Shelby County Hemp
One of chief producing counties. Crop income reached a yearly high of $150,000 in 1860. Nine hundred tons of hemp were consumed to produce 2,000 bales of twine and 5,000 coils of rope this same year. One of the ten Bluegrass counties which accounted for more than 90 percent of the yield of the whole country in the late 1800s.
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Hemp in Kentucky - First crop grown, 1775. From 1840 to 1860, Ky.'s production largest in U.S. Peak in 1850 was 40,000 tons, with value of $5,000,000. Scores of factories made twine, rope, oakum to caulk sailing ships and cotton bagging. State's largest cash crop until 1915. Market lost to imported jute, freed of tariff. As war measure, hemp grown again during World War II
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The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
About Shelby County
Shelby County Timeline
Shelby County, Kentucky has a rich and storied history dating back centuries. The area was initially home to indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee and Chickasaw nations. European settlement began in the late 1700s with the arrival of pioneers who established farms and small communities.
One of the key figures in Shelby County's early history was Colonel William Shannon, who settled in the area in 1775. Shannon played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as a representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. His influence helped shape the development of the county.
In the early 1800s, the city of Shelbyville, named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky, was founded as the county seat. Shelbyville quickly grew into a bustling hub of business, agriculture, and commerce. The Shelbyville Historic District, featuring numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, stands as a testament to the city's past.
Over the years, Shelby County developed a reputation as a significant agricultural center. The fertile land provided ideal conditions for farming, particularly for tobacco and thoroughbred horse breeding. The county's agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Shelby County Fair and the Shelbyville Horse Show, both of which attract visitors and locals alike.
Today, Shelby County is a thriving community that embraces its history while also looking to the future. The area's rich heritage, diverse economy, and close-knit community continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, and explore for residents and visitors alike.
One of the key figures in Shelby County's early history was Colonel William Shannon, who settled in the area in 1775. Shannon played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as a representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. His influence helped shape the development of the county.
In the early 1800s, the city of Shelbyville, named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky, was founded as the county seat. Shelbyville quickly grew into a bustling hub of business, agriculture, and commerce. The Shelbyville Historic District, featuring numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, stands as a testament to the city's past.
Over the years, Shelby County developed a reputation as a significant agricultural center. The fertile land provided ideal conditions for farming, particularly for tobacco and thoroughbred horse breeding. The county's agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Shelby County Fair and the Shelbyville Horse Show, both of which attract visitors and locals alike.
Today, Shelby County is a thriving community that embraces its history while also looking to the future. The area's rich heritage, diverse economy, and close-knit community continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, and explore for residents and visitors alike.
Shelby County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Shelby County, Kentucky.
- 1776: Shelby County, KY was established on June 19, 1776.
- 1780: The county was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and later the first governor of Kentucky.
- 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state admitted to the Union, with Shelby County as one of its original counties.
- 1803: The town of Shelbyville is established as the county seat.
- 1812: Shelby County sends soldiers to fight in the War of 1812.
- 1837: The Louisville and Shelbyville Turnpike is completed, improving transportation and commerce in the county.
- 1846: Sentiment in Shelby County towards slavery divides the community during the abolitionist movement.
- 1861-1865: Many residents of Shelby County fight in the American Civil War on both sides.
- 1873: Shelby County Agricultural and Mechanical Society holds its first fair, becoming an annual tradition.
- 1895: The Shelby County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival-style building, is completed and still stands today.
- 20th century: Shelby County experiences periods of agricultural growth and economic development, along with the challenges faced by rural communities.
- 2000s: Shelby County continues to grow and develop, balancing its agricultural heritage with modern industries and amenities.