Madison County, Kentucky
Arlington
Battle of Richmond Historic Areas
Berea College Forest
Berea College Square Commercial Historic District
Berea Downtown Commercial and Residential Historic District
Blair Park
Blythewood
Bogie Houses and Mill Site
Boone Tavern Hotel
Breck, Judge Daniel, House
Bronston Place
Burnawood
Campbell House
Cane Springs Primitive Baptist Church
Chenault House
Churchill Weavers
Clay, Brutus and Pattie Field, House
Cobb, Whitney, House
Cornelison Pottery
Covington House
Downtown Richmond Historic District
Dozier-Guess House
Duncannon
Eastern Kentucky University Historic District
Elk Garden
Elmwood
Farmers Bank of Kirksville
Fort Boonesborough Townsite Historic District
Griggs House
Hagan House
Hakins-Stone-Hagan-Curtis House
Hawkins, Nathan, House
Holloway, William, House
Homelands
Irvinton
Jones, Merritt, Tavern
Karr House
Kellogg and Company Warehouse
Kirksville Christian Church
Lincoln Hall
Louisville and Nashville Railroad Passenger Depot
Madison County Courthouse
Mason House
Miller, William M., Farm, (Boundary Increase)
Miller, William M., House
Moberly House
Moberly, John, House
Morrison House
Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant Christian Church
Mt. Zion Christian Church
Murphy, Stephen, House
Newland, Isaac, House
Old Central University
Richmond Armory
Richmond Cemetery
Rolling Meadows
Shearer Store
Simmons House
Squire Turner House
Stephenson House
Tate Building
Tates Creek Baptist Church
Taylor House
Taylor House
Tevis House
Turner House
Turner-Fitzpatrick House
Union Bus Station
Viney Fork Baptist Church
Walker House
Walker, William, House
West Richmond Historic District
Whitehall
Berea College (replaces marker #773, For Mountain Youth)
Big Hill Skirmish
Cassius Marcellus Clay
Christopher (Kit) Carson
Church of Christ, Union
Civil War Action
Civil War Field Hospital
County Named, 1786
Daniel Boone's Trace
"Divine Elm"
Eastern Kentucky University
First Ferry in Kentucky
For Mountain Youth (replaced by marker #2429, Berea College)
Fort Boonesborough
Frances E. Beauchamp (1857-1923)
Gov. James B. McCreary
Grave of Hancock Taylor
Home of Capt. Nathaniel Hart
Laura Clay (1849-1941)
Lion of White Hall
Lynwood, Brutus Clay II/Pattie A. Clay
Madison Hemp and Flax Co.
Medal of Honor Winners
Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern
Middletown Consolidated School
Richmond Prelude
Route of Advance
Site of Barnes Mill
Site of Boyhood Home of Red Foley
"Sycamore Hollow"
Twitty's or Little Fort
Valley View Ferry
White Hall
White Oak Pond Church
During the early 19th century, the county experienced rapid growth and development. The town of Richmond was founded in 1798 and quickly became the economic and cultural center of Madison County. The construction of the Kentucky River Turnpike in 1834 further enhanced the county's accessibility and spurred commerce and trade. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became the primary industry, with Madison County earning a reputation for producing high-quality tobacco.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Madison County, as it did on much of Kentucky. Despite being a border state, the county remained largely pro-Union, with many residents enlisting in the Union Army. However, there were also Confederate sympathizers, leading to intermittent conflict and skirmishes throughout the war. Following the war, Madison County underwent a period of reconstruction, with efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure and revitalizing the economy.
In the 20th century, Madison County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The establishment of Eastern Kentucky University in 1906 provided educational opportunities for the region, attracting students and contributing to economic growth. Industrialization also played a crucial role, with manufacturing facilities opening in the county and providing employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with a forward-thinking approach, offering residents and visitors a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic opportunities.
Brief timeline of the history of Madison County, Kentucky:
- 1785: Madison County, KY was established on December 17th.
- 1787: The first courthouse was erected in the county seat, Richmond.
- 1810: The county's population reached 3,032.
- 1829: The Richmond and Lexington Turnpike was completed, improving transportation in the area.
- 1862: The Civil War had a significant impact on Madison County, with the Battle of Richmond taking place on August 29-30.
- 1874: Berea College, an interracial and coeducational institution, was founded in Madison County.
- 1911: The Eastern Kentucky State Normal School (now Eastern Kentucky University) was established in Richmond.
- 1920: Madison County's population surpassed 20,000.
- 1955: The founding of Blue Grass Army Depot brought economic growth to the county.
- 1962: Interstate 75 was opened, further improving transportation in the region.
- 1997: The completion of the Daniel Boone Parkway provided a direct link between Madison County and Hazard.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madison County, Kentucky.