Shake Rag
Historical marker location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky
( 201 State St., Bowling Green)
This African American community was founded in the 1800s. Bordered by the river and High, Ky., and 7th Sts, the area grew to include hundreds of residents, two schools, businesses, and churches. The architecture of Shake Rag shows a growing middle-class community.
Reverse
The lives of residents revolved around church, school, and family activities. The congregation that became State Street Baptist was organized in 1838. State Street School was founded in 1883; the Carver Center began in 1946. The Southern Queen Hotel served black travelers. Shake Rag is a reminder of progress residents made despite social and economic hardship.
Dedicated in 2004
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The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
About Warren County
Warren County Timeline
Warren County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee and Chickasaw, who used the land for hunting and fishing. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto in the 16th century, were among the first outsiders to set foot in what is now Warren County.
In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent communities in the area. In 1796, Warren County was officially formed and named after General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero. Throughout the early 19th century, the county's economy thrived due to agriculture, primarily tobacco and hemp production. The growth of transportation systems, such as riverboats and railways, contributed to the county's economic prosperity.
During the American Civil War, Warren County played a significant role as it was strategically located between the Union and Confederate forces. Bowling Green, the county seat, was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops at different times during the war. The county suffered economic hardships and destruction as a result of the conflict.
After the Civil War, Warren County entered an era of rapid industrialization and modernization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century opened new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county became a hub for tobacco processing, manufacturing, and trade, attracting new businesses and residents.
Today, Warren County continues to grow and thrive. It is home to Bowling Green, the third-largest city in Kentucky, and has a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and tourism. The county also hosts popular attractions such as the National Corvette Museum and Mammoth Cave National Park, drawing visitors from all over the country. Warren County's vibrant history is still celebrated and preserved through various museums, historic sites, and local traditions.
In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent communities in the area. In 1796, Warren County was officially formed and named after General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero. Throughout the early 19th century, the county's economy thrived due to agriculture, primarily tobacco and hemp production. The growth of transportation systems, such as riverboats and railways, contributed to the county's economic prosperity.
During the American Civil War, Warren County played a significant role as it was strategically located between the Union and Confederate forces. Bowling Green, the county seat, was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops at different times during the war. The county suffered economic hardships and destruction as a result of the conflict.
After the Civil War, Warren County entered an era of rapid industrialization and modernization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century opened new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county became a hub for tobacco processing, manufacturing, and trade, attracting new businesses and residents.
Today, Warren County continues to grow and thrive. It is home to Bowling Green, the third-largest city in Kentucky, and has a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and tourism. The county also hosts popular attractions such as the National Corvette Museum and Mammoth Cave National Park, drawing visitors from all over the country. Warren County's vibrant history is still celebrated and preserved through various museums, historic sites, and local traditions.
Warren County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Warren County, Kentucky.
- 1796 - Warren County is officially established as part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
- 1810 - The county seat is relocated from Bowling Green to a more central location.
- 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and Warren County becomes a strategic location due to its position on the Confederacy's western frontier.
- 1864 - The Battle of Perryville takes place in Warren County, resulting in a Confederate victory.
- 1870 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad is completed, bringing increased economic development to Warren County.
- 1906 - Western Kentucky State Normal School, now known as Western Kentucky University, is established in Bowling Green.
- 1960s - The construction of Interstate 65 and the Cumberland Parkway boosts transportation and tourism in Warren County.
- 1997 - The National Corvette Museum opens in Bowling Green, celebrating the city's history as the manufacturing hub of Chevrolet's Corvette.