Grave of Lucy Virgin Downs, 1769-1847 ->1,000 feet west
The first white child born of American parents, west of the Allegheny Mountains-Mrs. Lucy Virgin Downs-was a resident of Oldtown, Greenup County, from 1807 until her death in 1847. She was the daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy Virgin, born September 17, 1769, in what is now Fayette County, Pennsylvania, near Uniontown, which was then called Beesontown. In 1790, with her parents and brother, Brice, she came to Limestone, now Maysville, Kentucky. In 1792, she and her brother moved to Cincinnati. She was married there to John Downs September 20, 1800 under a marriage license issued by General Arthur St. Clair, as Governor of the Northwest Territory. In June, 1845, at a family gathering, she related that General George Washington visited her father and a neighbor in 1773, when he was surveying a tract in Pennsylvania that was afterwards called Washington Bottoms. Many of her descendants are still living in this part of Kentucky. This marker erected under the terms of the will of the late Jennie Scott Osenton, great-granddaughter of Lucy Virgin Downs.
Dedicated September 15, 1963
In 1937, the town of Maysville, Kentucky, became the site of the first public works project built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program.
During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in Green County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal place for growing tobacco and corn, which became major cash crops. The county's agricultural success attracted more settlers, leading to the growth of towns and communities.
The 19th century saw the rise of educational institutions and the establishment of newspapers in Green County. Schools were founded to provide education to the growing population, and newspapers played a crucial role in spreading information and connecting the community. In 1870, the Greensburg Female College was established, providing higher education opportunities to young women in the county.
Green County also played a significant role in the Civil War. Many young men from the county enlisted in both the Union and Confederate armies, and several battles were fought in or near Green County. The war had a profound impact on the county, leaving scars that would take years to heal.
In the 20th century, Green County continued to evolve and modernize. Agriculture remained an important industry, but manufacturing and service sectors began to grow, contributing to the county's economic development. Today, Green County is known for its picturesque countryside, historical landmarks, and welcoming community. It continues to honor its heritage while embracing the opportunities of the present.
Green County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Green County, Kentucky.
- 1803 - Green County is formed from portions of Lincoln and Nelson counties.
- 1804 - The county seat is established in Greensburg.
- 1812 - The first courthouse is built in Greensburg.
- 1830 - The first newspaper, Green Republican, is published in the county.
- 1861-1865 - Green County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- 1906 - The first high school is established in Greensburg.
- 1929 - Green County experiences an economic boom due to the discovery of oil and natural gas.
- 1940 - The last public hanging in Kentucky takes place in Green County.
- 1950s-1960s - Green County experiences population decline due to urbanization and agricultural consolidation.
- 1997 - The historic Downtown Greensburg district is added to the National Register of Historic Places.