National Register Listing

Bradford School House

KY 8 and 1109, Foster, KY
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Kentucky random facts
Bracken County, located in northeastern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who were later displaced by European settlers. The county was officially established in 1796 and named after William Bracken, a prominent pioneer and legislator.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Bracken County experienced rapid growth and development. It became an important location for agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, with many settlers cultivating large plantations. The Ohio River, which borders the county, played a crucial role in transporting goods and connecting Bracken County to nearby cities.

The county's economy continued to thrive throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by farming, distilling, and manufacturing industries. Bracken County was known for its bourbon production and had several renowned distilleries. The county also became a hub for trade and commerce, with bustling river ports and a railroad network that facilitated transportation.

Bracken County has also been an important site for education. The Augusta College, established in 1822, was one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the state. Today, the county is primarily rural, with a population centered around the towns of Augusta and Brooksville. Bracken County remains proud of its history and continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural and historical institutions.

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

  • 1786: Bracken County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1797: Augusta is named the county seat of Bracken County.
  • 1839: Augusta is incorporated as a city.
  • 1862: John Hunt Morgan's Confederate raiders pass through Bracken County during the Civil War.
  • 1908: The first bridge over the Ohio River connects Bracken County to Ohio.
  • 1916: The first high school in Bracken County is established in Augusta.
  • 1937: The Ohio River flood devastates many areas of Bracken County.
  • 1971: Augusta Ferry, an important transportation link, ceases operation.
  • 1997: The Augusta Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2008: The Augusta Landing Archaeological District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.