Historical Marker

Joseph Desha (1768-1842)


As governor, Desha became major proponent of debtor relief. The Pa. native, under Wayne and Harrison, fought Indians and led troops at Battle of Thames, 1813. Elected from Mason Co. to Ky. legislature and Congress. During his 1824-28 term as governor, he favored the controversial reorganization of Ky. Court of Appeals. Desha was buried in Georgetown, Ky.

Reverse
Old Court-New Court Issue - After Panic of 1819 and depression, the Ky. Court of Appeals struck down numerous relief measures as unconstitutional. Prorelief Desha forces in state legislature abolished Old Court and created a New Court. Angered, Old Court refused to vacate. Both courts sat simultaneously. By 1826, New Court canceled and court reorganization repealed. Issue gradually faded

William Henry Harrison Indians Battle of Thames War of 1812
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
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.