Historic Williamsburg

Historic Williamsburg. A Town of Many Names. A town of many names, Williamsburg was referred to by Indians as Spring Ford due to the nearby ford that crossed the Cumberland River and the three fresh water springs. The city was formed in 1818 due to the efforts of Samuel Cox who donated land for the courthouse and sold lots for the town’s formation. Williamsburg was also known as Whitley Courthouse and Cox’s Crossing. The present name was given to honor the famous Indian fighter and pioneer, William Whitley, who the county is also named for., Much of the early growth of the town can be attributed to the river and the availability of fresh water provided by the three springs. The 1880s provided Williamsburg with much of its growth due to the arrival of the L&N Railroad. Industry came in the form of lumber companies such as The Kentucky Lumber Company located where Friar Creek enters the Cumberland River and the Jones Lumber Company located where Watts Creek flows into the Cumberland River. Coal companies such as Gatfiff, Bon Hollow, Mount Morgan, East Tennessee, Red Ash and Proctor began to flourish. The Cooley Brick Plant supplied bricks for sidewalks and buildings., Education also provided for the expansion of the town. Williamsburg Academy was the forerunner of Highland College which later became Cumberland Collete and The University of the Cumberlands. From a mere population of 20 people in the 1820s with a median income of $300, Williamsburg’s present population is 5100 and at its peak had more resident millionaires than any other city in the United States., (insert) , Williamsburg at the turn of the last century, from top to bottom, West Main from 3rd Street, Kings Mill, and a view of the city from the hillside. Photographs courtesy of the Whitley County Historical Society.