National Register Listing

Clay City National Bank Building

a.k.a. Red River Historical Museum

6th Ave., Clay City, KY
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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.

industry commerce architecture
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Powell County, Kentucky is located in the Eastern Coal Field region of the state. It was established in 1852 and named after Lazarus W. Powell, who served as the Governor of Kentucky from 1851 to 1855. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the late 18th century, and by the 19th century, the region had become a center for agriculture and coal mining. The development of the railroad in the late 1800s further contributed to the growth of Powell County, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people.

The county experienced a boom during the early 20th century with the discovery of vast coal reserves. This led to an influx of workers and an increase in population. However, the coal industry declined in the latter half of the century, impacting the county's economy.

Today, Powell County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Red River Gorge, located within the county, offers hiking, climbing, and camping opportunities, attracting tourists from all over the country. The county continues to work towards diversifying its economy and promoting tourism as a means for growth and development.

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

  • 1799: Powell County is established as part of Clay County.
  • 1852: Powell County separates from Clay County and becomes its own county.
  • 1862: During the American Civil War, Powell County is occupied by Confederate and Union forces throughout the conflict.
  • 1869: Stanton, the county seat of Powell County, is incorporated.
  • 1915: Natural Bridge State Park is established in Powell County to protect and showcase the unique natural arch formation.
  • 1933: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is established in Powell County, becoming a popular tourist destination.
  • 1956: The Mountain Parkway, a major highway, is completed, improving transportation connections to and from Powell County.
  • 1972: Powell County Historical Society is founded to preserve the local history and heritage.
  • 1997: Torrent Falls, a popular rock climbing site, is opened to the public in Powell County.