New Zion
On Nov. 23, 1872, former slaves Calvin Hamilton and Primus Keene purchased 23 acres. They sold plots to other freedmen and formed black community of Briar Hill; it was later named New Zion. Keene sold land for community well, school, and church. Calvin Hamilton's home survives. Descendants of founders still live in New Zion. Presented by Scott County Fiscal Court
The Reconstruction Era in the United States followed the Civil War and spanned from 1865 to 1877. It aimed to address the social, economic, and political challenges faced by the nation after the abolition of slavery. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key events during the Reconstruction Era:
1865: The Civil War ends with the surrender of Confederate forces. President Abraham Lincoln, who favored a lenient approach to reconstruction, is assassinated in April. Vice President Andrew Johnson assumes the presidency.
1865: The Freedmen's Bureau is established to provide assistance to newly freed slaves, including education, employment, and legal support.
1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
1866: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is passed, granting citizenship and equal rights to all individuals born in the United States, regardless of race or previous condition of slavery.
1867: The Reconstruction Acts are passed by Congress, dividing the former Confederate states into military districts and requiring them to draft new state constitutions that grant voting rights to African American men.
1868: The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens and granting citizenship to former slaves.
1870: The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
1870s: African Americans are elected to various political offices, including state legislatures and even the U.S. Congress. This period witnesses a significant increase in black political participation.
1873: The economic Panic of 1873 leads to a severe depression, undermining many of the gains made during the Reconstruction Era.
1876: The disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden results in the Compromise of 1877. As part of the compromise, federal troops are withdrawn from the South, effectively marking the end of Reconstruction.
1877: With the withdrawal of federal troops, Southern states begin enacting Jim Crow laws and implementing systemic racial segregation and discrimination, suppressing the political and economic rights of African Americans.
The Reconstruction Era was a complex and contentious period in American history, marked by progress in racial equality and political participation, as well as the subsequent rollback of those gains. It left a lasting impact on the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing quest for racial justice in the United States.
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
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.
Scott County Timeline
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.