|
Cumberland County Information
Cumberland County, Kentucky, is located adjacent to the Kentucky, Tennessee state line, about 130 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky, 150 miles south of Lexington, 230 miles south of Cincinnati, 250 miles south of Indianapolis, and 120 miles northeast of Nashville, Tennessee. The county is served by two AAA-rated highways - KY 90 and KY 61. The first title of land in what is now Cumberland County was deeded to settlers by the Iroquois Indians in 1768. Cumberland County was formally organized in 1798 as the thirty-second county of Kentucky. It received its name from the Cumberland River which flows through it from one end to the other.
A small settlement had already started along the banks of the Cumberland river. In 1846 this settlement was incorporated as the City of Burkesville, named after Isham Burke, a prominent citizen leader at that time.
In 1829, while drilling for salt, an early settler struck oil on Rennox Creek, three miles north of Burkesville. This is believed to have been the first oil well in America. A historical marker has been placed at the site.
Burkesville became a busy river port during the latter part of the nineteenth century, serving a large area at a time when water transportation was the only feasible way to move large quantities of goods in and out of the territory. The last steamboat docked in Burkesville in 1929, which was the year after the first major road was opened to the larger city of Glasgow, forty miles to the west.
The Civil War brought a great deal of fighting in Cumberland County since the Cumberland River served as a major natural barrier between opposing forces. Union forces and Confederate forces as well as dreaded the guerilla's lead by Champ Ferguson were active from time to time in the county. General John Hunt Morgan made several raids into Cumberland County.
Thomas Lincoln, father of the 16th President, served two terms as constable of Cumberland County from 1802 to 1804.
Two former governors of Kentucky were born in Cumberland County. They were Thomas E. Bramlett who was the 24th governor and Preston H. Leslie who was governor from 1871 to 1875.
The founder of the Maxwell House Coffee Company, Joel cheek, was born and raised in Cumberland County, as was the Chairman of the Board of General Dynamics Corporation, Stanley Pace.
Cumberland County, as well as the surrounding area, is rich in history and historical sites and has a breathtaking natural beauty which is nothing short of enchanting. Dale Hollow Lake is widely known as an excellent bass fishing site, and the Cumberland River abounds with trout. An 18-hole golf course at the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park hugs the hills that meet Dale Hollow Lake and make for beautifully challenging play. There are many other recreational and historical facilities located within a 65 mile radius of Cumberland County. Make plans to visit us soon!
|
