James C. Klotter - A New History of Kentucky

Praise for A New History of Kentucky, Second Edition:

Kentuckys history is rich in drama, diversity, and significance. Using a breadth of past and present research, Klotter and Friend have written an extensive yet entertaining narrative of Kentuckys past. Their work includes important analysis of the roles played by Native Americans, African Americans, and women in the forging of the state and updates the political, social, and economic history of Kentucky into the twenty-first century. This book will be valued by academics, students, and readers of history alike.

Andrea S. Watkins, Northern Kentucky University

This second edition offers readers a fresh and wonderfully engaging perspective of Kentucky history. It skillfully captures the images, individuals, and institutions that have given Kentucky its distinct character. It offers an intimate and insightful portrayal of the changes and controversies in Kentucky history. An impressive blend of state and national history.

Gerald L. Smith, coeditor of The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia

Praise for A New History of Kentucky, First Edition:

The writing is clear, crisp, and exciting. The arrangement and topic selection throughout is especially good. Everything from county politics to music is treated with an eye for topical conciseness and uniform, lyrical, precision.

Journal of American History

Will be the book to read about Kentucky for many years to come by the general reader and scholar alike.

Journal of Southern History

It deserves to be called our states new definitive history. Best of all, its readable style will please the broad general audience of citizens and students for whom this book is intended.

Lexington Herald-Leader

An invaluable guide to the forces that have shaped the states history and the patterns in that history that will well serve the needs of those who, in the new century and in the new millennium, recognize the truth in the words the past is prologue.

Louisville Courier-Journal

A work that is both enjoyable and utilitarian; something not always achieved in works of this kind. From the earliest settlers to the recent reforms in Kentucky government and education, topics are arranged to both inform and enlighten the reader about the nature of the Commonwealths history.

Southern Historian

The people of Kentucky (and all persons interested in the Bluegrass state) now have a new history that incorporates the findings of the last generation of historical research and writing.

Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

A New History of Kentucky

A NEW HISTORY OF

KENTUCKY

Second Edition

JAMES C. KLOTTER
and
CRAIG THOMPSON FRIEND

Due to variations in the technical specifications of different electronic reading devices, some elements of this ebook may not appear as they do in the print edition. Readers are encouraged to experiment with user settings for optimum results.

Publication of this volume was made possible in part by financial assistance from the Thomas D. Clark Foundation and the Snowy Owl Foundation, Inc.

Copyright 2018 by The University Press of Kentucky

Scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth,

serving Bellarmine University, Berea College, Centre College of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, The Filson Historical Society, Georgetown College, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University.

All rights reserved.

Editorial and Sales Offices: The University Press of Kentucky

663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508-4008

www.kentuckypress.com

Cataloging-in-Publication data available from the Library of Congress

ISBN 978-0-8131-7630-7 (hardcover : alk. paper)

ISBN 978-0-8131-7651-2 (pdf)

ISBN 978-0-8131-7650-5 (epub)

This book is printed on acid-free paper meeting the requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence in Paper for Printed Library Materials.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Member of the Association of University Presses

To Thomas D. Clark

and

Lowell H. Harrison

Contents

Illustrations and Tables

Maps

Figures

Tables

Preface

Kentucky has a rich history. What Kentucky is results from what the state has been. For citizens in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, an awareness of the lives of the people of the past and of the actions they took, therefore, is crucial to knowing the influences that even yet affect the state. By comprehending the actions of people of different times and backgrounds, modern citizens can better know those around them. Looking through the lens of history offers clearer images and, ultimately, better understanding of Kentuckians within the state, region, nation, and world.

The goal of this book is to present that history in a clear and comprehensive fashion so that readers can discover the historical influences that shaped how Kentuckians have lived and continue to live. Some readers come to this history for the stories, some for reference, some for understanding. All readers of a history of the commonwealth must appreciate that the state has been many things to many people at different times throughout its history. It was the First West, the initial state west of the mountains. It was a border state between the North and South, represented by a star in the flags of both the Confederate States and the United States. It was a place whose residents came to think of themselves as southernwith a few exceptionsand its cultural and social development is often categorized as having more in common with states to the south and southeast rather than those to the north and northeast. In reality, Kentucky blends many parts of the American experience, and studying its history helps us to understand the heritage of the United States.

Undertaking this task is a challenge. Such an account not only should be readable but also should cover all the relevant historical milestones. It also must consider internal interactions and external relationships. The resulting story is one of change and complexity, of continuity and the commonplace. There are many stories to be told, each one important. Our history of the state covers all parts of the commonwealth and all of its peoplenot just the great and near-great but also the often voiceless and forgotten. It is their story, too. Our narrative is broad-based. It focuses not only on the more traditional government-and-politics approach but also on the environment and conservation, economic history (agriculture, business, transportation, labor), social structures and life, gender, race and ethnicity, education, religion, social reforms, literature and the arts, agrarianism and urbanization, and the mind and spirit of Kentucky. Groups whose histories have been underrepresented in previous works, particularly women, Native Americans, and African Americans, receive greater recognition.

Similarly, we have attempted to provide a more regional coverage. The Bluegrass has often received a generous share of historical attention. Major resource collections and the states chief newspapers draw attention to the Bluegrass so that other regions have often not had their pasts told carefully. That regional bias is hard to overcome, but our narrative strives to provide a more balanced state history.