Mount Vernon in Rockcastle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Cox Building History

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 13, 2015

1. Cox Building History Marker

Inscription. The Joplin Hotel, constructed on this site before 1862, was the second brick building in Rockcastle County, the first building to have a tin roof, and the home of the county’s first telegraph office at the beginning of the Civil War. By 1908 the former Joplin Brick Hotel had become a business house owned by the Cox family. The basement was shared by two businesses- Hysinger & Livesay (a restaurant and grocer) and S.B. Ramsey’s Butcher Shop. The first floor was shared by Robert Cox (general merchandise), Claude Cox (furniture), and W. A. Cox (undertaker). The second floor was used by Dr. D.B. Southard.

At approximately five o’clock a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 1908 a fire broke out in the basement. The fire completely destroyed the old hotel building. The Cox family began construction of the present building almost immediately following the fire. The contractor for the new building was R.H.Casey and the cast iron façade was manufactured by G.L.Mesker & Co. of Evansville, Indiana. The current building opened for business during the summer of 1909.

Claude Cox would eventually buy out his brothers and operate the business as C.C. Cox Hardware. His son, John, would join him in the business following World War II. Cox Hardware would eventually pass on to Claude’s grandson, Jim Cox and his wife Martha. The business was a landmark

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in Mount Vernon until it’s closing in February of 2013.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 37° 21.184′ N, 84° 20.312′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, in Rockcastle County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and Church Street when traveling east on East Main Street. Marker is across the street from the Rockcastle Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 190 E Main St, Mount Vernon KY 40456, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Col. James Maret (1855- 1936) (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockcastle County, 1810 (within shouting distance of this marker); Boone Way (within shouting distance of this marker); Fish – Hiatt Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockcastle Co. War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) (within shouting distance of this marker); Spout Spring Pioneer History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bryant Building / Murder on Main Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, /13/2015

2. Cox Building History Marker

back side of marker

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 13, 2015

3. Cox Building History Marker

full view of marker

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 13, 2015

4. Cox Building History Marker

full view of back side

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 13, 2015

5. Cox Building History Marker

the Cox Building

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 13, 2015

6. Cox Building History Marker

Close up, showing the Cox Building as new in 1909

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 13, 2015

7. Cox Building History Marker

Close up, showing the old Joplin Hotel and the Cox Family

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 464 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 14, 2020, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 30, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.