Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971)
Historical marker location:
Simpsonville, Kentucky
( 8460 Shelbyville Rd., Simpsonville)
Civil rights leader born here. Son of distinguished educator, Dr. Whitney M. Young, Sr. Served in US Army, World War II. Graduated Ky. State College, 1941; Univ. of Minn., 1947. Director of Urban Leagues in Minn. and Neb., 1947-53. Dean of School of Social Work, Atlanta Univ., 1954-60. Director National Urban League, 1961 until death. Originally buried Lexington, Ky.
Reverse
Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971) - Devoted his life to overcoming injustice to and furthering economic progress for blacks. As Director of National Urban League, helped thousands find employment. Declined cabinet post in 1968 to remain with League where he believed could accomplish more. Gravesite eulogy delivered by President Nixon; first civil rights leader so honored. Erected in 1971
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Kentucky was the site of many important battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Perryville, which was the largest battle fought in the state.
About Shelby County
Shelby County Timeline
Shelby County, Kentucky has a rich and storied history dating back centuries. The area was initially home to indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee and Chickasaw nations. European settlement began in the late 1700s with the arrival of pioneers who established farms and small communities.
One of the key figures in Shelby County's early history was Colonel William Shannon, who settled in the area in 1775. Shannon played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as a representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. His influence helped shape the development of the county.
In the early 1800s, the city of Shelbyville, named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky, was founded as the county seat. Shelbyville quickly grew into a bustling hub of business, agriculture, and commerce. The Shelbyville Historic District, featuring numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, stands as a testament to the city's past.
Over the years, Shelby County developed a reputation as a significant agricultural center. The fertile land provided ideal conditions for farming, particularly for tobacco and thoroughbred horse breeding. The county's agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Shelby County Fair and the Shelbyville Horse Show, both of which attract visitors and locals alike.
Today, Shelby County is a thriving community that embraces its history while also looking to the future. The area's rich heritage, diverse economy, and close-knit community continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, and explore for residents and visitors alike.
One of the key figures in Shelby County's early history was Colonel William Shannon, who settled in the area in 1775. Shannon played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as a representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. His influence helped shape the development of the county.
In the early 1800s, the city of Shelbyville, named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky, was founded as the county seat. Shelbyville quickly grew into a bustling hub of business, agriculture, and commerce. The Shelbyville Historic District, featuring numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, stands as a testament to the city's past.
Over the years, Shelby County developed a reputation as a significant agricultural center. The fertile land provided ideal conditions for farming, particularly for tobacco and thoroughbred horse breeding. The county's agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Shelby County Fair and the Shelbyville Horse Show, both of which attract visitors and locals alike.
Today, Shelby County is a thriving community that embraces its history while also looking to the future. The area's rich heritage, diverse economy, and close-knit community continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, and explore for residents and visitors alike.
Shelby County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Shelby County, Kentucky.
- 1776: Shelby County, KY was established on June 19, 1776.
- 1780: The county was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and later the first governor of Kentucky.
- 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state admitted to the Union, with Shelby County as one of its original counties.
- 1803: The town of Shelbyville is established as the county seat.
- 1812: Shelby County sends soldiers to fight in the War of 1812.
- 1837: The Louisville and Shelbyville Turnpike is completed, improving transportation and commerce in the county.
- 1846: Sentiment in Shelby County towards slavery divides the community during the abolitionist movement.
- 1861-1865: Many residents of Shelby County fight in the American Civil War on both sides.
- 1873: Shelby County Agricultural and Mechanical Society holds its first fair, becoming an annual tradition.
- 1895: The Shelby County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival-style building, is completed and still stands today.
- 20th century: Shelby County experiences periods of agricultural growth and economic development, along with the challenges faced by rural communities.
- 2000s: Shelby County continues to grow and develop, balancing its agricultural heritage with modern industries and amenities.