Historical Marker

B-52F-KC-135A Mid-Air Collision

Historical marker location:
Falls of Rough, Kentucky
( 246 Blacklick Church Lane, Falls of Rough, KY)

B-52F-KC-135A Mid-Air Collision - On October 15, 1959, Kentucky experienced the Cold War firsthand. Above Hardinsburg, KY, a B-52 bomber collided with a KC-135 tanker during a mid-air refueling. The 2 aircraft were flying a training mission with 2 nuclear weapons aboard. These armed missions would allow aircraft to hit assigned Soviet targets if the U.S. was attacked.

B-52F-KC-135A Mid-Air Collision - After impact, the B-52 instructor pilot, pilot, electronic warfare officer, and radar navigator successfully ejected and were the only survivors. The other 4 B-52 crew members were unable to eject and were fatally injured. None of the 4 crew members from the KC-135 survived the collision. The nuclear weapons were recovered intact in the wreckage. Dedicated October 15, 2019

Aviation
Kentucky is not just bourbon and horses, it is a state that embodies the American spirit and the values that define our nation.
Hal Rogers in Remarks by Congressman Hal Rogers at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting
Breckinridge County, KY is located in the western part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.

The county was established in 1799 and named after John Breckinridge, a prominent political figure in Kentucky and the United States. Throughout the 19th century, Breckinridge County's economy revolved primarily around agriculture, with tobacco and corn being the main crops. The region also became known for its limestone quarries, which supplied materials for construction.

The county played a role during the Civil War, as it was located on the border between the Union and Confederate states. Although the county officially remained neutral during the conflict, it saw several skirmishes and battles. The Battle of Sinking Creek in 1862 and the Battle of Irvington in 1864 were two significant engagements that took place in Breckinridge County.

In the 20th century, Breckinridge County experienced economic growth with the establishment of industries such as mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's coal mines provided employment and contributed to the local economy. Additionally, attractions like Rough River Dam State Resort Park and the Breckinridge County Historical Society Museum attracted visitors and helped promote tourism in the area.

Overall, Breckinridge County's history is intertwined with the development of Kentucky and its agricultural and industrial sectors. Today, the county continues to preserve its heritage while embracing progress, making it a unique and historically significant part of the state.

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

  • Created by the Kentucky legislature in 1799
  • Named after John Breckinridge, a U.S. senator and Attorney General
  • First settlement established by William Hardin in 1780
  • 1810 - Population reaches 3,500
  • 1839 - Officially recognized as a county
  • 1841 - County seat established in Hardinsburg
  • 1860s - County heavily impacted by the Civil War
  • 1870s-1880s - Development of railroads leads to economic growth
  • 1917-1918 - Construction of Rough River Dam begins
  • 1959 - Rough River Dam completed, creating Rough River Lake
  • 1987 - First Breckinridge County Apple Festival held
  • 2000 - Population exceeds 18,000