Historical Marker

Henry Tureman Allen

Historical marker location:
Sharpsburg, Kentucky
( 29 Camp Street, Sharpsburg)

Born in Sharpsburg on April 13, 1859, Allen attended Peeks Mill Military Academy and Georgetown College before graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1882. He was sent to the western frontier, where he led an expedition that mapped 1500 miles of Alaska wilderness and rivers in 1885. He served as an instructor at West Point from 1888-1890.

Allen served briefly in the Spanish-American War in Cuba (1898) and was promoted to brigadier general in 1917. He commanded the 90th Cavalry Division in World War I and served as commander of the American occupation of Germany following the war. Promoted to major general in 1921, he retired three years later. Allen died on August 29, 1930, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Dedicated September 23, 2017

The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Bath County, located in northeastern Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its founding in 1811. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who hunted and fished along the Licking River. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, establishing small farms and trading posts along the river.

In the early 19th century, Bath County experienced rapid growth and development with the establishment of a county government. The county was named after the famous mineral springs in Bath, England, as it was believed that the area also had healing waters. These mineral springs and the emerging health industry played a significant role in attracting visitors and new residents to the area.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Bath County witnessed the rise of agriculture as the primary industry. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of tobacco, corn, and other crops. The county also became a hub for the production of whiskey and bourbon, with numerous distilleries operating in the area.

Throughout its history, Bath County has faced challenges and overcome adversity. The devastating floods of 1937 and 1963 caused significant damage to the county, but the community came together to rebuild and recover. Today, Bath County continues to thrive as a vibrant rural community, preserving its rich history while embracing modern advancements and opportunities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bath County, Kentucky.

  • 1790 - Bath County is established as one of the first three counties in Kentucky.
  • 1811 - Owingsville, the county seat of Bath County, is officially incorporated.
  • 1822 - The first courthouse in Bath County is built in Owingsville.
  • 1862 - During the Civil War, Owingsville is briefly occupied by Confederate forces.
  • 1880s - The Elizaville Institute, a prominent educational institution, is established in Bath County.
  • 1920 - A new courthouse is built in Owingsville to replace the previous one.
  • 1930s - The Bath County State Park, known for its mineral springs, is developed.
  • 1950 - The Cave Run Lake is created by the construction of Cave Run Dam.
  • 1970 - The Bath County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2009 - The historic Bath County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.