Historical Markers in
Graves County, Kentucky

Barkley's Birthplace Bayou de Chine Church Camp Beauregard County Named, 1823 Daniel R. Merritt (1833-1907) Fancy Farm Feliciana First Presbyterian Church Secession Abandoned Site of Melber School Spence Chapel United Methodist Church St. Jerome Sesquicentennial Two Successful Raids Two Successful Raids Wooldridge Monuments
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
Graves County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, who were forced to relocate to the region from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. European settlers first arrived in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

In 1824, Graves County was officially established as a separate entity within the state of Kentucky. The county was named after Benjamin Franklin Graves, a prominent politician and soldier who served in the War of 1812. Agriculture played a central role in the early economy of Graves County, with cotton, tobacco, and livestock farming being the primary industries. The county's proximity to the Mississippi River also facilitated trade and transportation, further stimulating its growth.

During the American Civil War, Graves County experienced the divisions and conflicts that were characteristic of the era. Despite its southern location, the county remained largely loyal to the Union, with a significant number of its residents enlisting in the Union Army. However, there were also Confederate sympathizers in the area, leading to occasional acts of violence and unrest.

In the years following the Civil War, Graves County continued to develop and thrive. The county saw advancements in infrastructure, including the construction of railroads, which further boosted trade and commerce. Today, Graves County is known for its strong agricultural sector, producing crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and tobacco. It also offers a diverse range of cultural and recreational attractions, making it a great place to visit and call home.

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

  • 1823: Graves County is established and named after Major Benjamin Franklin Graves.
  • 1832: The first courthouse is built in Mayfield, the county seat.
  • 1843: The county's first newspaper, The Mayfield Eagle, is established.
  • 1890: The Mayfield Woolen Mills, a major textile industry, is founded.
  • 1937: The county's largest employer, the W.R. Thomas Paducah Coca-Cola Bottling Company, opens in Mayfield.
  • 1949: The first public library in Graves County is established in Mayfield.
  • 1968: The Purchase Parkway, connecting Graves County to the Interstate Highway System, opens.
  • 1974: A tornado strikes Mayfield, causing significant damage to the city.
  • 2001: The Graves County High School is built in Mayfield.
  • 2013: Kentucky's first fiber optic network, called the Kentucky Wired Project, is announced to include Mayfield.