Old Kentucky Tavern

US 42, Bedford, KY
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Trimble County, located in northern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1836. The county was named after Robert Trimble, a revered U.S. Supreme Court justice originally from Virginia. Prior to the county's formation, the land was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

The county's early economy was driven by agriculture, with early settlers establishing farms and cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The Ohio River played a crucial role in the county's development, serving as a transportation route for trading goods and connecting Trimble County to other river towns and cities.

During the American Civil War, Trimble County saw its fair share of turmoil. Due to its proximity to the Ohio River, the county became a strategic location for both Union and Confederate troops. The area experienced skirmishes and raids, with the county suffering from the effects of war. Despite the challenges, Trimble County's agricultural production continued, providing crucial sustenance for soldiers and civilians alike.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Trimble County underwent further development and modernization. The arrival of the railroad brought new opportunities for transportation and trade, allowing the county's agricultural products to reach a broader market. The industrial revolution also impacted the county, with the establishment of factories and mills that provided employment opportunities for its residents. Today, Trimble County maintains its rural character while embracing the benefits of modernization, and its history is celebrated through local museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into its past.

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

  • 1790: Trimble County, KY is established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
  • 1792: Kentucky is admitted as the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1849: The county seat of Trimble County is established in Bedford.
  • 1860s: Trimble County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Louisville, Cincinnati and Lexington Railroad.
  • 1920: A devastating flood causes significant damage to Trimble County.
  • 1960: The Milton-Madison Bridge is opened, connecting Trimble County with Jefferson County, Indiana.
  • 1997: The Trimble County Apple Festival is established, becoming an annual event.