Dedicated to the memory of General Christopher Riffe 1764-1850. Site of His Cabin and Grave

Historical marker location:
Middleburg, Kentucky
( Middleburg Cemetery, Lynn St., Middleburg)

Christopher Riffe accompanied Col. William Casey (Great-Grandfather of Mark Twain) to Kentucky in 1784. Riffe lived at Bryan's Station, Boonesborough, Logan's Station and Carpenter's Station. He bought 800 acres of land from the Grandfather of Abraham Lincoln. Riffe became the first white settler of Casey County in 1793. He was the first State Representative from Casey County, served seven terms. He fought in the Battle of the Thames (in which Tecumseh was killed) in the Kentucky Sixth Regiment. He was Lieutenant-General of the Kentucky State Militia.

Dedicated May 26, 1956

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The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Casey County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back to the early settlement days of the United States. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1806 and named after Colonel William Casey, a pioneer and influential figure in the area's early development. It quickly became an important agricultural center, with farming and livestock playing a crucial role in the local economy. As the population grew, small communities and towns began to form, such as Liberty, the county seat.

During the Civil War, Casey County saw divided loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others siding with the Confederacy. This resulted in conflict and skirmishes between local factions. Despite the turmoil, the county continued to thrive agriculturally, and the post-war period brought further growth and development.

In the 20th century, Casey County experienced modernization and diversification of its economy. The construction of roads and the expansion of infrastructure contributed to improved transportation and connectivity with neighboring areas. Agriculture remained a significant part of the county's economy, but new industries also emerged, including manufacturing and tourism. Today, Casey County continues to be a vibrant community, preserving its heritage while embracing economic and social progress.

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

  • 1805 - Casey County, Kentucky, is established as a county
  • 1820 - The town of Liberty is founded
  • 1860 - Casey County experiences significant growth with the completion of a railroad line
  • 1900 - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in the county
  • 1950 - Casey County sees a decline in population due to the shift in agriculture practices
  • 1980 - The Casey County Apple Festival is established, becoming a popular annual event
  • 2000 - The population of Casey County starts to stabilize