Historical Marker

Leitch's Station, 1789


Site of first white settlement in Campbell County. Established by Major David Leitch (1753-1794), aide-de-camp to General Lawson during the Revolutionary War.

David Leitch, born in Scotland in 1753, immigrated to Virginia as a young man. Leitch fought in the Revolutionary War with fellow Virginian, General Robert Lawson, and earned the rank of major. In 1789, Leitch led a group of twenty settlers to Kentucky with the intention of founding a settlement. The group constructed a blockhouse and made their homes about six miles south of the Ohio River along the east bank of the Licking River. The settlement was named Leitch’s Station in honor of their leader.

Leitch married Keturah Moss in 1790 and brought his new bride to the recently settled Leitch’s Station. Moss, originally from Virginia, moved to Bryan Station with her family in 1783. The couple was married for four years before Major Leitch died in 1794.

Several years after her husband's death, Moss donated part of Leitch's lands in what would become Grayson County with the condition that the county seat be named for her departed husband. The present-day county seat of Grayson County is Leitchfield. A year after Leitch passed away, Keturah Moss remarried the executor of her husband's will, General James Taylor, who was the founder of the city of Newport. Upon her death, Keturah was buried alongside her first husband in Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky

Forts and Stations Revolutionary War
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.