Historical Marker

Paducah, Kentucky

Historical marker location:
Paducah, Kentucky
( City Hall grounds, Paducah)

Located at the confluence of Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Named for legendary Indian Chief Paduke. Settled in 1821, it was platted in 1827 by General William Clark, incorporated in 1830, and made McCracken county seat in 1832. During Civil War, Confederates seized Hickman and Columbus. Gen. U. S. Grant occupied Paducah, 1861, keeping Kentucky in the Union. Nathan Bedford Forrest raided here, March 25, 1864, in action called Battle of Paducah. Home of Alben Barkley, Vice President, 1949-53, and birthplace of Irvin S. Cobb, world-famous author. From village to town in 1856, to second-class city by 1902, Paducah grew as market, steamboat port, and railroad hub. In the early 1950s Paducah entered the atomic age when the $785,000,000 gaseous diffusion plant was built. Presented by Tilghman Class of 1928.

Reverse
Paducah's City Hall - One of the nation's most attractive, a gleaming symbol of pride and progress, designed by world-famous Edward Durell Stone and Associates of New York City; associate architect Lee Potter Smith. The building, two-story and basement, rises from a 216-foot-square podium encircled by a moat, has over 60,000 square feet of floor space, and cost over $1,500,000. Highlight of the interior is the pyramidal lantern enclosing a two-story-high, 60-foot-square atrium, rising above the centrally located fountain. Ground was broken on June 20, 1963, while Robert Cherry was Mayor. Dedication ceremonies were held on February 28, 1965, during Mayor Tom Wilson's administration, marking the beginning of a renaissance for downtown Paducah. Presented by Tilghman Class of 1928

Alben W. Barkley William Clark Irvin S. Cobb Nathan Bedford Forrest Ulysses S. Grant Paducah
In 1937, the town of Maysville, Kentucky, became the site of the first public works project built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program.
Kentucky random facts
McCracken County, located in the western part of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee, who relied on the abundant natural resources in the region. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and established trading posts along the Ohio River, which played a crucial role in the county's early development.

In the early 19th century, McCracken County grew rapidly due to its strategic location and fertile land. The county was named after a prominent local lawyer and politician, Captain Harrison McCracken, who played a significant role in its early development. The city of Paducah, now the county seat, was officially established in 1830 and quickly became a commercial and transportation hub. The construction of railroads in the mid-19th century further promoted economic growth and attracted businesses and industries to the area.

McCracken County also experienced the challenges and impacts of the Civil War. With its location on the border of the Union and Confederacy, the county was a crucial strategic point. Paducah was occupied by Union troops early in the war and served as a major supply depot. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and played a role in the overall conflict. After the war, McCracken County focused on rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Throughout the 20th century, McCracken County continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions. The county experienced industrial growth with the establishment of manufacturing plants, and Paducah became known as a regional medical, retail, and cultural center. Today, McCracken County remains an important area in western Kentucky, blending its rich history with a vibrant present and a promising future.

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

  • 1825: McCracken County is established on January 17.
  • 1836: Paducah, the county seat, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865: McCracken County experiences significant impact during the American Civil War.
  • 1890: The Illinois Central Railroad Bridge is completed, connecting Paducah with Illinois.
  • 1905: Paducah becomes home to the first municipal airport in Kentucky.
  • 1950s-1970s: McCracken County sees economic growth due to the establishment of chemical and manufacturing plants.
  • 2004: The National Quilt Museum opens in Paducah, promoting cultural tourism in the area.
  • 2019: The Four Rivers Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary in Paducah.