Historical Marker

Kenton Furnace

Historical marker location:
Newport, Kentucky
( 4th & Park Ave., Newport)

Built at foot of Park Avenue in 1869 by the Kenton Iron Co., to supply iron to a foundry making pipe and structural materials. It was 58 ft. high and 15 ft. across at widest point inside, burning coke fuel and powered by steam. In 1877, the machinery was taken down, and assembled again at Greendale, Ohio, beginning to operate in 1879. See other side.(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, and munitions throughout the northern and western portions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Old charcoal-furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads

Iron Industry
The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Campbell County, Kentucky, is situated in the northern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The county was established on December 17, 1794, and was named after Colonel John Campbell, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Initially, Campbell County encompassed a large area and included parts of present-day Kenton, Pendleton, and Boone counties.

During its early history, Campbell County saw significant development due to its prime location along the Ohio River. The county became a hub for transportation and trade, with steamboats and river barges playing a crucial role in its economic growth. The city of Newport, located within Campbell County, became a major port along the Ohio River, attracting businesses and immigrants.

In the mid-19th century, Campbell County experienced rapid industrialization, fueled by the construction of railroads and the establishment of manufacturing industries. The county became known for its ironworks, distilleries, and tobacco warehouses. Newport flourished as a bustling city, becoming a center for entertainment, nightlife, and gambling, earning it the nickname "Sin City."

However, the early 20th century brought challenges to Campbell County. Prohibition, which came into effect in 1919, dealt a blow to the county's flourishing distillery industry. Additionally, the decline of the river trade and the Great Depression impacted the region economically. In the latter half of the 20th century, Campbell County experienced a transformation, with urban development projects and initiatives for economic revival, such as the construction of the Newport on the Levee entertainment complex.

Today, Campbell County continues to evolve as a dynamic community. It is home to a diverse population and offers a mix of suburban and rural areas. The county boasts a rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Campbell County, Kentucky.

  • 1795: Campbell County is established from parts of Mason, Scott, and Harrison counties.
  • 1803: Newport, the county seat, is incorporated as a town.
  • 1823: Campbell County Courthouse is completed in Newport.
  • 1837: Burlington, another town in Campbell County, is incorporated.
  • 1861-1865: Campbell County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1889: Newport becomes a city.
  • 1895: Bellevue, Dayton, and Fort Thomas are incorporated as cities.
  • 1926: Campbell County Memorial Bridge is opened, connecting Newport and Cincinnati.
  • 1959: Interstate 471 is completed, facilitating transportation through the county.
  • 1961: Northern Kentucky University is founded in Highland Heights.
  • 1997: Campbell County Historic Preservation Board is established to protect historical sites.
  • 2018: Population of Campbell County reaches over 92,000 residents.