Little Muddy Community
Historical marker location:Settled ca. 1800 by Rev. War veterans Thos. Carson, John Helm, & Matthew Kuykendall who received land grants for their service. These founders of Butler County served as first county surveyor, presiding justice of county court, and first sheriff. Community has been served by water grist mill built in 1811, a mercantile business est.1890s, & a post office from 1893-1919.
(Reverse) Thomas Carson donated land for a cemetery & Little Muddy Cumberland Presbyterian Church, organized in 1811 from camp meetings starting as early as 1805. Slave church members may have helped construct the brick building which served as church and Little Muddy Academy. Built in 1830, it is one of oldest in the county. The frame church was built in 1860
The county was officially established in 1810 and named after General Richard Butler, a Revolutionary War hero. In its early years, Butler County was primarily an agricultural region, with farming and livestock playing a vital role in the local economy. The area quickly developed into a thriving community, with a number of small towns and villages sprouting up throughout the county.
During the Civil War, Butler County found itself torn apart by the conflict. Being located on the border between the Union and Confederate states, the area experienced significant unrest and violence. Many of its residents joined the Confederate Army, while others remained loyal to the Union. The county's strategic location also made it a target for both sides, leading to numerous skirmishes and battles.
In the post-war years, Butler County experienced a period of growth and recovery. The agricultural industry continued to flourish, with tobacco becoming a major cash crop. The county also saw the development of coal mining operations, further diversifying its economy. Over the years, Butler County has faced various challenges but has remained a resilient and vibrant community, proud of its history and dedicated to preserving its unique heritage.
Butler County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Butler County, Kentucky.
- 1810 - Butler County is formed from sections of Logan and Ohio counties.
- 1813 - The county officially becomes a political entity.
- 1818 - Morgantown is established as the county seat.
- 1836 - A fire destroys most of Morgantown, leading to its rebuilding.
- 1861-1865 - Many Butler County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- 1873 - The current Butler County Courthouse is built.
- 1925 - Mammoth Cave National Park is established, partially located in Butler County.
- 1957 - The Green River Dam is completed, creating the Green River Lake.
- 1997 - Butler County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.
- 2006 - The Butler County Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated.