Historical Marker

Historic Stamping Ground Jail


OLD STAMPING GROUND JAIL Built ca. 1890, the brick, two-cell jail was used until the 1970s. The building survived three historic disasters. In 1916 and 1925, two intense fires destroyed most city buildings. On April 3, 1974, a tornado leveled more than 300 homes and buildings in Stamping Ground, yet the jail remained standing.

OLD STAMPING GROUND JAIL While it operated, many inmates maintained city streets to pay off fines. On September 18, 1899, Stamping Ground made national headlines when Town Marshal Charles Richard Duke was killed in the line of duty. The city’s first firehouse, built ca. 1938 to house a new fire truck, adjoins the jail. In memoriam of Charles Richard Duke (1854-1899)

Dedicated September 18, 2018

jails and prisons
The city of Owensboro, Kentucky, is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which honors the history and culture of bluegrass music.
Kentucky random facts
Scott County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The county was established in 1792 and named after General Charles Scott, a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Shawnee and Cherokee, who were later displaced as European settlers moved into the region.

The county's first European settlers arrived in the late 1770s, primarily from Virginia and North Carolina. They established farms and plantations, cultivating tobacco and hemp as cash crops. The fertile land and favorable climate contributed to the county's economic growth and attracted more settlers over time. Scott County quickly became an influential center of agriculture and trade in the state.

During the early 19th century, the county witnessed a surge in population and development. Georgetown, the county seat, was founded in 1790 and became an important hub for commerce and education. The establishment of Georgetown College in 1829 further solidified the town's significance in the region. The 19th century also saw the rise of large-scale horse breeding and racing in the county, contributing to Scott County's reputation as the "Thoroughbred Capital of Kentucky."

The county was not spared from the impact of the Civil War. Located in a border state, Scott County experienced divisions among its residents, with some supporting the Union and others Confederate causes. The war brought destruction to the area, as troops passed through and engaged in various conflicts. Following the war, the county began to rebuild and witnessed the advent of industrialization, with tobacco factories and other manufacturing facilities becoming prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, Scott County remains an important agricultural and industrial center in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Its rich history is celebrated through various heritage sites and events, showcasing the county's cultural and historical significance. From its early settlement to its role in the Civil War and its present-day contributions to the state's economy, Scott County's history is a testament to the spirit of its resilient residents.

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

  • 1788 - Scott County, Kentucky is formed.
  • 1792 - Kentucky becomes the 15th state of the United States.
  • 1833 - Georgetown, the county seat of Scott County, is incorporated.
  • 1862-1865 - Scott County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1876 - The Cincinnati Southern Railway is completed, improving transportation in Scott County.
  • 1890 - Georgetown College, a private liberal arts college, is established.
  • 1940s - Balloon troops from Fort Knox train near Stamping Ground in Scott County during World War II.
  • 2000s - Scott County experiences growth and development due to its proximity to Lexington, Kentucky.