National Register Listing

Princeton Downtown Commercial District

a.k.a. See Also:Champion-Shepherdson Building

Roughly along Main St., E. and W. Court Sq. Sts., Princeton, KY
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-running and violent conflict between two Appalachian families, began in Kentucky in the late 19th century.
Kentucky random facts
Caldwell County, located in southwestern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1809. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was first explored by European settlers in the late 18th century. By the early 19th century, the region saw an influx of settlers, primarily from Virginia and North Carolina, who were drawn to the fertile land and abundant resources.

During the early years of Caldwell County, agriculture played a significant role in its economy. The fertile soil proved ideal for cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. As a result, plantations and farms flourished, and the county became known for its agricultural productivity. The county seat, Princeton, was established in 1820 and named after a prominent Revolutionary War figure, Colonel William Prince.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Caldwell County. With the rise of the steamboat industry, the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers became major transportation corridors, providing opportunities for trade and commerce. This led to the growth of towns such as Eddyville and Fredonia, which served as essential trading centers for local goods.

During the Civil War, Caldwell County found itself divided. As a border state, Kentucky was torn between Union and Confederate loyalties. The county experienced skirmishes and tensions between opposing factions, leaving a lasting impact on the community. After the war, Caldwell County slowly rebuilt its economy, transitioning from a primarily agricultural-based economy to a more diversified one, incorporating manufacturing and other industries.

Today, Caldwell County retains its agricultural heritage, with farming remaining an essential part of the local economy. It is also home to natural attractions such as the Pennyrile State Forest and Lake Barkley, which draw visitors from near and far. With a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, Caldwell County continues to thrive and preserve its unique heritage.

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

  • 1784 - Caldwell County is created as part of Christian County
  • 1812 - Caldwell County is officially established as a separate county
  • 1820 - Princeton is named the county seat of Caldwell County
  • 1837 - The community of Eddyville is incorporated
  • 1861-1865 - Caldwell County residents serve in the Civil War on both sides
  • 1882 - The Kentucky State Penitentiary is constructed in Eddyville
  • 1922 - The first oil wells are drilled in Caldwell County, leading to an oil boom
  • 1937 - The historic Smithland Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River is completed
  • 1950s - The construction of the Barkley Dam creates Lake Barkley, attracting tourism
  • 1997 - A tornado causes significant damage in Caldwell County