Cave City Commercial District
Broadway between 1st and 2nd Sts., Cave City, KYLocated at the northern edge of Barren County is the town of Cave City. Boasting a population of 2,500. Cave City is the second-largest community in Barren County. Located near Interstate 65 and Louisville and Nashville Railroad, Cave City is also only eight miles from the Mammoth Cave National Park. Its proximity to this large tourist attraction has fostered large strip development, but the mid-19th century center of town remains intact.
The commercial area lies adjacent and perpendicular to the railroad tracks. Contained within two city blocks, the district contains 17 commercial buildings. Of this total number of structures, nine were included in the survey. Only one intrusion exists within the district and no empty lots break up the streetscape.
The Cave City Commercial District has significance as being the last intact section of a once architecturally cohesive and thriving business area. While not extremely important individually, as a group these commercial buildings signify the important economic growth which Cave City experienced during the last half of the 19th century.
Established in 1853, Cave City was a planned community, established primarily. because of its proximity to the Mammoth Cave resort and the proposed Louisville and Nashville Railroad line. During that year four Louisville speculators purchased the land for the town site. By 1860 the population had grown to one hundred and fifty.
Between 1870 and the first quarter of the 20th century, Cave City experienced a steady period of economic expansion. It was during that time that the largest growth occurred in the commercial area. All of the commercial structures are vernacular, but some achieved the distinction of their importance to the community.
Local significance of the district:
The commercial area lies adjacent and perpendicular to the railroad tracks. Contained within two city blocks, the district contains 17 commercial buildings. Of this total number of structures, nine were included in the survey. Only one intrusion exists within the district and no empty lots break up the streetscape.
The Cave City Commercial District has significance as being the last intact section of a once architecturally cohesive and thriving business area. While not extremely important individually, as a group these commercial buildings signify the important economic growth which Cave City experienced during the last half of the 19th century.
Established in 1853, Cave City was a planned community, established primarily. because of its proximity to the Mammoth Cave resort and the proposed Louisville and Nashville Railroad line. During that year four Louisville speculators purchased the land for the town site. By 1860 the population had grown to one hundred and fifty.
Between 1870 and the first quarter of the 20th century, Cave City experienced a steady period of economic expansion. It was during that time that the largest growth occurred in the commercial area. All of the commercial structures are vernacular, but some achieved the distinction of their importance to the community.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
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.
About Barren County
Barren County Timeline
Barren County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Cherokee before European settlers arrived. The first recorded European explorer in the area was Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750, but it was not until the late 18th century that settlement began in earnest.
In 1799, Barren County was officially established, named after the Barrens, a large grassy plain that covered much of the area. The county quickly became a significant center of agricultural activity, with tobacco and corn being the main crops. Barren River, which flows through the area, provided excellent transportation and played a vital role in the growth and development of the county.
During the Civil War, Barren County experienced both Union and Confederate control as it was located between the opposing forces. The Battle of Woodsonville was fought in the county in 1861, and several skirmishes occurred throughout the war. After the conflict, the county saw a period of recovery and revitalization as agriculture remained a crucial part of the local economy.
In the 20th century, Barren County experienced significant changes. The county's economy shifted from primarily agriculture to include manufacturing and services. Glasgow, the county seat, developed into a thriving urban center with the establishment of various industries and businesses. Today, Barren County is known for its vibrant community, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, attracting visitors from around the world.
In 1799, Barren County was officially established, named after the Barrens, a large grassy plain that covered much of the area. The county quickly became a significant center of agricultural activity, with tobacco and corn being the main crops. Barren River, which flows through the area, provided excellent transportation and played a vital role in the growth and development of the county.
During the Civil War, Barren County experienced both Union and Confederate control as it was located between the opposing forces. The Battle of Woodsonville was fought in the county in 1861, and several skirmishes occurred throughout the war. After the conflict, the county saw a period of recovery and revitalization as agriculture remained a crucial part of the local economy.
In the 20th century, Barren County experienced significant changes. The county's economy shifted from primarily agriculture to include manufacturing and services. Glasgow, the county seat, developed into a thriving urban center with the establishment of various industries and businesses. Today, Barren County is known for its vibrant community, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, attracting visitors from around the world.
Barren County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Barren County, Kentucky.
- 1798 - Barren County is established as the 17th county in Kentucky.
- 1810 - Glasgow, the county seat, is founded.
- 1825 - The Glasgow Female Academy is established.
- 1859 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad is completed, connecting Barren County to major cities.
- 1861-1865 - Barren County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1870 - The State Normal School is opened in Glasgow, later becoming Western Kentucky University.
- 1924 - The Barren River State Park is established, attracting visitors for outdoor recreation.
- 1940-1945 - Barren County experiences economic growth due to the war effort.
- 1963 - The Barren River Lake is created as part of a flood control project.
- 1980s - Glasgow becomes known for its antique stores and attracts tourists.
- 1990 - Mammoth Cave National Park, partly located in Barren County, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.