867, and governor upon Helm's death. Left office 1871, after election to U.S. Senate. Pres. of American Bar Association, 1884. Died 1886; buried in Cincinnati.

(Subjects: Constitutional Convention (1849))

Latonia Race Track
(Marker Number: 1853)

County: Kenton
Location: Winston Ave., Covington

Description: This track, 1883-1939, known as one of world's foremost race tracks; two yearly meets, spring-summer and late fall. Leonatus won Hindoo Stakes, 1883. Greatest attraction was Latonia Derby, 11/2 mile event. Winners included Broadway Jones, Gallant Knight, and Upset. Here, Handy Mandy in 1927 beat record of Man o' War for 1-1/2 mile distance. Presented by City of Covington.

(Reverse) Latonia Race Track - Extended west from Winston Ave. with main entrance at head of Latonia Ave. Generous purses attracted such equine greats as Epinard, Clyde Van Dusen, Zev, Black Gold, and Equipoise. After amassing substantial debts in the 1930s, Latonia Race Track closed after its last race on July 29, 1939. See over. Presented by City of Covington.

(Subjects: Horse racing | Horses | Man o' War)

Major League Baseball
(Marker Number: 2139)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, 6th & Philadelphia Sts.

Description: Brothers John (1896-1968) and Joe (1900-1970) Heving of Covington made it to the big leagues. John began major league career, 1920, as catcher, while Joe made his debut, 1930, as pitcher. Several teams benefited during their careers of 8 and 13 seasons. The brothers played together on local teams, including the Golden Rods, when in town. Presented by City of Covington.

(Subjects: Baseball)

Mother of God Church
(Marker Number: 1460)

County: Kenton
Location: 119 W. 6th St., Covington

Description: Full title: The Annunciation of the Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Organized 1841 by the Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Kuhr. Mother Church of German parishes and second parish in Covington. First church built 1842. One-story brick school erected 1843. Present Renaissance church built 1871. The towers rise 200 ft.; the cupola, 150 ft. Presented by members of Parish.

(Reverse) "Cradle of the Arts" - Five murals by Johann Schmitt. Wall frescoes painted in 1890 by Wenceslaus Thien. Stained-glass windows imported from Munich. The 38-rank Koehnken and Grimm organ was built in 1876. English mosaic sanctuary floor installed, 1903, and the German Mettlach tile floor in 1921. The famed artist Frank Duveneck baptized here, 1848. Presented by members of the Parish.

(Subjects: Catholic Church)

Noted Historian
(Marker Number: 1488)

County: Kenton
Location: 502 Scott St., Covington

Description: Richard Collins became famous for his authoritative History of Kentucky. Continued the work of his father, Lewis Collins, who in 1847 published a history of the state. Born in Maysville in 1824, Richard became a newspaper editor and lawyer. Founded Danville Review, 1861. Practiced law in Cincinnati and lived in Covington, 1862-71, '74. Died Missouri, 1888.

(Subjects: Authors | Books | Newspapers)

Ritte's Corner
(Marker Number: 1939)

County: Kenton
Location: 3634 DeCoursey, Covington

Description: Named for Henry Ritte's saloon at five-corner intersection, this area has been hub of Latonia commerce since 1880s, when original Latonia racetrack (1883-1939), one block away, started. The opening of a section of Covington and Lexington R.R. in 1854 initiated area as a rail crossroads. Electric street car service began in 1890s. Over. Presented by the City of Covington.

(Reverse) Ritte's Corner - This five-street intersection provided a variety of shops, flats, saloons, restaurants, and banks. The Weber/Ritte Building at 3634 DeCoursey housed Weber's grocery/saloon by 1890, and Ritte's saloon from 1899 to 1927. Buildings at intersection comprise Ritte's Corner Historic District. Presented by Gailen and Debra Bridges.

(Subjects: National Register of Historic Places | Railroads)

Robert L. Surtees, 1906-1985
(Marker Number: 1881)

County: Kenton
Location: Goebel Park, 5th & Philadelphia Sts., Covington

Description: This famous cinematographer won three Academy Awards during a 54-year career in the motion picture business. Surtees, a Covington native, distinguished himself as a specialist in color photography. He won Academy Awards for "King Solomon's Mines" (1950), "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952), and "Ben-Hur" (1959). See over.

(Reverse) Academy Award Winner - Surtees spent early years, 1928-30, in Germany perfecting his craft, then returned to the United States. This Director of Photography received sixteen Academy Award nominations. Among his film credits are "Oklahoma," "Doctor Dolittle," "The Graduate," "Summer of '42," "The Last Picture Show," and "The Sting." Died in Monterey, California, 1985. Over.

(Subjects: Academy Award)

Roebling Suspension Bridge
(Marker Number: 1601)

County: Kenton
Location: Riverside Dr. & Riverside Place, Covington, KY 17

Description: First bridge to span Ohio River, connecting Kentucky and Ohio. John Augustus Roebling, engineer; Amos Shinkle, president of Covington-Cincinnati Bridge Co. The formal opening of this bridge was celebrated, January 1, 1867. A prototype for famed Brooklyn Bridge, the Suspension Bridge remained open during tragic flood of 1937. Listed on National Register of Historic Places, 1975.

(Subjects: Floods | National Register of Historic Places | Ohio River | Rivers)

Sandford House
(Marker Number: 1484)

County: Kenton
Location: 1026 Russell Street, Covington

Description: Built in early 1800s by Major Alfred Sandford. Land originally owned by his father, Gen. Thomas Sandford, who was first member of Congress from Northern Ky. In 1835 house purchased by the Western Baptist Theological Institute for home of President. The building housed Miss Bristow's Boarding and Day School in the 1890s. Presented by the Sanders and Eilerman Families.

(Reverse) Western Baptist Theological Institute - Incorporated by a Special Act of the General Assembly in 1840. Opened, 1845. Conflict between Northern and Southern trustees over slavery issue forced its closing in 1853. Arbitration by Supreme Court Justice John McLean led to equal division of property between the parties. Presented by the Sanders and Eilerman Families.

Senator Richard P. Ernst (1858-1934) / Ernst Mansion
(Marker Number: 2172)

County: Kenton
Location: 405 Garrard Street, Covington

Description: Born in Covington, Ernst was a lawyer, banker, philanthropist, & women’s-rights proponent. Leader of the Covington YMCA for 42 years, he was a member of the Kenton Co. Bar Assoc. & Industrial Club. U.S. Senator, 1921-1927. Camp Ernst founder. Died in Baltimore 1934, interred Highland Cem., Fort Mitchell, Ky.

(Reverse) Built for the John Matson family c. 1890, the mansion was the residence of Sen. Richard Pretlow Ernst, 1906-1934. A brick version of Richard Shaw’s Queen Anne with High Victorian Gothic or Neo-Grec elements. Home served as the Flannery Hotel, 1937-1975. Placed on National Register of Historic Places 1975; renovated 1982.

(Subjects: National Register of Historic Places)

Sgt Ronald L. Niewahner
(Marker Number: 2046)

County: Kenton
Location: Villa Hills, Niewahner Dr. & Valley Trails Dr.

Description: Born in Covington, SGT Niewahner (1948-1968) distinguished himself by heroic actions in Vietnam. As squad leader in Co. B, 1st Bn., 5th Inf., 25th Inf. Div., U.S. Army, he evacuated fallen comrade in bullet-swept area. Fatally wounded returning to rescue second soldier. Awarded Bronze Star, Silver Star, Gallantry Cross, and Purple Heart. Presented by Villa Hills Historical Society.

(Subjects: Vietnam War)

Slave Escape
(Marker Number: 1863)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, 6th & Main Sts.

Description: On a snowy night in January 1856, seventeen slaves fled, at foot of Main Street, across frozen Ohio River. Margaret Garner was in this group. When arrested in Ohio, she killed little daughter rather than see her returned to slavery. This much publicized slave capture became focus of national attention because it involved the issues of federal and state authority.

(Reverse) Controversial Judgment - Decision regarding Margaret Garner fueled fires of abolition. Fugitive Slave Law supporters wanted her returned to master. Garner wished to remain in Ohio, even at risk of death for her crime. She was returned to Ky., with master's agreement to extradite her to Ohio. But soon afterward Garner was sent south and never heard from again. Presented by City of Covington.

(Subjects: African American | Ohio River | Slavery)

St. John the Evangelist Church
(Marker Number: 2165)

County: Kenton
Location: 627 Pike St., Covington

Description: In 1848-49, German-Catholics of Mother of God Church, Lewisburg, founded Stes. Peter and Paul School. In 1854, St. John Parish was created. Fr. Wm. Robbers (pastor 1879-1903) was nationally prominent figure in the German-Priests’ Society. Parish moved here in 1914 with completion of current school building by architect J.F. Sheblessey.

(Reverse) Fr. A. Goebel (pastor 1909-54) oversaw construction, completed, 1924, called masterpiece of Ludewig & Dreisoner, St. Louis. Stained-glass windows, Dr. Oidtmann; organ, W. Holtkamp; Bells, replica, Aachen Cathedral, Germany. Noted missionaries Bp. E. Fedders, Fr. A. Fedders, Fr. H. Hanses associated with parish.

(Subjects: Catholic Church)

The Point
(Marker Number: 1472)

County: Kenton
Location: George Rogers Clark Park, Riverside Dr., Covington

Description: Confluence of Ohio and Licking Rivers. Christopher Gist, Agent of the Ohio Company, was first white man known to have set foot on Point, 1751. The Lieutenant of Kentucky Co., Va., Col. John Bowman, led expedition from here against Shawnee Indians in Ohio, 1777. Governor Isaac Shelby rendezvoused 4,000 Ky. troops here before his victory at the Thames, 1813. Over.

(Reverse) Pioneer Leaders Here - Many other pioneer leaders made the Point a base for military operations, among them Benjamin Logan, Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton and George Rogers Clark. In 1780 and 1782 Clark and his 2 regiments met here before crossing the Ohio to attack the Shawnees. Second expedition was to avenge the Battle of Blue Licks; 5 Indian towns were destroyed. See over.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Boone, Daniel | Clark, George Rogers | Indians | Kenton, Simon | Kentucky County (Virginia) | Logan, Benjamin | Revolutionary War | Shawnee Indians | Shelby, Isaac | Thames, Battle of | War of 1812)

Timberlake
(Marker Number: 1626)

County: Kenton
Location: 108 Stevenson, Erlanger, KY 236

Description: In 1826 this two-story brick home was built beside an Indian trail. Its builder, Maj. William Thornton Timberlake, in War of 1812, helped to develop toll road which became Dixie Highway. Home of son-in-law, Dr. John H. Stevenson, first to practice medicine in Boone and Kenton counties. Five generations of Timberlakes, Stevensons and Taylors have lived in this house.

(Subjects: War of 1812)

Trinity Episcopal Church
(Marker Number: 1527)

County: Kenton
Location: Madison Ave., Covington

Description: Parish organized, Nov. 24, 1842. Cornerstone of first church laid, June 24, 1843. Gothic window of the church sanctuary dedicated to vestryman John W. Stevenson, governor and U.S. senator. Bishop Benjamin B. Smith consecrated the building in 1860. Bell tower erected in 1888. First Covington School of Industrial Arts was taught here in 1903.

(Subjects: Episcopal Church)

Una Merkel-Film Star
(Marker Number: 1865)

County: Kenton
Location: Goebel Park, 5th & Philadelphia Sts., Covington

Description: This Covington native won a Tony Award in 1956 for performance in Broadway's "The Ponder Heart" and received an Oscar nomination, 1962, for "Summer and Smoke." With her 66 motion pictures, Merkel (1903-1986) represented successful transition from silent films to "the talkies." She played opposite film legends W. C. Fields and Marlene Dietrich. Buried Highland Cem., Kenton Co.

(Subjects: Actors | Cemeteries | Films)

William Goebel-Lawyer
(Marker Number: 1709)

County: Kenton
Location: Goebel Park, 6th & Philadelphia Sts., Covington

Description: Goebel began his legal career in this building and advanced through ties to notable leaders. Born in Pa. in 1856, Goebel rose from poverty. Elected to state senate in 1887, he served as president pro tem of that body, 1894-1900. In the 1890-91 constitutional convention, and later, Goebel was active in his support of railroad regulation and other reforms. Over.

(Reverse) William Goebel, Governor - Nominated for governor in 1899, Democrat Goebel lost close race to Republican William Taylor. The election was contested and, during that debate, Goebel was shot on January 30, 1900, near the Old Capitol. Before his death four days later, he was declared gov. by legislature. Three convicted in the murder were later pardoned and killer's identity uncertain. Over.

(Subjects: Constitutional Convention (1890-91) | Railroads)

William L. Grant
(Marker Number: 2000)

County: Kenton
Location: Covington, 824 Greenup St.

Description: Wm. Grant (1820-82), Covington city clerk, councilman, and state rep., supported public education for black children. He deeded land on Seventh Street for elementary school, which opened 1880; renamed Lincoln School 1909. A black high school named in honor of William Grant opened in 1886. Presented by City of Covington.

(Reverse) Lincoln and Grant Schools - In 1931, this building constructed for black elementary and high schools to be known as Lincoln Grant and William Grant Schools. High school closed in 1965 and elementary in 1976. The original Seventh Street site occupied by the Board of Education; Northern Kentucky Community Center housed here beginning 1976. Presented by Kenton County Fiscal Court.

(Subjects: African American | Schools)