Historical Marker

H. E. Pogue Distillery Co./ Ryan-Pogue House


Distillery operated here from 1876 until dismantled in August 1973. Was Registered Distillery No. 3, 7th Dist., and offered three brands of bourbon and three brands of rye, wheat, and malt whiskey. Distillery was a large regional employer until closed by Prohibition. Products helped make bourbon industry important to Kentucky's commerce.

Reverse
The house on the hillside south of here was built in 1845 by industrialist and emancipator Michael Ryan. He called his home "Riverside." In 1890, Henry E. Pogue, who owned the distillery on this site, purchased the home, naming it "Star Terrace." It remained in the Pogue family for several generations

Distilleries
Kentucky was originally part of Virginia and was known as the "Kentucky County" until it became a separate state in 1792.
Kentucky random facts
Mason County, located in the northeastern part of Kentucky, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1788. The county was named after George Mason, the influential Virginia statesman who is best known for his drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The land that would become Mason County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began arriving in the area and established a permanent settlement known as Limestone (later renamed Maysville). This strategic location on the Ohio River made Maysville a significant transportation and trading hub. The early economy of Mason County was centered around agriculture, with tobacco being the primary cash crop, along with hemp and flax.

During the 19th century, Mason County played a prominent role in the development of the American frontier. It was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, with many escaped slaves finding refuge and assistance from local abolitionists. The county was also known for its prominent citizens, including Albert Sidney Johnston, a Confederate general during the Civil War, and Rosemary Clooney, the famous actress and singer.

In the 20th century, Mason County continued to evolve with the establishment of industries such as glass manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, and oil refining. Today, the county remains an important agricultural region, known for its production of corn, soybeans, and tobacco. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several historic sites and festivals that celebrate its diverse history.

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

  • 1788 - Mason County was established as one of the nine original counties in the Kentucky Territory.
  • 1794 - Maysville, the county seat of Mason County, was founded.
  • 1807 - The Maysville Road was authorized by the federal government, connecting Maysville to Lexington.
  • 1811 - The Old State Capitol, also known as the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, was built in Maysville.
  • 1830s - Maysville became a significant crossing point for steamboats on the Ohio River.
  • 1849 - The Maysville and Lexington Railroad was completed, providing a new transportation option.
  • 1856 - Construction of the Paxton Inn, a notable antebellum hotel, was completed in Maysville.
  • 1861-1865 - Mason County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1888 - The Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, connecting Maysville to Aberdeen, Ohio, was completed.
  • 1932 - The historic Washington Opera House reopened after renovations and became a center for entertainment.
  • 1997 - The John H. Knauf Masonic Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places.