West Liberty in Morgan County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Founding of Morgan County / The Old Mill
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 13, 2019
1. Founding of Morgan County Marker
Founding of Morgan County. Edmund Wells (1777-1846) settled here (then Floyd Co.) about 1814, operating a mill, ferry, and tavern. First meeting of Morgan County Court held at his home March 10, 1823, as directed by Ky. legislature. He provided land for co. seat, West Liberty; built first jail and courthouse; and served as justice of peace, sheriff, and county's second state legislator.
The Old Mill. Edmund Wells completed his grist mill here in 1816. Early roads connected Wells Mill (as first settlement was called) to Blaine in Lawrence County and other points in this county. The mill remained a central landmark beyond Wells' ownership (sold ca. 1838).
Erected 1996 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways; presented by Morgan County Historical Society. (Marker Number 1991.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 10, 1823.
Location. 37° 55.351′ N, 83° 15.662′ W. Marker is in West Liberty, Kentucky, in Morgan County. Marker is at the intersection of Riverside
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. West Liberty~Civil War (approx. 0.4 miles away); CSA Gens. Morgan USA (approx. 0.4 miles away); Skirmish Here / Confederate Raids and Invasions and a Federal Retreat, in Kentucky. (approx. 11.4 miles away); Swango Springs Spa (approx. 11.7 miles away); USA Gens. Morgan CSA (approx. 12 miles away); Hazel Green Academy (approx. 12 miles away); A Masterful Retreat / Confederate Raids and Invasions and a Federal Retreat, in Kentucky. (approx. 13˝ miles away); County Named, 1869 (approx. 13˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Liberty.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 13, 2019
2. The Old Mill Marker
Photographed By Frank Profitt, March 26, 2021
3. Founding of Morgan County / The Old Mill Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 368 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on March 28, 2021, by Frank Profitt of Georgetown, Kentucky.
