Historical Marker

Anderson Ferry/ 1937 Flood

Historical marker location:
Constance, Kentucky
( 4030 River Rd., Constance)

Anderson Ferry- Founded in early 1800s & purchased by George Anderson in 1817, serves as a link between Boone Co. and southwestern Ohio. It was powered by horses on treadmills until steam power was introduced in 1867. In 1930s diesel-powered sidewheelers were added. Stone inn & tavern once stood at ferry landing. National Register of Historic Places, 1982.

1937 Flood at Constance- The Ohio River reached its peak on Jan. 26 at 79.9 ft., surpassing the 1884 record. Constance was the hardest hit town in Boone Co. but there were no fatalities. Route 8 between Constance & Taylorsport was almost completely covered by water. Many houses were totally destroyed. Displaced residents were sheltered in the town school

Ferries Floods Inns Ohio River
Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and began his boxing career there.
Kentucky random facts
Boone County, Kentucky, nestled along the Ohio River, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was first home to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who thrived on the fertile land. European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, with the county being named after American pioneer Daniel Boone.

The county's history saw it become a center for agriculture and trade. By the early 1800s, Boone County emerged as a significant hub for the production of tobacco, bourbon, and hemp. The Ohio River provided a vital transportation route for local farmers to ship their goods to distant markets. This led to the growth of small towns, such as Burlington and Florence, as trading centers and gathering places for the community.

During the American Civil War, Boone County played a notable role. As Kentucky was a border state, its citizens were divided in their loyalties, resulting in conflict and strife. The county witnessed several skirmishes and the occupation of Union and Confederate forces at different times. Despite the challenges of war, the local population managed to rebuild and revive their communities following its conclusion.

In the 20th century, Boone County experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The development of transportation infrastructure, including highways and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, fueled economic expansion. With its proximity to Cincinnati, Ohio, Boone County became an attractive suburban area for residents, leading to significant population growth, commercial development, and the establishment of several industrial centers.

Today, Boone County continues to evolve and thrive. It remains a diverse and bustling community with a blend of urban and rural landscapes, offering a range of amenities and opportunities for its residents. Heritage and historical preservation efforts ensure that the county's rich history is celebrated and preserved for future generations to appreciate.

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

  • 1798 - Boone County was established and named after Daniel Boone.
  • 1802 - Burlington became the county seat of Boone County.
  • 1811 - The county's first courthouse was constructed in Burlington.
  • 1830 - The county seat was moved from Burlington to Florence.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Florence took place during the Civil War.
  • 1915 - The Ohio River Flood severely impacted Boone County.
  • 1943 - The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) opened.
  • 1967 - Florence Mall, the first regional shopping center, was built.
  • 2003 - Creation Museum, a museum focusing on creationism, opened in Petersburg.
  • 2010 - Boone County's population exceeded 100,000 residents.