Lawrenceburg Commercial Historic District

Roughly, Main St. from North Alley to Court St. and Court from Main to the Southern RR tracks, Lawrenceburg, KY
Lawrenceburg Commercial Historic District is significan for its association with a series of events that created its present form which contributes to our understanding of the historic context "Development of the Commercial Districts of Central Kentucky County Seats, 1785 to 1940." The Lawrenceburg Commercial Historic District is recognized as a distinctive entity. The proposed Lawrenceburg District has been compared with other commercial districts on the National Register in Danville, Frankfort, Georgetown, Harrodsburg, Lancaster, Paris, Richmond, Winchester, and Versailles. The Lawrenceburg Downtown Commercial District retains a high degree of integrity relative to the aspects of location, setting, materials, feeling, and association.
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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.
Anderson County, Kentucky has a rich and interesting history that stretches back to the early 18th century. The area was initially settled by pioneers in the mid-1700s, attracted by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources. The county was officially established in 1827 and named after Richard Clough Anderson Jr., a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

During the early years of Anderson County, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. Farmers relied heavily on tobacco, hemp, and livestock production to support their families and contribute to the local economy. The county also had a significant iron industry, with several iron furnaces established during the 1800s.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Anderson County, as it experienced both Confederate and Union occupation. The Battle of Lawrenceburg, which took place in the county in 1862, was a significant event during the war. The county was home to both Confederate and Union sympathizers, which led to tensions and conflicts throughout the war.

In the late 19th century, Anderson County underwent significant economic and industrial development. Railroad lines were built, connecting the county to larger cities and markets. This led to the growth of businesses and the creation of new jobs. The county also saw the rise of tobacco warehouses and distilleries, which became crucial industries. Today, Anderson County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture and small businesses, while also embracing its historical roots.

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

  • 1827 - Anderson County is established as the 62nd county in Kentucky.
  • 1840-1850 - Anderson County experiences a population boom due to the growth of the railroad industry.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Anderson County, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 1882 - Lawrenceburg becomes the county seat of Anderson County.
  • 1904 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad extends its line through Anderson County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardship in Anderson County as agriculture prices plummet.
  • 1950s-1960s - Anderson County experiences suburbanization, with an increase in residential development and a decline in agriculture.
  • 1980s - The opening of the Bluegrass Parkway brings increased tourism and economic opportunities to Anderson County.
  • 2004 - The Wild Turkey Distillery opens in Lawrenceburg, becoming a major tourist attraction.
  • Present - Anderson County continues to be a blend of rural landscapes, suburban neighborhoods, and growing commerce.