Historical Marker

Bert T. Combs (1911-1991)

Historical marker location:
Manchester, Kentucky
( KY 3432, Beech Creek Cem., Manchester)

Born in Clay Co., future gov. Combs practiced law in Manchester and Prestonsburg. A captain in World War II, he helped prepare evidence against Japanese war criminals. On Ky. Court of Appeals, 1951-55. Gov. of Ky., 1959-63. Federal Court of Appeals judge, 1967-70. A senior partner in Wyatt, Tarrant, & Combs, he won ruling that led to landmark school reform legislation, 1990.

(Reverse) Gov. Bert T. Combs (1959-1963) - Accomplishments during Combs's administration included highways connecting eastern and western Ky., expansion of state parks system, a statutory merit system for state employees, an end to segregation in public facilities, increased funding for teachers' salaries and state universities, 3% sales tax, and Ky. Educational Television. Presented by Friends of Bert Combs & the K.J.H.S

Civil Rights Schools World War I
Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Kentucky random facts
Clay County, located in southeastern Kentucky, has a rich and multifaceted history. The area that is now Clay County was home to various tribes of Native Americans before the arrival of European settlers. The county's early history is marked by the exploration and settlement of the region by pioneers in the late 18th century. The discovery of rich mineral deposits, including coal and oil, fueled the county's growth and prosperity in the early 20th century.

The first European settlers in the area arrived in the late 1700s, primarily of Scottish and Irish descent. The county was officially established in 1807 and named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman. Agriculture and subsistence farming were the main occupations of early settlers, and the county's fertile soil allowed for the cultivation of crops such as corn, tobacco, and hemp.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of valuable mineral deposits transformed Clay County. Coal mining became a prominent industry, attracting workers from all over the region. The county experienced a period of rapid industrialization and population growth. Several coal mining towns sprang up, including Manchester and Oneida, becoming centers of economic activity.

Clay County's history is also marked by political and social conflicts. The county was a hotbed of feuds and violence, particularly during the late 19th century. The most infamous of these feuds was the Clay County War, a violent conflict between two rival factions that claimed numerous lives. The county's turbulent past and struggles for labor rights and social justice have shaped its character and continue to influence its development to this day.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clay County, Kentucky.

  • 1807 - Clay County is established as a county in Kentucky.
  • 1820 - The area now known as Clay County is settled by European pioneers.
  • 1850s - Mining of coal and clay begins in Clay County.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Clay County supports the Confederate cause.
  • 1890-1910 - The population of Clay County grows rapidly due to coal mining.
  • 1920s - The popularity of the Model T Ford leads to improved road networks in Clay County.
  • 1937 - The notorious Clay County War occurs, marked by violence and political turmoil.
  • 1960s-1970s - Clay County becomes known for its high poverty rates and political corruption.
  • 1993 - The federal Operation UNITE is launched to combat drug abuse in Clay County.
  • 2000s - Efforts are made to diversify Clay County's economy and improve education and healthcare services.