National Register Listings in
Hardin County, Kentucky

Abel, Dr., House Applegate-Fisher House Arnold, Philip, House Ashe House Bethlehem Academy Historic District Bland, John D., House Bland, William, House Bland-Overall House Blue Ball Church Bond, J. Roy, House Brackett, Daniel, House Brown Pusey House Community Center Bush, William, House Carroll, Dr. Clyde, House Chenault House Chestnut Grove Christ Episcopal Church Ditto, Abraham, House Ditto-Prewitt House Elizabethtown Armory Elizabethtown City Cemetery Elizabethtown Courthouse Square and Commercial District Embry Chapel Church First Baptist Church First Presbyterian Church Fort Duffield Fort Sands Glendale Historic District Hagan House Hamilton, Hance, House Hardin Springs School Hatfield Hotel Haycraft Inn Hazel Hill Heller Hotel Helm Place Helm, Benjamin, House Helm, John B., House Hills, Jonathan, House Kentucky and Indiana Bank Kerrick, W. T., House Larue-Layman House Lincoln Heritage House Louisville-Nashville Turnpike Segment Maple Hill Maplehurst Mason, Haynes, House May, David L., House McDougal, Stiles, House McKinney-Helm House Melton House Monin, Adam, House Montgomery Avenue Historic District Montgomery, William, House Morrison Lodge Nall House Nolin Banking Company Penniston House Phillips, Josiah, House Pusey, Dr. Robert B., House Raine, John, House Rawlings, Stephen, House Richards-Hamm House Richards-Murray House Richardson Hotel Riney, Zachariah, House Robertson, Samuel, House Skees, Richard, House Skees, William, House Smith, George W., House Sprigg, William, House Stader Hotel Stark House State Theatre Stuart, John, House Thomas, Samuel B., House Tichenor, William, House US Bullion Depository, Fort Knox, Kentucky US Post Office-Elizabethtown Van Meter, Jacob, House Vertrees, Eliza, House Vine Grove Historic District West Point Historic District West Point Hotel White Mill Wilson, William, House Wintersmith, Horatio, House Woodard, George, House Young, James, House and Inn
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
Kentucky random facts
Hardin County, located in central Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1700s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who hunted and fished in the region. The first European explorers arrived in the late 1700s, with John Hardin being the first known settler.

In the late 18th century, Hardin County began to see significant growth due to its fertile soil and the expansion of the western frontier. The county was officially established in 1792 and named after Colonel John Hardin, a well-known Revolutionary War soldier. The county seat was established in Elizabethtown, named after Hardin's wife, and it became a center for trade and commerce.

During the Civil War, Hardin County was torn apart by conflicting loyalties. Although Kentucky was a border state and officially neutral, many residents joined the Confederate army, while others remained loyal to the Union. The Battle of Munfordville, fought in 1862, had a significant impact on the county, as Union forces defended the vital Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

In the 20th century, Hardin County experienced significant economic growth and development. The establishment of Fort Knox in 1918 brought employment opportunities and a boost to the local economy. Today, Fort Knox is a major military base and home to the U.S. Army Armor Center, contributing greatly to the county's economic stability.

Overall, Hardin County's history is a story of growth, conflict, and resilience. From its early days as a Native American hunting ground to its present role as a vibrant and diverse community, the county's history has shaped its identity and continues to influence its future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hardin County, Kentucky.

  • 1776 - Hardin County is established as a county in the state of Kentucky
  • 1780s - Early settlers start to populate the area
  • 1792 - Kentucky becomes the 15th state and Hardin County is included as part of the newly formed state
  • 1806 - Elizabethtown becomes the county seat of Hardin County
  • 1811 - Construction of a permanent courthouse begins in Elizabethtown
  • 1861-1865 - Hardin County residents serve in the American Civil War
  • 1869 - Hardin County Agricultural and Mechanical Society is established
  • 1874 - First railroad reaches Elizabethtown, improving transportation and trade
  • 1922 - Camp Knox is established, later becoming Fort Knox, a major military installation
  • 1937 - The Ohio River flood devastates the county, causing significant damage
  • 1960s - Construction of Interstate 65 through Hardin County begins, improving connectivity
  • 1980s - Growth in manufacturing and commerce leads to economic development
  • 2003 - The Hardin County Veterans Tribute is dedicated to honor local veterans