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"Duke of Paducah"
Marker Number 795
County McCracken
Location 6th & Broadway, Paducah
Description Irvin Shrewsburg Cobb, 1876-1944. One of Paducah's famous sons. "A first-class humorist from a conversational gesture to a book wit who made all the world laugh with him." Author of more than sixty books, short story writer, recipient of O'Henry Award, movie actor, lecturer. Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, France, 1918. Paducah Rotary Club, sponsor.
Subjects Cobb, Irvin S. , Paducah
$5 Bought Paducah
Marker Number 1036
County McCracken
Location 2nd & Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Clark, George Rogers , Clark, William , Paducah
8th of August
Marker Number 1957
County McCracken
Location Paducah, Community Center, 505 S. 8th St.
Description 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.
Subjects African American , Paducah
A Paducah CSA Hero
Marker Number 963
County McCracken
Location 514 Park, Paducah
Description Col. Albert P. Thompson fell here in Battle of Paducah, March 25, 1864, victim of Union cannonball. He commanded the 3rd Ky. Inf. CSA. The battle climaxed Gen. Nathan B. Forrest's memorable raid seeking medical supplies and munitions. Thompson, a respected lawyer here, joined Confederate cause in 1861. After war reinterred at Murray. Sponsored by Paducah Lions Club.
Subjects Civil War , Forrest, Nathan Bedford , Paducah , Paducah, Battle of
American Red Cross
Marker Number 1107
County McCracken
Location 300 Broadway, Paducah
Description McCracken County Chapter chartered May 14, 1917. Organized by Mrs. A. R. Meyers, with W. F. Paxton as first chairman. Initial WWI fund drive raised $42,000. During great Ohio Valley Flood of 1937 carried on an amazing evacuation and relief program. World War II fund campaigns raised $164,530. Serving McCracken County for over fifty years. Marker in memory of Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Wilson, Sr.

(Reverse) Red Cross Serves McCracken County

Flood - 1929 - $3,021
Drought - 1929-31 - $12,851
Flood - 1936 - $812
Flood - 1937 - $1,189,141
Tornado - 1938 - $2,061
Flood - 1939 - $751
Fire - 1939 - $979
Flood - 1945 - $865
Flood - 1963 - $4,590
Presented by Tom Wilson

Subjects Floods , Ohio River , Paducah , Tennessee Valley Authority
Broadway Methodist
Marker Number 1029
County McCracken
Location Broadway at 7th, Paducah
Description Paducah's oldest institution. Founded 1832. First edifice erected 1842 on northwest corner Broadway at 4th. Relocated 1875 on southeast corner Broadway at 7th. Moved to present site 1896. Destroyed by fire 1929; rebuilt 1930. Judge Wm. Sutton Bishop, the "Old Judge Priest" of Irvin Cobb's stories, and Vice-Pres. Alben W. Barkley held membership here. Presented by Louis Igert.
Subjects Barkley, Alben W. , Methodist Church , Paducah
Chief Paduke
Marker Number 793
County McCracken
Location 19th & Jefferson St., Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Clark, William , Indians , Paducah , Sculptors
Church of Christ
Marker Number 1035
County McCracken
Location 2855 Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Paducah
Civil War Action
Marker Number 545
County Marshall
Location Benton, US 641
Description On March 23, 1864, two days before the Battle of Paducah, detached forces of Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest's cavalry coming up from Columbus, Miss., and Union troops, both searching for horses, met by accident near here. In two skirmishes which took place, three were killed in first engagement and four in the second. Burial was in the old Gilbert cemetery.
Subjects Civil War , Forrest, Nathan Bedford , Paducah , Paducah, Battle of
Clara Barton's Visit
Marker Number 1032
County McCracken
Location 2nd & Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Floods , Ohio River , Paducah , Steamboats
Clark's Land
Marker Number 1352
County McCracken
Location Entrance to roadside park, adjacent to Jct. of US 60 & 68
Description George Rogers Clark was original patentee of land on which Paducah is now located. Two grants totaling 73,962 acres were conveyed to Clark by Virginia, a portion of this representing money owed him for services rendered. Land deeded to brother William (of Lewis and Clark fame) in 1803, "in consideration of $2,100 for sundry services." Clark later developed Paducah. See over.

(Reverse) Clark's Army Camped - On June 27, 1778, George Rogers Clark's army of about 200 faithful followers landed on nearby Owen's Island, just 4 days after starting from Corn Island at Falls of Ohio. A small hunting party appeared soon afterwards, giving valuable information about Kaskaskia. Clark recruited them and proceeded under severe hardship to defeat British and save Illinois country for US. Over.
Subjects Clark, George Rogers , Clark, William , Falls of the Ohio , Forts and Stations , Paducah , Revolutionary War
Col. Hicks' Hdqrs.
Marker Number 1031
County McCracken
Location Broadway, between 2nd & 3rd Sts., Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Civil War , Paducah , Paducah, Battle of
Confederate Flag of Welcome
Marker Number 1175
County McCracken
Location 166 Farley Place, Paducah
Description With the Confederate occupation of Hickman and Columbus in the late summer of 1861, Paducahans were thrilled and flew a large Confederate flag to welcome Southern Army thought on way. As General Grant's Union forces, backed by gunboats, moved to occupy Paducah on Sept. 6, it was feared flag would be seized. See over.

(Reverse) Rescue of Flag - Mrs. Emily Jarrett, whose husband and sons were fighting for the CSA, rushed to save the banner. Under Union gunboat fire, she had a small slave boy climb the pole, retrieve the flag, and drop it to her. Union troops searched her home but failed to find flag's hiding place. Some thirty years later, the faded cloth was laid to rest with its loyal rescuer. Over.
Subjects Grant, Ulysses S. , Paducah
First Christian Church
Marker Number 1937
County Hickman
Location Clinton, 201 N. Washington St.
Description Established 1876 on this site. First structure (frame) burned 1896; brick church built three years later. A 1951 fire caused damage, but complete repair achieved. This Kentucky Historical Landmark features a multi-spired roof, vaulted ceiling, curved pews, and original stained-glass windows with memorial pictures of donors. Presented by Members and Friends.
Subjects Christian Church , Ohio River , Paducah
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Marker Number 899
County McCracken
Location Blandville Rd., Paducah, US 62
Description 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.
Subjects Christian Church , Paducah , Shawnee Indians
First Log Cabin
Marker Number 1052
County McCracken
Location lst & Broadway, East side of flood wall, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Clark, William , Paducah
First Presbyterian Church
Marker Number 1061
County McCracken
Location 7th & Jefferson, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Paducah , Presbyterian Church
First Public Well
Marker Number 1174
County McCracken
Location 119 Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Paducah
Forrest's Raid
Marker Number 517
County McCracken
Location 21st & Old Mayfield Rd., Paducah
Description General N. B. Forrest with Thompson's Ky. and Bell's Tenn. Brigades raided Paducah on March 25, 1864. Union's Fort Anderson held with aid of gunboats. Guards at USA warehouse captured. Part of town burned. Supplies of food taken by withdrawing CSA forces. Boast in Union newspaper prompted Forrest to send Gen. Abe Buford back to capture some overlooked horses.
Subjects Civil War , Forrest, Nathan Bedford , Forts and Stations , Paducah
Gen. George Rogers Clark
Marker Number 575
County McCracken
Location Riverfront, Broadway & Ky. Ave., Paducah
Description

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.
Subjects Clark, George Rogers , Grant, Ulysses S. , Paducah
Grant's Proclamation
Marker Number 924
County McCracken
Location Broadway at Riverfront, Paducah
Description On this spot, September 6, 1861, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant read proclamation to citizens of Paducah announcing that the Union Army was taking possession of town "to defend you" against Confederate attack. The "enemy" had taken "possession of and planted his guns" at Columbus and Hickman on the Mississippi. Union troops moved in and the U.S. occupied city for duration of war.
Subjects Civil War , Grant, Ulysses S. , Paducah
Gunsmith Ferd Hummel
Marker Number 1062
County McCracken
Location 4th St. near Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Civil War , Paducah
Historic Railroad
Marker Number 1134
County McCracken
Location 1500 Ky. Ave., Paducah
Description The Illinois Central is successor to Paducah's original railroad, the New Orleans and Ohio, which on July 4, 1854, ran its first train. The most prominent railroad landmark in Paducah is company's large shops, on a 110-acre site, begun in 1925, finished two years later. Since then Paducah Shop has been principal Illinois Central locomotive facility. See over.

(Reverse) Illinois Central - Charles H. Markham was president of the railroad when he dedicated the new shop in 1927. His bust is on the shop grounds. The Illinois Central serves Paducah from all points of compass, including the great coal fields to the east. Its main north-south freight line, the Edgewood Cutoff, crosses the Ohio River over Metropolis Bridge a few miles downstream. See over. Presented by Illinois Central R.R.
Subjects Paducah , Railroads
Historic Riverfront
Marker Number 1065
County McCracken
Location Riverfront near Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Clark, George Rogers , Floods , Grant, Ulysses S. , Paducah , Steamboats
Immanuel Baptist
Marker Number 1044
County McCracken
Location 3465 Buckner Lane, Paducah
Description Organized in 1887, as mission of First Baptist Church. Constituted as the Second Baptist Church in January 1894, with twenty-two members. First building located 9th and Ohio. Moved to Murrell Boulevard in February 1922, and changed to present name. Building program started October 1958, on this location. Church dedicated November 6, 1966. Presented by Church.
Subjects Baptist Church , Paducah
Iron Horse Memorial
Marker Number 794
County McCracken
Location Water St. & Kentucky Ave., Paducah
Description This Mikado-type steam locomotive is dedicated to Illinois Central men and women, past and present, and to the importance of the railroad to Paducah's history and commerce. No. 1518 is the last "Iron Horse" owned by the ICRR. Engines built or rebuilt in the Paducah shops many years until 1960, played prominent role in the age of steam. See other side.

(Reverse) Iron Horse Memorial - Locomotive donated by Illinois Central Railroad. Maintenance funds provided under leadership of the Western Kentucky AFL-CIO Area Council. No. 1518 was moved from Barkley Park to its present site in 1985 when sponsored by city-county government and community action. The baggage car and caboose added at that time. Marker presented by City of Paducah.
Subjects Paducah , Railroads
Irvin S. Cobb
Marker Number 962
County McCracken
Location Oak Grove Cemetery, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Authors , Cobb, Irvin S. , Paducah
Irvin S. Cobb Said:
Marker Number 1025
County McCracken
Location 3rd & Broadway, Paducah
Description "Here in Paducah one encounters, I claim, an agreeable blend of Western kindliness, and Northern enterprises, superimposed upon a Southern background. Here, I claim, more chickens are fried, more hot biscuits are eaten, more corn pone is consumed, and more genuine hospitality is offered than in any town of like size in the commonwealth."

(Reverse) Alben W. Barkley Said: "Paducah is a town with a distinct flavor. It was-and is-a good place, an interesting place, in which to live. A great part of its personality is derived from such colorful citizens as Judge Bishop (the living prototype of Cobb's fictional Judge Priest), Irvin Cobb and others." Marker presented by Shiva Artist Colors.
Subjects Barkley, Alben W. , Cobb, Irvin S. , Paducah
Marine Ways
Marker Number 977
County McCracken
Location lst & Ky. Sts., Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Paducah
McCracken County Courthouse
Marker Number 1377
County McCracken
Location Paducah, 6th St.
Description First courthouse on this site finished 1861 and occupied almost immediately by Union Army. Used as a Civil War hospital. Present building erected 1940-43 with help of Works Progress Administration. Total cost of courthouse $344,919. Marker presented by McCracken County Civic Beautification Board. Over.

(Reverse) McCracken County Courthouse

  • 1825 - First courthouse built of logs at Wilmington.
  • 1832 - County seat moved to Paducah. Courthouse at Second and Ky.
  • 1861 - First courthouse at this site, then at edge of town.
  • 1943 - Present building occupied.

Marker presented by McCracken County Civic Beautification Board. Over

Subjects Civil War , Courthouses , Paducah
Original Boundary
Marker Number 865
County McCracken
Location 4th & Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Clark, William , Paducah
Paducah Community College
Marker Number 1721
County McCracken
Location In front of College, Paducah, US 62
Description 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.
Subjects Civil Rights , Paducah , Schools
Paducah Furnace
Marker Number 1421
County McCracken
Location 3rd & Norton, Paducah
Description Built here 1889 by Paducah Iron Co., 70 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 14 ft. Rated annual capacity 30,000 tons of iron, using coke fuel. Operations began in 1900, smelting ore from Lyon, Trigg, Livingston counties in Ky., and from Missouri. It was in blast intermittently until 1903, when the furnace ruptured. Razed 1907. See the other side.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.
Subjects Iron Industry , Paducah
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
Marker Number 1180
County McCracken
Location Main entrance to Noble Park, Paducah, US 60
Description 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.
Subjects Paducah
Paducah Pictorial
Marker Number 968
County McCracken
Location Post Office grounds, 5th & Broadway, Paducah
Description Paducah's colorful history from the time of the Chickasaw Indians through the age of steamboats and steam locomotives is depicted on a mural in Post Office building. History and legend of our city, painted by local artists, was presented to the United States by Paducah citizens group. Accepted officially on Oct. 14, 1961. Marker presented by Paducah Moose Lodge No. 285.
Subjects Paducah
Paducah's Indian Name
Marker Number 1111
County McCracken
Location 415 Broadway, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Clark, William , Jackson Purchase , Paducah
Paducah, Kentucky
Marker Number 1214
County McCracken
Location City Hall grounds, Paducah
Description Located at the confluence of Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Named for legendary Indian Chief Paduke. Settled in 1821, it was platted in 1827 by General William Clark, incorporated in 1830, and made McCracken county seat in 1832. During Civil War, Confederates seized Hickman and Columbus. Gen. U. S. Grant occupied Paducah, 1861, keeping Kentucky in the Union. Nathan Bedford Forrest raided here, March 25, 1864, in action called Battle of Paducah. Home of Alben Barkley, Vice President, 1949-53, and birthplace of Irvin S. Cobb, world-famous author. From village to town in 1856, to second-class city by 1902, Paducah grew as market, steamboat port, and railroad hub. In the early 1950s Paducah entered the atomic age when the $785,000,000 gaseous diffusion plant was built. Over. Presented by Tilghman Class of 1928.

(Reverse) Paducah's City Hall - One of the nation's most attractive, a gleaming symbol of pride and progress, designed by world-famous Edward Durell Stone and Associates of New York City; associate architect Lee Potter Smith. The building, two-story and basement, rises from a 216-foot-square podium encircled by a moat, has over 60,000 square feet of floor space, and cost over $1,500,000. Highlight of the interior is the pyramidal lantern enclosing a two-story-high, 60-foot-square atrium, rising above the centrally located fountain. Ground was broken on June 20, 1963, while Robert Cherry was Mayor. Dedication ceremonies were held on February 28, 1965, during Mayor Tom Wilson's administration, marking the beginning of a renaissance for downtown Paducah. See over. Presented by Tilghman Class of 1928.
Subjects Barkley, Alben W. , Clark, William , Cobb, Irvin S. , Forrest, Nathan Bedford , Grant, Ulysses S. , Paducah
Paducah, Kentucky
Marker Number 916
County McCracken
Location North 8th & Julia Sts., Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Atomic Energy Plant, (Paducah) , Barkley, Alben W. , Clark, William , Cobb, Irvin S. , Grant, Ulysses S. , Lewis and Clark Expedition , Paducah , Raisin River, Battle of , War of 1812
Paducah, Kentucky
Marker Number 918
County McCracken
Location 3100 South Beltline Highway, Paducah
Description 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 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 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. Anonymous sponsor.
Subjects Atomic Energy Plant, (Paducah) , Barkley, Alben W. , Clark, William , Cobb, Irvin S. , Grant, Ulysses S. , Lewis and Clark Expedition , Paducah , Raisin River, Battle of , War of 1812
Paducah, Kentucky
Marker Number 840
County McCracken
Location Paducah Community College Campus, US 62-W
Description 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.
Subjects Atomic Energy Plant, (Paducah) , Barkley, Alben W. , Clark, William , Cobb, Irvin S. , Grant, Ulysses S. , Lewis and Clark Expedition , Paducah , Raisin River, Battle of , War of 1812
Ride Round the Rivers
Marker Number 1161
County McCracken
Location Riverfront near Flood Wall & Ky. Ave., Paducah
Description This unique pleasure-boat tour is an eighty-mile loop from Paducah up the Tennessee, through Kentucky Lock, up Kentucky Lake, through the Land-Between-The-Lakes Canal, down Barkley Lake, through Barkley Lock, down the Cumberland to Smithland, and down the Ohio back to Paducah. West Kentucky has greatest concentration of major navigable rivers in world. Over.

(Reverse) Paducah Harbor - The deep protected water between Owens Island opposite and the Kentucky shore has been a major base for commercial navigation throughout Paducah's history. Every type of barge and boat used in the Mississippi Valley has been built, repaired, manned, and supplied here. It was a famous ice-free winter harbor for steamboats from the northern rivers. Presented by Crounse Corp.
Subjects Paducah
St. Francis de Sales
Marker Number 1106
County McCracken
Location 530 Broadway, Paducah
Description St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church is the oldest church in Paducah located on original site. Property purchased May 8, 1848, for $225 by Father Elisha Durbin. First church built 1849 and was enclosed with a fence as livestock roamed at large at the time. First pastor was Rev. William Oberhulsman, 1850-54. Second church built in 1870 by Rev. Ivo Schacht, 1869-71.

(Reverse) St. Francis de Sales - Rev. Herman W. Jansen, pastor from 1882-1909, built present church at cost of $30,000. Cornerstone laid June 5, 1899. Rev. Henry Connolly was pastor 1909-1927. Reverend John D. Fallon served 1927-38. Reverend Albert J. Thompson 1938-57. Rev. Charles DeNardi 1957-63. Rev. Robert T. Wilson named pastor 1963. Members of six generations under eighteen pastors have worshipped here. Presented by Henry Puryear.
Subjects Catholic Church , Paducah
St. Paul Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod)
Marker Number 1072
County McCracken
Location 2100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah
Description Organized on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 1868, by the Rev. B. Sickel. The Congregation was incorporated January 26, 1869. First church building on South Fourth Street dedicated Jan. 7, 1872. Present early English Gothic building was dedicated November 26, 1939. Over.

(Reverse) St. Paul Lutheran Church - First church building 416 South Fourth St. abandoned because of 1937 flood damage. Bricks and some lumber of old structure used in erecting present building. The 1500-pound bell, almost 6 ft. in diameter, was removed and placed in the tower of the new church where it continues to ring out its call for all to worship. Over. Presented by Church.
Subjects Paducah
Temple Israel
Marker Number 1058
County McCracken
Location 28th & Monroe, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Jewish , Paducah
The 1937 Flood
Marker Number 1053
County McCracken
Location 29th & Jefferson, Paducah
Description 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. This location marks the water's western edge in Paducah at the height of the flood, February 2, 1937. Over 90% of the city was inundated, 27,000 people were evacuated and damage exceeded $22,000,000. Over.

(Reverse) The 1937 Flood - The 1937 Flood could not happen again in Paducah because of the flood wall, the chain of TVA Dams, and other upstream reservoirs. In all, flood control has cost TVA almost $200,000,000. 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 of three feet above the 1937 flood level. Over. Presented by Gresham Hougland.
Subjects Floods , Ohio River , Paducah
The Flood Wall
Marker Number 1108
County McCracken
Location 1st & Broadway next to Flood Wall, Paducah
Description 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.
Subjects Floods , Ohio River , Paducah , Tennessee Valley Authority
Unity Church-The United Church of Christ
Marker Number 1146
County McCracken
Location 4600 Buckner Ln., Paducah
Description Organized August, 1874 as "German Evangelical Unity Church" with the Rev. Daniel Eschenbrenner, first pastor. German services held in "Old School House Church" on So. 3rd St. New church at 423 So. 5th St. dedicated August, 1894 and renamed Unity Evangelical Church. Services in English begun in 1905. Located here in June, 1961. Over.

(Reverse) Unity Church-The United Church of Christ - Evangelical and Reformed Churches of German origin united in 1934. Both have heritage dating to the Reformation in 1517. Merger with Congregational-Christian, English origin, 1957. This merger first in our nation of denominations of different governing styles and of national backgrounds. See over. Presented by Church.
Subjects Germans , Paducah
Welcome to Paducah, KY.
Marker Number 829
County McCracken
Location Paducah Airport
Description Founded by Gen. William Clark, 1827, at confluence of Tennessee, Ohio Rivers. Named for legendary Chickasaw Indian Chief Paduke. County seat McCracken County. Home Vice President Alben W. Barkley; this airport named in his honor. Nearby is Atomic Energy Plant. (See other side).

(Reverse) Barkley Field, Paducah, KY. - Birthplace author Irvin S. Cobb; home Linn Boyd, member Congress, Speaker (1851-55), sponsor Texas Annexation Resolution. Town was first captured by Union Gen. Lew Wallace and Gen. Wm. T. Sherman. Railroad and river traffic center. See other side. Presented by Airport Board.
Subjects Atomic Energy Plant, (Paducah) , Barkley, Alben W. , Civil War , Clark, William , Cobb, Irvin S. , Indians , Paducah , Sherman, William T.
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