Founding Father


Nearby is grave of Benj. Franklin Carr, one of first settlers of Fulton, Kentucky. He bought first land grant here, 1828; accumulated over 1100 acres in Fulton, West Fulton and Riceville. The Carr home is one block west. His family gave land for the first railroad in area, First Baptist and First Christian churches. Presented by William Skeen Carr and Mary N. Carr Weaks

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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.
Fulton County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee nations. These indigenous peoples hunted and fished along the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Fulton County. The area became part of the newly formed state of Kentucky in 1792. It was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, as a tribute to his contributions to transportation.

During the 19th century, Fulton County played a crucial role in the development of steamboat transportation on the Mississippi River. The town of Hickman, located in Fulton County, became a major river port and trade hub. The steamboat industry brought economic prosperity to the area, as agricultural products from the surrounding farms were transported to markets all along the river.

In the early 20th century, Fulton County faced the challenges brought by the decline of steamboat transportation and the Great Depression. However, the construction of the Columbus-Belmont Bridge, connecting Kentucky and Missouri, provided a new avenue for trade and helped revive the local economy. Today, Fulton County remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

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

  • 1780 - Fulton County, KY was established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
  • 1803 - Hickman, the county seat of Fulton County, was founded.
  • 1854 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River from Fulton County to Missouri was completed.
  • 1860 - The population of Fulton County reached its peak with over 10,000 residents.
  • 1874 - The county courthouse in Hickman was destroyed by fire, but was later rebuilt.
  • 1903 - The first railroad was built in Fulton County, connecting Hickman to nearby towns.
  • 1937 - A devastating flood caused significant damage to Fulton County, leading to the construction of levees.
  • 1942 - The United States government established the Camp Tyson military installation in Fulton County during World War II.
  • 2000 - The population of Fulton County declined to approximately 7,000 residents.