Historical Marker

Van Meter Fort


Site of fort, erected 1780, by Jacob Van Meter, Sr., who led a party of 100 settlers from Va. to "the Falls of the Ohio." They made their journey on 27 flatboats and suffered many hardships during their trip. One member of group, John Swan, was killed by Indians. Van Meter built his fort by the spring which supplied water for Elizabethtown for many years.

(Reverse) Van Meter Fort - Van Meter brought seed wheat from Virginia; built a grist mill. The fort, October, 1790, was scene of an Indian skirmish. Van Meter was a founder of Elizabethtown and Hardin County. Helped organize Severn's Valley Baptist Church, 1781; served in Revolutionary War as Captain in Clark's Northwest expedition. Buried at fort; remains later moved to Elizabethtown Cemetery

Baptist Church Cemeteries George Rogers Clark Falls of the Ohio Forts and Stations Indians Mills Revolutionary War
The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
Kentucky random facts
Hardin County, located in central Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1700s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who hunted and fished in the region. The first European explorers arrived in the late 1700s, with John Hardin being the first known settler.

In the late 18th century, Hardin County began to see significant growth due to its fertile soil and the expansion of the western frontier. The county was officially established in 1792 and named after Colonel John Hardin, a well-known Revolutionary War soldier. The county seat was established in Elizabethtown, named after Hardin's wife, and it became a center for trade and commerce.

During the Civil War, Hardin County was torn apart by conflicting loyalties. Although Kentucky was a border state and officially neutral, many residents joined the Confederate army, while others remained loyal to the Union. The Battle of Munfordville, fought in 1862, had a significant impact on the county, as Union forces defended the vital Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

In the 20th century, Hardin County experienced significant economic growth and development. The establishment of Fort Knox in 1918 brought employment opportunities and a boost to the local economy. Today, Fort Knox is a major military base and home to the U.S. Army Armor Center, contributing greatly to the county's economic stability.

Overall, Hardin County's history is a story of growth, conflict, and resilience. From its early days as a Native American hunting ground to its present role as a vibrant and diverse community, the county's history has shaped its identity and continues to influence its future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hardin County, Kentucky.

  • 1776 - Hardin County is established as a county in the state of Kentucky
  • 1780s - Early settlers start to populate the area
  • 1792 - Kentucky becomes the 15th state and Hardin County is included as part of the newly formed state
  • 1806 - Elizabethtown becomes the county seat of Hardin County
  • 1811 - Construction of a permanent courthouse begins in Elizabethtown
  • 1861-1865 - Hardin County residents serve in the American Civil War
  • 1869 - Hardin County Agricultural and Mechanical Society is established
  • 1874 - First railroad reaches Elizabethtown, improving transportation and trade
  • 1922 - Camp Knox is established, later becoming Fort Knox, a major military installation
  • 1937 - The Ohio River flood devastates the county, causing significant damage
  • 1960s - Construction of Interstate 65 through Hardin County begins, improving connectivity
  • 1980s - Growth in manufacturing and commerce leads to economic development
  • 2003 - The Hardin County Veterans Tribute is dedicated to honor local veterans