Jessamine County, Kentucky

Asbury College Administration Building Ashurst, Craig, House Barkley House Barkley, Isaac, House Bicknell House Brick House on Shun Pike Bronaugh, J. S., House Brown, George I., House Bryan, George and Betty, House Bryant House Burrier House Butler's Tavern Camp Nelson Camp Nelson National Cemetery Canewood Farm Chaumiere des Prairies Chrisman, Joseph, House Confederate Memorial in Nicholasville Crockett, Joseph, House Curd House Duncan, J. W., House Dunn, Nathaniel, House East Main Street Historic District Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Federal House on Hickman Creek First Vineyard Grubb, A., House Hoover House Hughes House Hunter, John, House Keene Springs Hotel Kenyon Avenue Historic District Knight, Grant, House Lancaster, John, House Lexington and Main Historic District Locust Grove Stock Farm Log House on Shun Pike Lowry, William C., House Marshall-Bryan House Martin, James G., House Martin, Lewis Y., House McClure-Shelby House McConnell-Woodson-Philips House Morrison-Kenyon Library Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Nave-Brown House Newman, Davis, House Nicholasville Historic District North Lexington Avenue Historic District O'Neal, George, House O'Neal, James, House Payne-Saunders House Pleasant Grove Providence Church Roberts Chapel Sandy Bluff Scott House Scott, John Harvey, House Shady Grove Shanklin House Steele, Robert, House Stone House on Brooklyn Hill Stone House on West Hickman Sunnyside Farm House Taylor, Ridge, Farm Thornwood Venable-Todhunter Houses Woodland Young House Young, A. M., House

Jessamine County is located in central Kentucky and has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The county was named after a Native American word "jasmine" and was officially established in 1799. Prior to its official formation, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the early years, settlers from Virginia and North Carolina began to migrate to Jessamine County in search of new land and opportunities. The fertile soil and abundant natural resources attracted many farmers, and agriculture became the dominant economic activity. Tobacco, hemp, and livestock farming became mainstays of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Jessamine County experienced division, with residents choosing sides between the Union and Confederate forces. The county saw skirmishes and raids from both sides, and the Battle of Camp Nelson took place in nearby Madison County. The Emancipation Proclamation also had a significant impact on Jessamine County, as Camp Nelson became a key site for recruiting African American soldiers and providing refuge for escaping slaves.

In the 20th century, Jessamine County experienced steady growth and development. The advent of the railroad and the construction of highways brought increased connectivity to the area, enabling the transportation of goods and services. Agriculture remained vital, although manufacturing and retail sectors also began to flourish. Today, Jessamine County is a blend of rural and suburban areas, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and various service sectors. The county boasts a rich historical heritage, which is preserved through its many historical sites and landmarks.
Brief timeline of the history of Jessamine County, Kentucky:

  • 1798: Jessamine County is established as the 36th county of Kentucky.
  • 1800: Nicholasville becomes the county seat of Jessamine County.
  • 1812: The first courthouse is built in Nicholasville.
  • 1830s: The construction of turnpikes leads to increased economic growth in the county.
  • 1861-1865: Jessamine County is divided during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy.
  • 1872: The Kentucky Wesleyan College is founded in Nicholasville.
  • 1900s: Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, dominates the economy of Jessamine County.
  • 1970s: Urbanization begins to shape the county as the Lexington metropolitan area expands.
  • 1990s: The county experiences rapid population growth and development.
  • Present: Jessamine County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a growing population.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jessamine County, Kentucky.