Georgetown in Scott County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Hemp in Scott County / Hemp in Kentucky
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 3, 2022
1. Hemp in Scott County / Hemp in Kentucky Marker
Hemp in Scott County
Reverend Elijah Craig established at Georgetown, in 1789, one of the earliest ropewalks, which were long sheds for spiral winding of hemp fibers. Also started fulling mill in 1793. Both factories made cordage and rigging for vessels built on the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. Peak production in 1839; over 1,000 tons processed yearly with value of $120,000. See over.
Hemp in Kentucky
First crop grown, 1775. From 1840 to 1860, Kentucky production largest in United States. Peak in 1850 was 40,000 tons, value of $5,000,000. Scores of factories made twine, rope, gunny sacks, bags for cotton picking and marketing. State's largest cash crop until 1915. Market lost to imported jute, freed of tariff. As war measure, hemp grown again during World War II. See over.
Erected 1968 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1166.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1789.
Location. 38° 13.365′ N, 84° 33.981′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, Kentucky, in Scott County. Marker can be
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cardome (here, next to this marker); First Baptist Church (approx. ¾ mile away); Payne-Desha House / Joseph Desha (1768-1842) (approx. ¾ mile away); Scott County Jail / Scott County Jailer's House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Birthplace of Bourbon (approx. 0.9 miles away); Royal Spring (approx. 0.9 miles away); Scott County Korean & Vietnam Conflict's Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Scott County Courthouse / Goebel Trial Here (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 3, 2022
2. Hemp in Scott County / Hemp in Kentucky Marker
Photographed By Dave Knoch, June 27, 2015
3. Hemp in Scott County Marker (on Right)
As seen from the Cardome Center South in relation to the Cardome Marker
Photographed By Frank Profitt, November 6, 2020
4. Hemp in Kentucky side of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2015, by Dave Knoch of Scott County, Kentucky. This page has been viewed 1,246 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 3. submitted on June 30, 2015, by Dave Knoch of Scott County, Kentucky. 4. submitted on November 6, 2020, by Frank Profitt of Georgetown, Kentucky. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
