County Named, 1810
For Col. William Grayson, 1740-90, aide-de-camp to Gen. Washington. Lawyer; in Revolutionary Army, 1776-79; Board of War, 1780-81; Virginia Assembly and Continental Congress, 1784-87; State Convention ratifying Federal Constitution, 1788; and first U.S. Senate, 1789-90. Washington once owned 5,000 acres in county, which was formed from Hardin and Ohio counties
Loading...
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
About Grayson County
Grayson County Timeline
Grayson County, Kentucky, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The area was originally home to the Shawnee and Cherokee Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county was officially established in 1810, named after William Grayson, a Virginia statesman.
In its early years, Grayson County was primarily a farming community, with settlers cultivating the land for corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county quickly grew and prospered, serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. The arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in the mid-19th century further contributed to the county's growth and development.
During the Civil War, Grayson County was divided in its loyalties. Some residents supported the Union, while others sided with the Confederacy. The county was a site of several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Tebbs Bend in 1863, where Union troops successfully defended a strategic river crossing against Confederate forces.
In the 20th century, Grayson County experienced significant changes, both economically and socially. The decline of agriculture led to a shift towards manufacturing and services. The county remains a predominantly rural area but has modernized infrastructure and amenities to meet the needs of its residents. Today, Grayson County is known for its beautiful countryside, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit community spirit.
In its early years, Grayson County was primarily a farming community, with settlers cultivating the land for corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county quickly grew and prospered, serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. The arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in the mid-19th century further contributed to the county's growth and development.
During the Civil War, Grayson County was divided in its loyalties. Some residents supported the Union, while others sided with the Confederacy. The county was a site of several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Tebbs Bend in 1863, where Union troops successfully defended a strategic river crossing against Confederate forces.
In the 20th century, Grayson County experienced significant changes, both economically and socially. The decline of agriculture led to a shift towards manufacturing and services. The county remains a predominantly rural area but has modernized infrastructure and amenities to meet the needs of its residents. Today, Grayson County is known for its beautiful countryside, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit community spirit.
Grayson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grayson County, Kentucky.
- January 15, 1810 - Grayson County is officially established
- Early 1800s - Settlement begins in the region, primarily by pioneers from Virginia and North Carolina
- 1812 - Leitchfield, the county seat, is founded
- 1839 - The first courthouse in Grayson County is built in Leitchfield
- 1858 - Completion of the Owensboro and Nashville Railroad, facilitating transportation and economic growth in the county
- 1861-1865 - Grayson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
- Late 1800s - The county experiences agricultural and industrial expansion, including the development of tobacco farming
- 1900-1920 - Introduction of rural electric and telephone services
- 1937 - The Ohio River flood affects Grayson County, causing widespread damage and loss of life
- 1960s - Construction of Nolin Lake, a reservoir that provides recreational opportunities for residents and tourists
- 1980s-1990s - Economic diversification occurs with the growth of manufacturing and healthcare sectors