Licking River

Licking River. . Before pioneer families settled Kentucky and Ohio, Native Americans followed the Licking River to the grasslands of central Kentucky to hunt abundant buffalo and deer. The early settlers probably named the river for the many salt licks nestled in its valley., By the time Cincinnati entered its boom periods in the 1840s and 1850s, many visitors found the Licking Valley a welcome retreat from the dense population and grime of the Queen City. After a ferry ride on the Licking in 1851, William Wells referred to it as "peculiarly picturesque and romantic.", But the Licking River could not long escape the effects of Newport's and Covington's own industrial growth. Although never dammed, the Licking provided river access for small packets and barges supplying the mills and factories that developed on its banks.,

"On crossing the water to Kentucky the scene is greatly improved, beech and chestnut of magnificent growth border the beautiful river; the ground has been all cleared and the hemlage is excellent; pawpaws grow abundantly ... the noble tulip tree flourished here and blooms profusely." , Frances Trollope, 1832