Hopkins County, Kentucky
Beulah Lodge
Cox, John, House
Cranor School
Darby House, The
Dawson Springs Historic District
Dawson Springs Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Edmiston, Bazle, House
Gardiner, Dr. Thomas, House
Hanson Historic District
Harvey, John, House
Hockersmith, L. D., House
Hotel Earlington
Jackson, Beckley, House
Jennings, Gabriel, House
Kington, W. W., House
Lyon, Chittenden P., Jr., House
Madisonville Armory
Madisonville Commercial Historic District
Madisonville Public Library
Madisonville Tuberculosis Hospital
Miller, Frederick, House
Munn's School
North Main Street Historic District
Oakmoor
Porter, Bradford, House
Ruby, Turner, House
Salmon, Richard, House
Slaton, James E., House
US Post Office-Madisonville
Zion Brick Missionary Church
Army of Six
Carlow's Stone Wall
Century of Coal Mining
Cmdr. D. W. "Mush" Morton, USN
County Named, 1806
Courthouse Burned
Dawson Springs
Forrest Reconnoitered
Gov. Ruby Laffoon
Hanson
J.W. Million School / Prof. Lester G. Mimms
Jackson Stage Stop
Madisonville
Munns School
Oliver Loving
Partisan Rangers
Professor C. L. Timberlake
Steuben's Lick
The Hockersmith House
Zion Temple A.M.E. Zion Church/The Freedom Church
The industrialization of Hopkins County began in the late 1800s when coal mining became a dominant industry. The vast coal reserves in the region attracted numerous immigrants and led to the establishment of mining towns such as Madisonville and Dawson Springs. These towns saw phenomenal growth as the coal industry flourished, and many residents found employment in the mines.
Hopkins County played a significant role during World War II as it housed a German Prisoner of War camp. The camp, located near Earlington, held around 1,800 German soldiers who provided labor for local industries and farms. This unique aspect of Hopkins County's history played a part in strengthening the local economy during the war years.
Today, Hopkins County remains an important contributor to Kentucky's economy. While the coal industry has declined in recent decades, the county has diversified its economy and focused on sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The historic sites, natural beauty, and vibrant community make Hopkins County an attractive place to live and visit, preserving its history while embracing the future.
Brief timeline of the history of Hopkins County, Kentucky:
- 1806 - Hopkins County was established on January 2 by the Kentucky General Assembly.
- 1812 - The first courthouse in Hopkins County was completed.
- 1826 - The town of Madisonville was established and named after President James Madison.
- 1854 - The first railroad, Henderson and Nashville Railroad, reached Madisonville.
- 1900 - The first telephone exchange was established in Madisonville.
- 1936 - The Great Flood of 1936 caused significant devastation in Hopkins County.
- 1955 - The Pennyrile Electric Cooperative was formed, bringing electricity to rural areas of the county.
- 1968 - Hopkins County Central High School was formed through the consolidation of several smaller high schools.
- 1970 - Pennyrile State Forest was established in Hopkins County.
- 1988 - The Western Kentucky Parkway was completed, providing improved transportation access.
- 1999 - The Hopkins County Coal Mine Disaster occurred, resulting in the deaths of two miners.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hopkins County, Kentucky.