Historical Marker

Mason County Spy Company

Historical marker location:
Limestone Landing, Kentucky
( Maysville, Limestone Landing)

Company formed when Simon Kenton proposed to Gen. Charles Scott that a volunteer company of spies (scouts) be selected and trained to protect pioneer settlements. They were called out for short-term duty and became known for their daring successes against Indians. Presented by estate of Col. Paul Warren Bennett, Vandalia, Mo., a great-great-grandson of Archibald Bennett.

Reverse
Mason County Spy Company

These scouts served for short-term duty, most from May 4 to Dec. 9, 1792, to protect early settlements.

Mercer Beason

Archibald Bennett

William Bennett

Henry Cochran

Samuel Davis

John Dowden

John Dyal

Matthew Hart

James Ireland

Ellis Palmer

Isaac Pennington

Cornelius Washburn

Presented by estate of Col. Paul W. Bennett

Indians Simon Kenton
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Kentucky random facts
Mason County, located in the northeastern part of Kentucky, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1788. The county was named after George Mason, the influential Virginia statesman who is best known for his drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The land that would become Mason County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began arriving in the area and established a permanent settlement known as Limestone (later renamed Maysville). This strategic location on the Ohio River made Maysville a significant transportation and trading hub. The early economy of Mason County was centered around agriculture, with tobacco being the primary cash crop, along with hemp and flax.

During the 19th century, Mason County played a prominent role in the development of the American frontier. It was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, with many escaped slaves finding refuge and assistance from local abolitionists. The county was also known for its prominent citizens, including Albert Sidney Johnston, a Confederate general during the Civil War, and Rosemary Clooney, the famous actress and singer.

In the 20th century, Mason County continued to evolve with the establishment of industries such as glass manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, and oil refining. Today, the county remains an important agricultural region, known for its production of corn, soybeans, and tobacco. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several historic sites and festivals that celebrate its diverse history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mason County, Kentucky.

  • 1788 - Mason County was established as one of the nine original counties in the Kentucky Territory.
  • 1794 - Maysville, the county seat of Mason County, was founded.
  • 1807 - The Maysville Road was authorized by the federal government, connecting Maysville to Lexington.
  • 1811 - The Old State Capitol, also known as the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, was built in Maysville.
  • 1830s - Maysville became a significant crossing point for steamboats on the Ohio River.
  • 1849 - The Maysville and Lexington Railroad was completed, providing a new transportation option.
  • 1856 - Construction of the Paxton Inn, a notable antebellum hotel, was completed in Maysville.
  • 1861-1865 - Mason County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1888 - The Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, connecting Maysville to Aberdeen, Ohio, was completed.
  • 1932 - The historic Washington Opera House reopened after renovations and became a center for entertainment.
  • 1997 - The John H. Knauf Masonic Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places.