Pence, Adam, House
S of Stanford on KY 1247, Stanford, KY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
The county was officially established in 1780, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. It was named after Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln. In the early years, Lincoln County was a frontier region, characterized by log cabins, subsistence farming, and frequent conflicts with Native American tribes.
During the 19th century, Lincoln County saw significant growth and development. The construction of turnpikes and railroads connected the county to major cities and markets, stimulating economic growth. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became a vital industry, while the Stanford Female College, founded in 1853, provided education opportunities for women.
The county also played a significant role in the Civil War. Despite its primarily pro-Union sentiment, Lincoln County experienced division and violence during the conflict. The Battle of Stanford occurred in December 1864, where Confederate forces led a raiding party in an attempt to disrupt Union supply lines. Ultimately, the county remained under Union control throughout the war.
In the 20th century, Lincoln County continued to evolve. The decline of tobacco farming led to diversification in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle becoming important commodities. Manufacturing and industry also emerged, contributing to the county's economic growth. Today, Lincoln County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a rich history and a thriving community.
Lincoln County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lincoln County, Kentucky.
- 1780: Lincoln County is established as one of the original three counties in Kentucky.
- 1785: Stanford becomes the county seat of Lincoln County.
- 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state in the United States.
- 1862: During the Civil War, Stanford is occupied by Confederate forces.
- 1864: The Confederate forces retreat from Stanford, and the Union army takes control of the area.
- 1949: Lincoln County High School is established.
- 1958: The construction of Lake Cumberland is completed, partially flooding parts of Lincoln County.
- 1994: Lincoln County celebrates its bicentennial.