National Register Listings in
Lincoln County, Kentucky

Alcorn, James W., House Arcadia Baughman's Mill and Stanford Railroad Depot Baughman, John, House Briggs, Samuel and Mary Logan, House Confederate Monument at Crab Orchard Helm-Engleman House Hoffman House Huston, Nathan, House Lincoln County Courthouse Logan, John, House McCormack Church Miller, Abraham, House Montgomery, Dr. Thomas, House Pence, Adam, House Richland Farm Stanford Commercial District Swope-Dudderar House and Mill Site Traveler's Rest Walnut Meadows Whitley, William, House State Shrine Withers, Horace, House
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Kentucky random facts
Lincoln County, Kentucky has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The area that is now Lincoln County was originally settled by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. European exploration and settlement began in the late 18th century, with pioneers from Virginia and North Carolina making their way westward.

The county was officially established in 1780, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. It was named after Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln. In the early years, Lincoln County was a frontier region, characterized by log cabins, subsistence farming, and frequent conflicts with Native American tribes.

During the 19th century, Lincoln County saw significant growth and development. The construction of turnpikes and railroads connected the county to major cities and markets, stimulating economic growth. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became a vital industry, while the Stanford Female College, founded in 1853, provided education opportunities for women.

The county also played a significant role in the Civil War. Despite its primarily pro-Union sentiment, Lincoln County experienced division and violence during the conflict. The Battle of Stanford occurred in December 1864, where Confederate forces led a raiding party in an attempt to disrupt Union supply lines. Ultimately, the county remained under Union control throughout the war.

In the 20th century, Lincoln County continued to evolve. The decline of tobacco farming led to diversification in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle becoming important commodities. Manufacturing and industry also emerged, contributing to the county's economic growth. Today, Lincoln County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a rich history and a thriving community.

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

  • 1780: Lincoln County is established as one of the original three counties in Kentucky.
  • 1785: Stanford becomes the county seat of Lincoln County.
  • 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1862: During the Civil War, Stanford is occupied by Confederate forces.
  • 1864: The Confederate forces retreat from Stanford, and the Union army takes control of the area.
  • 1949: Lincoln County High School is established.
  • 1958: The construction of Lake Cumberland is completed, partially flooding parts of Lincoln County.
  • 1994: Lincoln County celebrates its bicentennial.