National Register Listing

Fort Thomas Commercial District

a.k.a. Midway Historic District

1011-1312 S. Ft. Thomas Ave, 9-11 River Rd. & 12-28 Midway Ct., Ft. Thomas, KY
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

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.

The word "Kentucky" is derived from the Native American word "ken-tah-ten," which means "land of tomorrow."
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.