Historical Marker

Early Schoolhouse


A part of cabin, moved here from Grants Lick area, stood adjacent to Gosney School, and typifies first schoolhouses of Campbell County. Forty-two were erected. Two of them-John's Hill (ca. 1880-1906) and St. John's (ca. 1847-1857)-were within three miles of here. This site is part of land patent of David Leitch, early settler. Presented by Northern Kentucky University.(Reverse) Northern Kentucky University - Northern Ky. University began as an extension center of University of Ky., 1948. It became community college, 1962, and by 1976 was a state university. It moved here from Covington in 1972. The 300-acre NKU campus is part of land first surveyed in April and June 1785, and issued as land patents by Isaac Shelby in 1792. Presented by Northern Kentucky University

  A brief timeline of the history of the University Of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, Kentucky, has a rich history that spans over 150 years. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in the university's development:

  • 1865: The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky is established as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862. The institution's purpose is to provide education in agriculture, mechanical arts, and other practical sciences.

  • 1878: The institution is renamed the State College of Kentucky.

  • 1908: The State College becomes the University of Kentucky, signifying its expanded educational offerings and growing stature.

  • 1942: The university's administration forms an agreement with the United States Navy to establish the Navy's first flight-training program during World War II. This program becomes known as the UK College Training Detachment.

  • 1949: The University of Kentucky integrates its student body, becoming one of the first public universities in the South to do so.

  • 1954: The UK College of Law is desegregated, marking an important step in the university's commitment to racial equality and diversity.

  • 1997: The University of Kentucky establishes the Center for Applied Energy Research, focusing on research and development in the field of energy resources.

  • 2002: The UK HealthCare system is formed, combining the university's hospital, clinics, and medical education programs under one umbrella.

  • 2011: The university inaugurates its 12th president, Dr. Eli Capilouto, who continues to lead the institution's growth and progress.

  • 2012: The UK College of Pharmacy opens the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, featuring state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities.

  • 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic affects the university, leading to the adoption of remote learning and other measures to ensure the safety of the campus community.

Throughout its history, the University of Kentucky has grown into a prominent research university with a wide range of academic programs and a strong emphasis on athletics, particularly basketball. Today, it continues to serve as a hub of education, innovation, and cultural activity in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Schools Isaac Shelby University of Kentucky
Kentucky is a state of strong and resilient individuals who have overcome challenges with grace and determination.
Jean Ritchie in Kentucky Educational Television: Jean Ritchie Profile
Bell County, Kentucky is located in the southeastern part of the state. The area that now comprises Bell County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, primarily from Virginia and Tennessee, and the county was officially established in 1867.

The early settlers subsisted mainly through agriculture and small-scale mining operations. The discovery of rich coal deposits in the region in the late 19th century brought about a significant change in the county's economy. Coal mining became the dominant industry, attracting thousands of workers to the area and leading to the rapid growth of towns such as Middlesboro and Pineville.

Bell County was not without its share of challenges. The county witnessed its fair share of labor unrest and strikes in the early 20th century, as mine owners clashed with workers over wages and working conditions. In 1902, Middlesboro was the site of a violent gun battle between mine workers and law enforcement known as the Battle of Middlesboro.

Throughout the 20th century, Bell County continued to be heavily reliant on the coal industry. However, the decline of coal mining in the latter half of the century led to a significant economic downturn. Today, the county is focused on diversifying its economy, exploring opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing to revitalize the region.

Despite its challenges, the history of Bell County is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents. From its early days as a small agricultural community to its role as a major coal mining hub, the county's history is deeply intertwined with the hardships and triumphs faced by its people.

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

  • 1794 - Bell County is formed from parts of neighboring Harlan and Knox counties.
  • 1806 - The first permanent settlement, known as Yellow Creek, is established.
  • 1850 - The county's name is changed from Josh Bell to just Bell County.
  • 1861-1865 - Bell County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1902 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad reaches Middlesboro, leading to significant industrial growth.
  • 1919 - The city of Pineville becomes the county seat.
  • 1926 - Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is established, preserving an important passageway through the Appalachian Mountains.
  • 1957 - The completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel provides a new transportation route through the region.
  • 1986 - The Bell County Coal Corporation's No. 1 Mine explosion kills ten miners.
  • 2006 - Bell County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.