Casey County Courthouse
Courthouse Sq., Liberty, KY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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.
The county was officially established in 1806 and named after Colonel William Casey, a pioneer and influential figure in the area's early development. It quickly became an important agricultural center, with farming and livestock playing a crucial role in the local economy. As the population grew, small communities and towns began to form, such as Liberty, the county seat.
During the Civil War, Casey County saw divided loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others siding with the Confederacy. This resulted in conflict and skirmishes between local factions. Despite the turmoil, the county continued to thrive agriculturally, and the post-war period brought further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Casey County experienced modernization and diversification of its economy. The construction of roads and the expansion of infrastructure contributed to improved transportation and connectivity with neighboring areas. Agriculture remained a significant part of the county's economy, but new industries also emerged, including manufacturing and tourism. Today, Casey County continues to be a vibrant community, preserving its heritage while embracing economic and social progress.
Casey County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Casey County, Kentucky.
- 1805 - Casey County, Kentucky, is established as a county
- 1820 - The town of Liberty is founded
- 1860 - Casey County experiences significant growth with the completion of a railroad line
- 1900 - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in the county
- 1950 - Casey County sees a decline in population due to the shift in agriculture practices
- 1980 - The Casey County Apple Festival is established, becoming a popular annual event
- 2000 - The population of Casey County starts to stabilize