Garrard County, Kentucky
Arnold, John, House
Ball, Billy, House
Barlow House
Blakeman, Calvin, House
Bonta-Owsley House
Boyle-Robertson-Letcher House
Bradley, Gov. William O., House
Bryantsville Methodist Church
Bryantsville Post Office and Store
Calico & Brown General Store
Dalton House
Denny Place
Dr. Edwards House
Dunn-Watkins House
Floyd, John, House
Garrard County Jail
Garrard Mills
Gulley Farm
Hamilton House
Hamilton, Roscoe, House
Hemphill, J. C., House
Hill, Dr. Oliver Perry, House
Hutcherson, John, House
Jennings-Salter House
Lancaster Cemetery
Lancaster Commercial Historic District
Lane Farm
Lear, Judge V. A., House
Leavell, John, Quarters
Male Academy
Mason, Sue Shelby, House
Metcalf, Isaac, House
Methodist Episcopal Church
Miller, William, Place
Mt. Olivet Methodist Church
Nation, Carry A., House
Owsley, Gov. William, House
Paint Lick Presbyterian Church
Paint Lick School
Parke-Moore House
Parks, William, House
Peacock House
Peacock-Miller House
Perkins, Lucien, Farm
Perkins-Daniel House
Petrie House
Proctor House
Rankin Place
Ray House
Salter, Tom, House
Sebastian Log House
Sharp House
Smith House
Smith, James, Tanyard
Spring Garden-John Leavell
Stapp Homeplace
Teater, Paris, House
Teater, William, House
Thomas, Kings, III, House
Thompson, Smith, Log House
Walden Place
Walker House
Wallace, Michael, House
Wearren Place
Wherritt House
Wilson, Paul, Place
Birthplace of Carry A. Nation
Bradley Kincaid (1895-1989)
Buford-Salter House
Camp Dick Robinson
CSA Starts Retreat
First Baptist Church
First Presbyterian Church
Forks of Dix River Baptist Church
Fort Paint Lick
Garrard County, 1797
Home of Gov. Bradley
Home of Statesmen
James Thompson, 1750-1825
Lancaster Public Spring
Lincoln Guns
Local Authoress
Paint Lick Presbyterian Church
Pleasant Retreat
The Traveling Church, 1781
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Walker Foxhounds
During the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Garrard County's economy. The fertile lands along the Kentucky River and Hickman Creek supported the cultivation of tobacco, hemp, and corn. The growth of agriculture led to the establishment of numerous farms and plantations throughout the county.
In the 19th century, Garrard County experienced economic and infrastructure development. The construction of turnpikes and railroads facilitated trade and transportation. Lancaster, the county seat, became a thriving town with businesses, schools, and churches. However, the most significant event in Garrard County's history during this time was the American Civil War. The county was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, and several skirmishes and battles took place within its borders.
In the 20th century, Garrard County underwent modernization and witnessed improvements in infrastructure and technology. The decline of agricultural production led to a diversification of the county's economy, with the emergence of industries like manufacturing and tourism. The preservation of historical sites became a priority, and the county actively promoted its historical heritage to attract visitors.
Today, Garrard County remains a predominantly rural area with a focus on agriculture. The county takes pride in its historical landmarks, including the Old Garrard County Jail and the Garrard County Courthouse. As the community continues to evolve, it cherishes its past and strives to balance preservation with progress.
Brief timeline of the history of Garrard County, Kentucky:
- 1796 - Garrard County is established and named after James Garrard, the second governor of Kentucky.
- 1801 - Lancaster is chosen as the county seat.
- 1802 - The first courthouse in Garrard County is built in Lancaster.
- 1861-1865 - Garrard County residents serve in the American Civil War, with many joining the Union Army.
- 1937 - A tornado strikes Lancaster, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- 1950s-1960s - Garrard County experiences gradual economic growth with the emergence of the tobacco industry.
- 1974 - A major flood hits Garrard County, causing extensive damage to homes and farmland.
- 1996 - The first Donnie Bowling Memorial Bluegrass Festival takes place in Garrard County.
- 2010 - Population of Garrard County reaches over 16,000 people.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Garrard County, Kentucky.