McCracken County, Kentucky

$5 Bought Paducah 8th of August 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery A Paducah CSA Hero American Red Cross Angles Ann I. Baker (1873-1931) Barkley's Grave Barkley's Law Office Boy Scout Troop 1 Broadway Methodist Burks Chapel A.M.E. Church Chief Paduke Church of Christ Clara Barton's Visit Clark's Land Cobb's Birth Site Col. Ed Murray's Home Col. Hicks' Hdqrs. Confederate Flag of Welcome Congressmen Representing First District Which Included Jackson Purchase, 1819-1995 Dr. Reuben Saunders Dr. Reuben Saunders (1808-1891) Dr. William Stuart Nelson, 1895-1977 "Duke of Paducah" First Baptist Church First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) First Log Cabin First Presbyterian Church First Public Well Forrest's Bivouac Forrest's Headquarters Forrest's Raid Fort Anderson Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church Gen. George Rogers Clark Gen. Lloyd Tilghman Gen. Lloyd Tilghman Grace Episcopal Grant's Proclamation Grave of John T. Scopes Gunsmith Ferd Hummel Guthrie Building Historic Railroad Historic Riverfront Immanuel Baptist Iron Horse Memorial Irvin S. Cobb Irvin S. Cobb Said: Jackson Purchase Lewis and Clark in Kentucky- McCracken County Linn Boyd Home-1853 Marine Ways McCracken County Courthouse Mexican War, 1846-48 Old Judge Priest Original Boundary Paducah Community College Paducah Furnace Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant Paducah Pictorial Paducah's Indian Name Paducah, Kentucky Paducah, Kentucky Paducah, Kentucky Paducah, Kentucky Ride Round the Rivers Rotary Club of Paducah Second Courthouse Spring Bayou Baptist Church St. Francis de Sales St. John the Evangelist Church and School St. Paul Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) Temple Israel The 1937 Flood The Flood Wall Tilghman Home Unity Church-The United Church of Christ Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church Welcome to Paducah, KY. West Kentucky Industrial College Westminster United Presbyterian Church Whitehaven Wilmington Woodland School
McCracken County, located in the western part of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee, who relied on the abundant natural resources in the region. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and established trading posts along the Ohio River, which played a crucial role in the county's early development.

In the early 19th century, McCracken County grew rapidly due to its strategic location and fertile land. The county was named after a prominent local lawyer and politician, Captain Harrison McCracken, who played a significant role in its early development. The city of Paducah, now the county seat, was officially established in 1830 and quickly became a commercial and transportation hub. The construction of railroads in the mid-19th century further promoted economic growth and attracted businesses and industries to the area.

McCracken County also experienced the challenges and impacts of the Civil War. With its location on the border of the Union and Confederacy, the county was a crucial strategic point. Paducah was occupied by Union troops early in the war and served as a major supply depot. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and played a role in the overall conflict. After the war, McCracken County focused on rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Throughout the 20th century, McCracken County continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions. The county experienced industrial growth with the establishment of manufacturing plants, and Paducah became known as a regional medical, retail, and cultural center. Today, McCracken County remains an important area in western Kentucky, blending its rich history with a vibrant present and a promising future.
Brief timeline of the history of McCracken County, Kentucky:

  • 1825: McCracken County is established on January 17.
  • 1836: Paducah, the county seat, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865: McCracken County experiences significant impact during the American Civil War.
  • 1890: The Illinois Central Railroad Bridge is completed, connecting Paducah with Illinois.
  • 1905: Paducah becomes home to the first municipal airport in Kentucky.
  • 1950s-1970s: McCracken County sees economic growth due to the establishment of chemical and manufacturing plants.
  • 2004: The National Quilt Museum opens in Paducah, promoting cultural tourism in the area.
  • 2019: The Four Rivers Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary in Paducah.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of McCracken County, Kentucky.