Carr, Ben F., Jr., House
203 2nd St., Fulton, KY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Fulton County. The area became part of the newly formed state of Kentucky in 1792. It was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, as a tribute to his contributions to transportation.
During the 19th century, Fulton County played a crucial role in the development of steamboat transportation on the Mississippi River. The town of Hickman, located in Fulton County, became a major river port and trade hub. The steamboat industry brought economic prosperity to the area, as agricultural products from the surrounding farms were transported to markets all along the river.
In the early 20th century, Fulton County faced the challenges brought by the decline of steamboat transportation and the Great Depression. However, the construction of the Columbus-Belmont Bridge, connecting Kentucky and Missouri, provided a new avenue for trade and helped revive the local economy. Today, Fulton County remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.
Fulton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fulton County, Kentucky.
- 1780 - Fulton County, KY was established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
- 1803 - Hickman, the county seat of Fulton County, was founded.
- 1854 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River from Fulton County to Missouri was completed.
- 1860 - The population of Fulton County reached its peak with over 10,000 residents.
- 1874 - The county courthouse in Hickman was destroyed by fire, but was later rebuilt.
- 1903 - The first railroad was built in Fulton County, connecting Hickman to nearby towns.
- 1937 - A devastating flood caused significant damage to Fulton County, leading to the construction of levees.
- 1942 - The United States government established the Camp Tyson military installation in Fulton County during World War II.
- 2000 - The population of Fulton County declined to approximately 7,000 residents.