In a time of celebration for America’s 250th anniversary, many Kentuckians can look to their county’s name to discover a piece of history about the early years of the United States.
Kentucky was a Virginia county at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and part of the western frontier of the Revolutionary War. The region experienced conflict among early settlers, the Kentucky militia, British forces and native tribes.
As Kentucky was divided into new counties, legislators chose names such as Fayette, Lincoln, Mercer, Pulaski and Woodford to honor Continental Army officers. Other counties, including Carroll, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston, Madison, Mason, Nelson and Washington, were named for Founding Fathers and other influential leaders.
From pioneers and statesmen to military commanders, the namesakes of Kentucky counties shaped both the United States and the commonwealth. Their stories are woven into Kentucky’s map, offering a lasting connection to the people who shaped our nation’s founding.
