Historical Marker

Stringtown on the Pike/John Uri Lloyd


STRINGTOWN ON THE PIKE Nickname given to Florence’s historic Main Street area by J.U. Lloyd in 1900 with publication of his local color novel set in his boyhood hometown. Area included homes, churches, shops, hotels, & post office. Old Town Hall, razed in 1971, was used for school, Masons, polling, police court & local Historical Society. Sponsored by City of Florence

JOHN URI LLOYD (1849-1936) Born in NY, came to Boone Co. KY in 1853. Pharmacist, chemist, inventor & eclectic herbal medicine pioneer. Wrote series of novels based on local folklore including Stringtown on the Pike in 1900. Founded Lloyd Library & Museum in Cincinnati. Legacy includes local street names & Lloyd Memorial High School. Sponsored by Boone Co. Historical Society Dedicated May 7, 2019

Authors
The city of Owensboro, Kentucky, is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which honors the history and culture of bluegrass music.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.