Maurice Hudson Thatcher (1870-1973)

Historical marker location:
Morgantown, Kentucky
( Butler County Courthouse lawn, Morgantown)

Born in Chicago, Il., he moved to Butler Co. in 1874 & was educated in public and private schools here. After serving as Butler Co. Circuit Court Clerk (1893-96) he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1898. He moved to Louisville in 1900 & was Asst. Atty. Gen. of Ky.(1898-1900) and Asst. US Atty. for the Western Dist. of Ky. (1901-06).

(Reverse) He was appointed a member of the Isthmian Canal Comm. and the fifth Gov. of Panama Canal Zone (1910-13) & helped to estab. the Gov’t of Panama. As a US Rep. from Ky., he guided passage of legislation for Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park, Lincoln’s Birthplace Nat’l Hist. Park, and Zachary Taylor Nat’l Cem. Also a poet, his work honored Ky., nature, and his beloved Green River

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Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Butler County, located in the southwestern part of the state of Kentucky, has a rich and varied history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was later settled by pioneers who were drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1810 and named after General Richard Butler, a Revolutionary War hero. In its early years, Butler County was primarily an agricultural region, with farming and livestock playing a vital role in the local economy. The area quickly developed into a thriving community, with a number of small towns and villages sprouting up throughout the county.

During the Civil War, Butler County found itself torn apart by the conflict. Being located on the border between the Union and Confederate states, the area experienced significant unrest and violence. Many of its residents joined the Confederate Army, while others remained loyal to the Union. The county's strategic location also made it a target for both sides, leading to numerous skirmishes and battles.

In the post-war years, Butler County experienced a period of growth and recovery. The agricultural industry continued to flourish, with tobacco becoming a major cash crop. The county also saw the development of coal mining operations, further diversifying its economy. Over the years, Butler County has faced various challenges but has remained a resilient and vibrant community, proud of its history and dedicated to preserving its unique heritage.

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

  • 1810 - Butler County is formed from sections of Logan and Ohio counties.
  • 1813 - The county officially becomes a political entity.
  • 1818 - Morgantown is established as the county seat.
  • 1836 - A fire destroys most of Morgantown, leading to its rebuilding.
  • 1861-1865 - Many Butler County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1873 - The current Butler County Courthouse is built.
  • 1925 - Mammoth Cave National Park is established, partially located in Butler County.
  • 1957 - The Green River Dam is completed, creating the Green River Lake.
  • 1997 - Butler County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.
  • 2006 - The Butler County Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated.