Mercer County Before Kentucky Became a State
(Left panel of marker) Harrodsburg
1774-Laid off as Harrodstown by James Harrod and companions. First permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains.
1776-Virginia Legislature formed Kentucky County, the area now Commonwealth of Kentucky; named Harrodsburg seat of government.
1777-First Court held in the area.
1780-Virginia Legislature divided Kentucky County into Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson Counties with Harrodsburg seat of Lincoln County government.
1785-Virginia Legislature formed Mercer County out of Lincoln, the area shown on map, which was the same when Kentucky became a state in 1792. Harrodsburg was continued as the county seat.
(Right panel of marker) Here was the center of organization that held the Northwest against outside attack. George Rogers Clark planned campaign of 1778. Hdqrs. of Col. John Bowman, military commander of Kentucky County, 1775 to 1780. Stations shown on map were defense against Indians.
Mercer County FIRSTS in Kentucky
1774 - Kentucky's first settlement. James Harmon's corn crop.
1775 - Rev. John Lythe's services. Dr. George Hart, physician.
1776 - Mrs. Jane Coomes' school. William Poage's plow and loom. Ann McGinty's linsey-woolsey. Wheat sown, reaped
1777 - John Cowan's census.
1782 - Capt. McMurtry's grist mill.
1783 - Horse racing. Humble's "Race Paths"; Jail; Road to Squire Boone's Station "viewed" and opened
Kentucky is a state of strong and resilient individuals who have overcome challenges with grace and determination.
In the early years, Mercer County was a bustling center of agriculture and industry. The area quickly became known for its productive farmland, leading to a flourishing agricultural economy. Tobacco and hemp were among the major crops grown, and the county was an important shipping hub for these products. As the 19th century progressed, Mercer County's agricultural prosperity continued to grow, attracting more settlers to the area.
The county also played a significant role during the Civil War. Being located on a major transportation route, Mercer County saw its fair share of military activity. Both Union and Confederate forces traversed the area, leading to skirmishes and battles. Despite the turmoil, Mercer County managed to rebuild and thrive after the war, with agriculture remaining the backbone of its economy.
In the 20th century, Mercer County underwent various changes and developments. The advent of modern transportation, such as railroads and highways, brought new opportunities for economic growth. Agriculture remained an important industry, but the county also began to diversify its economy with manufacturing and other ventures. Today, Mercer County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with a modern outlook, offering a blend of rural charm and urban conveniences.
Mercer County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mercer County, Kentucky.
- 1776: Mercer County is established as one of the first counties in Kentucky.
- 1785: Harrodsburg, the county seat, becomes the first permanent English settlement in Kentucky.
- 1792: Kentucky is admitted as the 15th state in the United States.
- 1801: Centre College, the oldest college in Kentucky, is founded in Danville, within Mercer County.
- 1813: The Old Mud Meetinghouse, one of the oldest extant churches in Kentucky, is built in Harrodsburg.
- 1835: The Harrodsburg, Danville, and Stanford Railroad, the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains, is established.
- 1850: The population of Mercer County reaches over 15,000, including a diverse mix of settlers, including African-Americans and European immigrants.
- 1924: The Blue Grass Ordnance Depot, a major military installation, is established in Mercer County during World War I and continues to operate through World War II.
- 1957: The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show, a beloved tradition, begins and remains a popular annual event to this day.