National Register Listing

Smiths Grove District

a.k.a. See Also: Smith's Grove District

1st and Main Sts., Smiths Grove, KY
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Kentucky random facts
Warren County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee and Chickasaw, who used the land for hunting and fishing. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto in the 16th century, were among the first outsiders to set foot in what is now Warren County.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent communities in the area. In 1796, Warren County was officially formed and named after General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero. Throughout the early 19th century, the county's economy thrived due to agriculture, primarily tobacco and hemp production. The growth of transportation systems, such as riverboats and railways, contributed to the county's economic prosperity.

During the American Civil War, Warren County played a significant role as it was strategically located between the Union and Confederate forces. Bowling Green, the county seat, was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops at different times during the war. The county suffered economic hardships and destruction as a result of the conflict.

After the Civil War, Warren County entered an era of rapid industrialization and modernization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century opened new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county became a hub for tobacco processing, manufacturing, and trade, attracting new businesses and residents.

Today, Warren County continues to grow and thrive. It is home to Bowling Green, the third-largest city in Kentucky, and has a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and tourism. The county also hosts popular attractions such as the National Corvette Museum and Mammoth Cave National Park, drawing visitors from all over the country. Warren County's vibrant history is still celebrated and preserved through various museums, historic sites, and local traditions.

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

  • 1796 - Warren County is officially established as part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • 1810 - The county seat is relocated from Bowling Green to a more central location.
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and Warren County becomes a strategic location due to its position on the Confederacy's western frontier.
  • 1864 - The Battle of Perryville takes place in Warren County, resulting in a Confederate victory.
  • 1870 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad is completed, bringing increased economic development to Warren County.
  • 1906 - Western Kentucky State Normal School, now known as Western Kentucky University, is established in Bowling Green.
  • 1960s - The construction of Interstate 65 and the Cumberland Parkway boosts transportation and tourism in Warren County.
  • 1997 - The National Corvette Museum opens in Bowling Green, celebrating the city's history as the manufacturing hub of Chevrolet's Corvette.