Owensboro in Daviess County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

First Coal by Rail

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 14, 2020

1. First Coal by Rail Marker

Inscription. Robert Triplett built the first railway in Kentucky, 1826. Coal was moved from Bon Harbor hills to steamboats on the Ohio River. Triplett was first to get coal substituted for wood as fuel on river boats below Louisville. Coal was shipped south, sold by barrel. Built cotton, woolen mills and laid out town of Bon Harbor in 1842, which failed.

Erected 1964 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 743.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 37° 47.738′ N, 87° 9.027′ W. Marker is in Owensboro, Kentucky, in Daviess County. Marker is on River Road (State Road 331), on the right when traveling north. Marker is at entrance to Owensboro Riverport Authority. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 River Road, Owensboro KY 42301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Peter B. English (approx. 1.8 miles away); The African American Community in Owensboro (approx. 2.2 miles away); Born With a Purpose (approx. 2.2 miles away);

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Kendall-Perkins Park (approx. 2.2 miles away); Two Early Civil Rights Cases in Owensboro (approx. 2.2 miles away); Dr. and Mrs. Clay E. Simpson, Sr. (approx. 2.3 miles away); Fourth Street Baptist Church (approx. 2.3 miles away); Bill Smothers Park (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Owensboro.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 14, 2020

2. First Coal by Rail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.