Rumsey in McLean County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Rumsey

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 1, 2025

1. Rumsey Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1834. Named for James Rumsey, steam navigation pioneer, at request of his nephew Edward Rumsey, US Congressman from this area, 1837-39. James Rumsey had first boat successfully operated by steam to carry both freight and passengers, Potomac River, 1786. The first steamboat on Green River, "Lucy Wing," was built here in 1846 by the Jones Brothers.

Erected 1969 by Kentucky Historical Society • Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1264.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 37° 31.823′ N, 87° 15.577′ W. Marker is in Rumsey, Kentucky, in McLean County. It is at the intersection of Kentucky Route 81 and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling north on Kentucky Route 81. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rumsey KY 42371, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region

and in the Western Coal Field.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the South,

in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Corp. James Bethel Gresham Memorial Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); County Named / Calhoun (approx. half a mile away); Camp Calhoun Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Camp Calhoun (approx. half a mile away); McLean County War Memorial

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(approx. 1.3 miles away); Charles Hansford / Charles Hansford (1759-1850) (approx. 1.3 miles away); Union Camp Site / McLean County Recruits, Co. D 35 Regt. KY. Vol. Mounted Inf. (approx. 6 miles away); Livermore Bridge (approx. 7.6 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Forrest Reconnoitered (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 1, 2025

2. Rumsey Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.