National Register Listing

Bethel AME Church

414 Henry Clay St., Shelbyville, KY
Local significance of the building:
Black; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

ethnic heritage black architecture
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.