The Prince of the French Explorers
Commissioned by Louis XIV of France, the Sieur Robert de LaSalle, sweeping down the Mississippi with his flotilla of canoes, stopped in 1682 at this place, in his quest for the mouth of the Mississippi and an outlet for the French fur trade. This river, called Ohio by the Iroquois and Quabache (Wabash) by the Algonquins, was proclaimed by LaSalle, April 9, 1682, to be the northern watershed of the New Province of Louisiana of the French Colonial Empire.
Reverse
French Explorers at the Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers: Accompanied by Pere Jacques Marquette, the Sieur Louis Joliet, commissioned by the French Government at Quebec to explore the Mississippi River, stopped on this bank in 1673, according to the "Jesuit Relations" by Thevenot. They were feasted by the Indians on buffalo meat, bear's grease and white plums
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The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
About Ballard County
Ballard County Timeline
Ballard County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before European explorers arrived. In 1818, Ballard County was established and named after Capt. Bland Ballard, a Revolutionary War hero. The county's location along the Mississippi River played a crucial role in its development.
In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry in Ballard County. Farms were established to cultivate crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The fertile soil and favorable climate made the county an ideal location for agricultural activities. As transportation improved with the construction of roads and river ports, the county's economy grew.
By the mid-1800s, the Mississippi River became a vital transportation route for trade and commerce. Ballard County's riverfront location allowed it to become a hub for shipping and transportation. Several river towns, such as Blandville and Wickliffe, prospered as trade centers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and economic potential.
During the Civil War, Ballard County, like many other regions in Kentucky, experienced division and conflict. While some residents supported the Union, others sympathized with the Confederacy. Battles and skirmishes took place in the area, leading to disruptions and hardship for the local population. However, the county rebounded after the war, and agriculture and trade continued to thrive.
Today, Ballard County remains closely linked to its agricultural roots, with farming and agribusiness serving as prominent sectors. The county's strategic location along the river and its transportation network continue to support its economic growth. Historical sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the county's heritage, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into its proud history.
In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry in Ballard County. Farms were established to cultivate crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The fertile soil and favorable climate made the county an ideal location for agricultural activities. As transportation improved with the construction of roads and river ports, the county's economy grew.
By the mid-1800s, the Mississippi River became a vital transportation route for trade and commerce. Ballard County's riverfront location allowed it to become a hub for shipping and transportation. Several river towns, such as Blandville and Wickliffe, prospered as trade centers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and economic potential.
During the Civil War, Ballard County, like many other regions in Kentucky, experienced division and conflict. While some residents supported the Union, others sympathized with the Confederacy. Battles and skirmishes took place in the area, leading to disruptions and hardship for the local population. However, the county rebounded after the war, and agriculture and trade continued to thrive.
Today, Ballard County remains closely linked to its agricultural roots, with farming and agribusiness serving as prominent sectors. The county's strategic location along the river and its transportation network continue to support its economic growth. Historical sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the county's heritage, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into its proud history.
Ballard County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ballard County, Kentucky.
- 1822 - Ballard County is formed from parts of Hickman County and McCracken County.
- 1823 - The county is named after Captain Bland Ballard, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
- 1824 - The county seat is established in a town called Blandville.
- 1831 - The first courthouse is built in Blandville.
- 1849 - The Mississippi River floods, causing significant damage to the county.
- 1854 - The county seat is moved from Blandville to Wickliffe.
- 1861-1865 - Ballard County experiences significant disruptions during the American Civil War.
- 1915 - The county is hit by a devastating tornado, resulting in numerous casualties and severe damage.
- 1937 - The Flood of 1937 causes widespread flooding in Ballard County.
- 1966 - Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is established to preserve Native American archaeological sites.
- 1970s - Ballard County experiences a decline in population due to economic changes and rural outmigration.
- 1997 - The Ballard County Coal Plant begins operation, bringing economic opportunities to the area.
- 2003 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.
- 2016 - Ballard County High School is named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.