In the days before cars and supermarkets, before modern methods of manufacture were developed, the settlers who carved a living out of the Kentucky wilderness worked hard to provide the basic necessities of life. One of the most important mechanical . . . — — Map (db m138030) HM
500 CSA cavalry led by Col. J.S. Scott attacked 200 USA troops and 98 convalescents under Col. L.C. Houk here Aug. 17, 1862, killed 13, wounded 17, captured 111 men and 40 wagons. CSA lost 2 killed, 4 wounded. Houk forced back to Gen. George W. . . . — — Map (db m73980) HM
Known as camping ground as early as 1811, this was a favorite spot for both Indians and whites. Bishop Francis Asbury, enroute to first Methodist conference in Kentucky, 1790, held worship near here. First church was of logs, erected by a generous . . . — — Map (db m234552) HM
(Side One)
Congressmen Buried in London
Wm. H. Randall (1822-81), lawyer, co. clerk, judge, 8th dist. rep. in 38th and 39th Congresses, buried in family plot on East 1st Street. Vincent Boreing (1839-1903), newspaperman, 1st lt. . . . — — Map (db m84428) HM
After Battle of Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, CSA gathered at Bryantsville on 11th. Pursuing Union force did not attack but destroyed sources of food. CSA Gen. Bragg started moving forces south, Oct 13. USA under Gen. Buell pursued to here, where he . . . — — Map (db m73928) WM
The McNitt Company, a group of early settlers organized in Virginia for protection on the trip to Kentucky settlements, was camped here on Boone’s Trace. Failing to post a guard they were massacred by Indians on October 3, 1786. The victims were . . . — — Map (db m172968) HM
Perhaps the greatest skill in milling was the ability to keep the stones in working order. Although good millstones will last for centuries, constant grinding wears them smooth. Chiseling the furrows and removing glazed, rough, and uneven spots is . . . — — Map (db m138031) HM
Entered on the National Register
of Historic Places
August 19, 1974
Federal Building
U.S. Courthouse
London Kentucky
James Knox Taylor
Architect 1909-11
This property significantly contributes to the
nation's cultural . . . — — Map (db m210508) HM
Formed in 1825 out of portions of Clay, Rockcastle, Whitley, and Knox counties. The abundance and beauty of laurel shrub impressed the early pioneers so much that they named the county for it. Dr. Thomas Walker's party, exploring for the Loyal Land . . . — — Map (db m136800) HM
In 1826, the legislature granted land to Laurel and some other counties for educational purposes. Land sold; Seminary opened, 1858. Used for hospital in Civil War. Gov. W.S. Taylor called special session of legislature here, 1900. Common school, . . . — — Map (db m87754) HM
At this site on October 3, 1786 a young woman of the McNitt Party, settlers who came to be known as the “Defeated Camp”, gave birth to a daughter in a hollow tree after escaping an Indian massacre that killed all but 3 members of their . . . — — Map (db m172971) HM
The story of millstones is the story of man's struggle against hunger.
Using millstones was the best way to grind grain for over 2000 years. An alternative method was not popularized until around 1870, when roller mills were developed that cut . . . — — Map (db m138020) HM
Here was one of the four defense posts established to protect emigrant parties moving westward. Approximately five miles south of London, Modrel's Station offered safety for about a year, during 1793-94, until the Indian menace ended. Robert Modrel . . . — — Map (db m73974) HM WM
Poynter Building-built 1910 W.H. Poynter, restored 1984 Warren N. Scoville has been entered in the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of the Interior, August 8, 1985. — — Map (db m73981) HM
(Side One)
Sue Bennett Memorial School, named for Madison Co. promoter, opened 1897 to educated mountain children. Funded by local people and the Methodists, school taught all grades. Commercial Dept. Opened 1901; county high school, . . . — — Map (db m87753) HM
Bernstadt, Kentucky, also known as Swiss Colony, was founded in 1881 by Swiss immigrants from Bern, Switzerland, through efforts of Paul Schenk.
The First Evangelical Protestant Church of Bernstadt was pastored by Rev. Melchior Denny. It was . . . — — Map (db m88213) HM
Founded 1881, this was Kentucky’s largest foreign colony. Swiss farm crisis and high land prices caused mass emigration. Paul Schenk and Otto Bruner, agriculturists, and Karl Imobersteg, owner of large passage office, promoted venture. These Swiss . . . — — Map (db m88211) HM
Opened Kentucky and the west to rapid settlement and major development. First wagon road built by Kentucky, 1796 Crab Orchard to Cumberland Gap. A principal highway, maintained as a turnpike “toll road” for 80 years. — — Map (db m84426) HM
This clock is to
honor my father
Warren N. Scoville,
who was one of the
founding fathers and
the first president of
London Downtown.
His efforts to
improve London will
always be remembered. — — Map (db m210506) HM
One of the greatest problems faced by the early millers was where and how to obtain suitable millstones. Rocks of exceptional hardness were required. Since suitable rock was not locally available, a long journey in the back of an ox-driven wagon . . . — — Map (db m138028) HM
Site of home-tavern built, 1804, by John Freeman on Revolutionary War land grant. The tavern stood beside historic Wilderness (wagon)Road built by Kentucky between Cumberland Gap and Crab Orchard in 1796. A principal highway, it promoted settlement . . . — — Map (db m73929) HM
Wilderness Road 1775-1795 Wilderness Road crossed Boone Trace here-Laurel County established 1825-London 1836
1775-1795 Boone Trace-Kentucky Sesquicentennial 1792-1942 George Rogers Clark passed this way 1776 to Virginia for help for . . . — — Map (db m73977) HM
