Kentucky History Podcast

In this episode, we begin the extraordinary story of Alexander Keene Richards, a 19th-century horse breeder from Georgetown, Kentucky, whose bold vision reshaped American horse racing. Drawing from Gary O’Dell’s newly published book, Reinventing the American Thoroughbred, we explore Richards’ belief that American Thoroughbreds had lost their endurance and need...

In this compelling episode, historian James Prichard returns to explore a turbulent and often overlooked chapter in Kentucky history: the rise of vigilante justice in the late 1800s. As Kentucky struggled with post-Civil War lawlessness, economic transition, and rural isolation, citizens in several counties took the law into their own hands—forming vigilante g...

Part 2 of our Butler County series with guest Tommy Hines continues the journey through the county’s rich and often dramatic past. We explore the impact of the Civil War, how Butler County navigated its divided loyalties, and the transformation that followed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Welcome to Part 1 of our deep dive into Butler County, Kentucky with special guest Tommy Hines, Executive Director at South Union Shaker Village. In this episode, we explore the early history and settlement of Butler County. From Native American presence and frontier migration routes to the founding of towns and the evolution of agriculture and trade, Butler County has...

As we reach the final chapter of our three-part series on the Civil War in Lincoln County, Kentucky, we're honored to have David Gambrel back as our guide. Join us for a deep dive into the legacy, reflections, and enduring impact of this pivotal period in American history. In this concluding episode, we'll explore the lasting reverberations of the Civil War on Lincoln County and its people....

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of Christopher Greenup, Kentucky’s third governor. Greenup played a vital role in the early years of the Commonwealth, transitioning from Revolutionary War soldier to influential politician. We’ll discuss his contributions to Kentucky's statehood, his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, and how his leader...

In this episode, we dive into Jasper et al. v. Quarles (1808), a landmark Kentucky land dispute that sheds light on the challenges of frontier settlement. In the late 1700s, settlers like Andrew Jasper worked hard to improve and claim land in Pulaski County, only to face competing claims from military land warrants granted to Revolutionary War veterans. This c...

In this episode, we delve into the rich history of Washington County, Kentucky, the first county in the United States named after President George Washington. Join us as we explore its early formation in 1792, key historical figures, and pivotal moments that shaped the county's identity. From the early settlements of pioneers to the development of Springfield as the co...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating life of David P. Bethurum, a key figure from Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Building on our previous discussion of the Bethurum family, we explore David’s unique contributions, uncovering new stories and insights that paint a fuller picture of his impact on Kentucky’s history. From local leadership roles to his influ...

We continue unraveling the intense family feuds that plagued the Langfords for three generations. Peter dives deeper into the personal stories of family members caught in the cycle of violence, loyalty, and survival. Learn how these conflicts shaped the family’s legacy and impacted the broader community in Rockcastle County during a turbulent time in Kentucky’...

In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Langford, author of The Langfords of Rockcastle County. Peter takes us on a journey through American history by telling the remarkable story of the Langford family, whose struggle to survive spans from 17th-century Jamestown to 20th-century Kentucky. Their story offers a unique lens into the challenges of life in the Amer...

In this captivating episode, we explore the rich history of Elkhorn Creek, one of Kentucky’s most storied waterways, with special guest and renowned author Richard Taylor. From its significance to Native American tribes and early settlers, to its role in the Revolutionary War and early Kentucky industry, Elkhorn Creek has witnessed key moments in the formation of the B...

In the conclusion of our series on immigrants in Eastern Kentucky, Professor Doug Cantrell returns to discuss the enduring legacy of these pioneering families. From the hardships of labor in coal mines and railroads to the vibrant cultural traditions they brought with them, we uncover how immigrant communities adapted and thrived. We also delve into the discrimination ...

In the first installment of this two-part series, we dive into the often-overlooked history of immigrants in Eastern Kentucky. Special guest Professor Doug Cantrell, a renowned historian, shares his insights into the waves of immigrants who settled in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We explore their diverse backgrounds, the industries that dre...