St. Romuald Church
Historical marker location:
Hardinsburg, Kentucky
( 394 N. Hwy. 259, Hardinsburg)
Founded in 1810 by Fr. Charles Nerinckx, a Catholic missionary from Belgium. It is the oldest parish remaining at one location in the Diocese of Owensboro. Original 3 acres of land donated by Zachariah Mattingly. First log church built in 1810; second church built in 1841, outgrown by congregation; third and present church built between 1897-1900
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The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
About Breckinridge County
Breckinridge County Timeline
Breckinridge County, KY is located in the western part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.
The county was established in 1799 and named after John Breckinridge, a prominent political figure in Kentucky and the United States. Throughout the 19th century, Breckinridge County's economy revolved primarily around agriculture, with tobacco and corn being the main crops. The region also became known for its limestone quarries, which supplied materials for construction.
The county played a role during the Civil War, as it was located on the border between the Union and Confederate states. Although the county officially remained neutral during the conflict, it saw several skirmishes and battles. The Battle of Sinking Creek in 1862 and the Battle of Irvington in 1864 were two significant engagements that took place in Breckinridge County.
In the 20th century, Breckinridge County experienced economic growth with the establishment of industries such as mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's coal mines provided employment and contributed to the local economy. Additionally, attractions like Rough River Dam State Resort Park and the Breckinridge County Historical Society Museum attracted visitors and helped promote tourism in the area.
Overall, Breckinridge County's history is intertwined with the development of Kentucky and its agricultural and industrial sectors. Today, the county continues to preserve its heritage while embracing progress, making it a unique and historically significant part of the state.
The county was established in 1799 and named after John Breckinridge, a prominent political figure in Kentucky and the United States. Throughout the 19th century, Breckinridge County's economy revolved primarily around agriculture, with tobacco and corn being the main crops. The region also became known for its limestone quarries, which supplied materials for construction.
The county played a role during the Civil War, as it was located on the border between the Union and Confederate states. Although the county officially remained neutral during the conflict, it saw several skirmishes and battles. The Battle of Sinking Creek in 1862 and the Battle of Irvington in 1864 were two significant engagements that took place in Breckinridge County.
In the 20th century, Breckinridge County experienced economic growth with the establishment of industries such as mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's coal mines provided employment and contributed to the local economy. Additionally, attractions like Rough River Dam State Resort Park and the Breckinridge County Historical Society Museum attracted visitors and helped promote tourism in the area.
Overall, Breckinridge County's history is intertwined with the development of Kentucky and its agricultural and industrial sectors. Today, the county continues to preserve its heritage while embracing progress, making it a unique and historically significant part of the state.
Breckinridge County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Breckinridge County, Kentucky.
- Created by the Kentucky legislature in 1799
- Named after John Breckinridge, a U.S. senator and Attorney General
- First settlement established by William Hardin in 1780
- 1810 - Population reaches 3,500
- 1839 - Officially recognized as a county
- 1841 - County seat established in Hardinsburg
- 1860s - County heavily impacted by the Civil War
- 1870s-1880s - Development of railroads leads to economic growth
- 1917-1918 - Construction of Rough River Dam begins
- 1959 - Rough River Dam completed, creating Rough River Lake
- 1987 - First Breckinridge County Apple Festival held
- 2000 - Population exceeds 18,000