Mercer County, Kentucky

Adams House Aspen Hall Baldin House Beaumont Avenue Residential District Boise House Bonta House Bowman, Col. John, House Burford Hill Burris House Burrus, Nathaniel, House Burton, Ambrose, House Cardwellton Clay Hill College Street Historic District Confederate Monument in Harrodsburg Cunningham House Curry, Daniel, House Daniel, Benjamin, House Daughters' College Doricham Dunn, Peter, House Dutch Reformed Church Elms, The Fairview Forsythe-Shewmaker House Froman-McCann House Greek Revival Houses of Mercer County: Lynnwood, Walnut Hall, Glenworth Greystone Gritton, Floyd, House Harrodsburg Armory Harrodsburg Downtown Historic District Honeysuckle Hill Jones, Moses, House Lexington and Cane Run Historic District Lexington, Harrodsburg, and Perryville Turnpike Rural Historic District Magoffin, Beriah, Monument Matheny-Taylor House McAfee Farm Historic District McAfee, George, House McAfee, James, House McCoun, Joseph-Sharp, D.S., House McGee House McGee, John, House Mercer County Jailer's Residence Millwood Moreland House Morgan Row Morgan, Joseph, House New Providence Presbyterian Church North Main Street Historic District Passmore, Benjamin, Hotel Passmore, Benjamin, House Passmore, George, House Pioneer Memorial State Park Price, Dr. A. D., House Roach-Ison House Shaker West Lot Farm Shakertown at Pleasant Hill Historic District Shawnee Springs Smith-Williams House St. Peters AME Church St. Philips Episcopal Church Stone Quarters on Burgin Road Sutfield House Sutfield-Thompson House Taylor, Capt. Samuel, House US Post Office-Harrodsburg Wildwood Williams House Woods, Archibald, House

Mercer County, Kentucky, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. The county was founded in 1785 and named after General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero. It was one of the first counties established in Kentucky, and its early settlers thrived due to the fertile land and strategic location along the Kentucky River.

In the early years, Mercer County was a bustling center of agriculture and industry. The area quickly became known for its productive farmland, leading to a flourishing agricultural economy. Tobacco and hemp were among the major crops grown, and the county was an important shipping hub for these products. As the 19th century progressed, Mercer County's agricultural prosperity continued to grow, attracting more settlers to the area.

The county also played a significant role during the Civil War. Being located on a major transportation route, Mercer County saw its fair share of military activity. Both Union and Confederate forces traversed the area, leading to skirmishes and battles. Despite the turmoil, Mercer County managed to rebuild and thrive after the war, with agriculture remaining the backbone of its economy.

In the 20th century, Mercer County underwent various changes and developments. The advent of modern transportation, such as railroads and highways, brought new opportunities for economic growth. Agriculture remained an important industry, but the county also began to diversify its economy with manufacturing and other ventures. Today, Mercer County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with a modern outlook, offering a blend of rural charm and urban conveniences.
Brief timeline of the history of Mercer County, Kentucky:

  • 1776: Mercer County is established as one of the first counties in Kentucky.
  • 1785: Harrodsburg, the county seat, becomes the first permanent English settlement in Kentucky.
  • 1792: Kentucky is admitted as the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1801: Centre College, the oldest college in Kentucky, is founded in Danville, within Mercer County.
  • 1813: The Old Mud Meetinghouse, one of the oldest extant churches in Kentucky, is built in Harrodsburg.
  • 1835: The Harrodsburg, Danville, and Stanford Railroad, the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains, is established.
  • 1850: The population of Mercer County reaches over 15,000, including a diverse mix of settlers, including African-Americans and European immigrants.
  • 1924: The Blue Grass Ordnance Depot, a major military installation, is established in Mercer County during World War I and continues to operate through World War II.
  • 1957: The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show, a beloved tradition, begins and remains a popular annual event to this day.

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