Princeton, Kentucky

Princeton, Kentucky
City

Caldwell County Courthouse

Location of Princeton, Kentucky
Coordinates: 37°6′28″N 87°52′57″W / 37.10778°N 87.88250°W / 37.10778; -87.88250Coordinates: 37°6′28″N 87°52′57″W / 37.10778°N 87.88250°W / 37.10778; -87.88250
Country United States
State Kentucky
County Caldwell
Established December 6, 1820[1]
Incorporated 1854[1]
Named for William Prince, a local landowner[2]
Government
 • Type Mayor-Council
 • Mayor Danny Beavers
Area
 • Total 9.01 sq mi (23.34 km2)
 • Land 8.99 sq mi (23.28 km2)
 • Water 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2)
Elevation 482 ft (147 m)
Population (2010)
 • Total 6,329
 • Density 704/sq mi (271.9/km2)
Demonym(s) Princetonian
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code 42445
Area code(s) 270 & 364
FIPS code 21-63138
GNIS feature ID 0501350
Website www.princeton.ky.gov

Princeton is a home rule-class city[3] in Caldwell County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county.[4] The population was 6,329 during the 2010 U.S. Census.[5]

Princeton is home to several notable attractions such as Adsmore Museum, Champion-Shepherdson House (home of the Princeton Art Guild), University of Kentucky Research and Education Center Botanical Garden, Capitol Cinemas, the Annual Black Patch Festival, and Newsom's Aged Kentucky Ham.

History

Big Springs Cave in the center of Princeton

The community at the head of Eddy Creek was first called Eddy Grove for the creek's source at a large whirling spring. 1,700 acres (690 ha) of surrounding land was granted to the Virginian William Prince for his service during the American Revolution. He settled there in what was then Livingston County in 1799 and erected Shandy Hall, a brick home and tavern. Prince's heirs and another local landowner named Thomas Frazier granted 40 acres (16 ha) around Eddy Grove and Prince's Place towards the establishment of a new town in 1817, provided the courthouse of the newly formed Caldwell County was relocated there from Eddyville. The county court accepted the proposal in July and named the new community Princetown, which shortened to Princeton by the time of the Eddy Grove.[2]

Construction of Princeton College began in 1860 but was delayed by the commencement of the Civil War. Confederate troops camped on its campus in 1861, using one of the buildings as a hospital. Following the Confederate retreat in early 1862, Union soldiers occupied the town for the remainder of the war. In December 1864, Confederate-allied Kentuckian cavalry under Gen. Hylan B. Lyon raided the town and razed the courthouse, which was serving as a Union garrison.

The expansion of railroads in the late 19th century made Princeton an important junction on several major railway lines, most notably the Illinois Central and the L&N. Princeton was also at the center of the Black Patch Tobacco Wars that occurred after the turn of the 20th century.

Since 1925, Princeton has housed the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, a campus of the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture.

Culture

Night Riders and Black Patch Festival

Amoss House, home of Dr. David Amoss, leader of the Night Riders

Every September, Princeton hosts the Black Patch Festival in its historic downtown. Up to 65 booths feature a variety of festival foods, games and activities. One of the highlights of the Black Patch Festival each year is the gospel concert held at the Princeton First Baptist Church.

The festival is named after the unique variety of "Black Patch" tobacco grown in the surrounding areas of western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee. Tobacco was at the center of one of the largest civil uprisings in American history.

By the start of the 20th century, an agricultural boom in dark leaf tobacco had made Caldwell County, along with Christian County, a major tobacco growing area. However, the monopolization of the tobacco market by James B. Duke left many farmers in debt. A vigilante force called the Night Riders was formed to combat the Duke monopoly and terrorized those who cooperated with the tobacco company by destroying crops, burning warehouses, and even physical intimidation.

On December 1, 1906, the Night Riders raided Princeton and burned the largest tobacco factories in the world.

Big Springs

Big Springs

This large, natural spring flows from a cave located in the heart of downtown Princeton. The town's founder chose to build his home above the spring and established a sawmill close by. Ancient trails used by animals and early Indians, and later by stagecoaches and pioneers, all met at the spring. They led to the major rivers of the area, the Cumberland and the Ohio.

During the Cherokee removal of 1838-39, the Native Americans were to be moved west on steamboats. However, a severe drought in the summer of 1838 made river travel all but impossible. With thousands of people, plus a large number of horses, wagons, and other livestock, water was of the utmost importance for survival. Eleven of the 13 Ross detachments came through Princeton on their way to the Ohio River and stopped at Big Spring.

Big Spring Park, a certified site, is owned by the City of Princeton and is accessible to visitors.

Adsmore Museum

Adsmore museum

Adsmore is a living history museum located on North Jefferson Street in Princeton.[6] It is the only living home museum in Kentucky. Its name is believed to be derived because of numerous additions and renovations over 150 years.

Adsmore reflects the lifestyle of the prominent Smith-Garrett family at the close of the "Golden Age". Tours center on events which took place in the lives of John Parker Smith and Nancy Bond Kevil Smith and their five children: Mayme, Kate, Shell, James Urey (Did) and Selina. Different "seasons" are presented throughout the year to reflect the events of the Smith-Garrett family throughout the years as well as holidays. These different settings include Christmas, Easter, the Black Patch War and weddings and engagements.[7]

Eddie Pennington Festival

Princeton is home to the annual Pennington Folk Festival, hosted each summer on the grounds of the Old Butler High School by the Princeton Art Guild. Started in 1997, the Pennington Festival has been a staple music event for western Kentucky, honoring the town's own Eddie Pennington for his contributions to folk music and Kentucky's own thumbpicking guitar style. Eddie Pennington, a nationally recognized musician,[8] continues the tradition of "thumbpicking" popularized by Merle Travis and further developed by instrumentalists such as Chet Atkins.

Col. Bill Newsom's Aged Kentucky Country Ham

Nancy Newsom's Hams

Newsom's Old Mill Store and Col. Bill Newsom's Aged Country Hams are owned and operated by Nancy Newsom Mahaffey, "the Ham Lady". Newsom's was established January 1, 1917, by H.C. Newsom, Nancy's grandfather.

Newsom's ham was honored to participate in the 5th World Congress of Dry Cured Hams in Aracena, Spain, in May 2009, and a two-year-old Newsom's ham was encased for continuing display in the Jamon Museum there, the only ham in the United States of America to be invited.[9] Newsom's ham was also served at the Kentucky Ball during the 2008 Presidential Inauguration.

Capitol Cinemas

Capitol Cinemas

The original theater on this site was the Savoy Theater. It burned to the ground in 1937. The Capitol Cinemas was built on the same site and opened in 1939. The Capitol was re-opened in 1996 and has been in continuous operation since that time. It is the only restored Art Deco theatre in a small community that shows current movies on three screens.

Capitol Cinemas runs first-run films and holds special events for school, church and community events.

Historic Downtown & Let's Paint the Town!

Princeton downtown

Efforts were organized in 2006 to bring the community on board with plans for a "new look" to the downtown historic district. It was emphasized that with community participation, donated funds and volunteer labor, Princeton's downtown could be transformed.[10]

Downtown Princeton Kentucky

In 2008 the Kentucky Heritage Council honored the town with the Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation's Preservation Award "in recognition of the significant accomplishment involving the preservation and historic restoration through increased awareness and civic involvement" for "Let's Paint the Town!". At the invitation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, "Let's Paint the Town!" was honored to present its success to the nation in Chicago (2009) and Oklahoma City (2010) at the National Main Streets Conference.

Geography

Princeton is located slightly southwest of the center of Caldwell County at 37°6′28″N 87°52′57″W / 37.10778°N 87.88250°W / 37.10778; -87.88250 (37.107674, -87.882479).[11] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.0 square miles (23.3 km2), of which 0.023 square miles (0.06 km2), or 0.26%, is water.

U.S. Route 62 (Kentucky) passes through the city center, leading east 12 miles (19 km) to Dawson Springs and west 12 miles (19 km) to Eddyville. Interstate 69, the Western Kentucky Parkway, runs along the northern edge of Princeton, with access from exits 12 (Kentucky Route 91) and 13 (KY 293). KY 91 runs northwest from Princeton 22 miles (35 km) to Marion and southeast 28 miles (45 km) to Hopkinsville.

Hays Spring, located on Hayes Spring Road west of the city limits, is a natural spring that once supplied the water to the Princeton area.

Princeton will be a prime viewing spot for the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017. This eclipse will be viewable through a long path across the United States, with the maximum peak in Princeton, where the eclipse will cover a path 115 km (71 mi) wide and last over 2½ minutes, peaking at 18:25 UT (13:25 CDT).[12]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Princeton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[13]

Economy

ConAgra Foods. is a major employer in Princeton. Agriculture, tourism and retail are also significant sectors of the economy.

Agriculture station

The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center Botanical Garden is stationed in Princeton.[14] The original 400 acres (160 ha) of land were donated by the citizens of Caldwell County, who raised funds by public subscription for the purchase. Formal ceremonies were held September 7, 1925, for dedication of the Substation to "scientific agriculture and a better Kentucky." With an initial staff of one, early program emphasis was placed on rebuilding the depleted cropland areas and applying conservation practices to the badly eroded steeper land. Experimental work on liming, fertilizer application, and use of improved seeding mixtures was begun and structures for crop and animal production research were added. Outstanding livestock herds were established and research with pastures, grain crops, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables was expanded.

In 2012, Princeton voted to allow alcohol sales within city limits. Alcohol sales had been illegal since Prohibition.[15]

Education

The Caldwell County Schools system administers primary, elementary, middle and high schools. It also runs a vocational school that offers programs in carpentry, agriculture, automotive technology and health services.

Caldwell County High School is home to the 1998 Class AA high school football champions. Caldwell County High School also won a state championship in football in 1963.[16]

Points of interest

Confederate Soldier Monument in Caldwell

Registered historic places

Demographics

L.B. Overly House listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1830366—
1860781—
18701,01229.6%
18801,20419.0%
18901,85754.2%
19002,55637.6%
19103,01518.0%
19203,68922.4%
19304,76429.1%
19405,38913.1%
19505,3880.0%
19605,6184.3%
19706,29212.0%
19807,07312.4%
19906,940−1.9%
20006,536−5.8%
20106,329−3.2%
Est. 20156,174[17]−2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]

As of the census[19] of 2000, there were 6,536 people, 2,810 households, and 1,798 families residing in the city. The population density was 716.1 people per square mile (276.4/km²). There were 3,150 housing units at an average density of 345.1 per square mile (133.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.20% White, 9.01% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.64% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.92% of the population.

There were 2,810 households out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 82.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,654, and the median income for a family was $33,895. Males had a median income of $31,935 versus $21,152 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,873. About 14.2% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 17.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

References

  1. 1 2 Commonwealth of Kentucky. Office of the Secretary of State. Land Office. "Princeton, Kentucky". Accessed 28 September 2013.
  2. 1 2 Rennick, Robert M. (1987). Kentucky Place Names. Lexington, Kentucky: The University Press of Kentucky. pp. 243–244. ISBN 0-8131-0179-4. Accessed 16 May 2010.
  3. ↑ "Summary and Reference Guide to House Bill 331 City Classification Reform" (PDF). Kentucky League of Cities. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  5. ↑ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Princeton city, Kentucky". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  6. ↑ Scott, p. 3
  7. ↑
  8. ↑ "NEA National Heritage Fellowships".
  9. ↑ "Col. Bill Newsom's Aged Kentucky Country Ham".
  10. ↑ Your Name Here. "Let's Paint the Town! - Marvo Entertainment Group".
  11. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  12. ↑ "Hermit Eclipse: An Eclipse".
  13. ↑ "Princeton, Kentucky Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
  14. ↑
  15. ↑
  16. ↑ "Past KHSAA State Football Champions" (PDF).
  17. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015". Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  19. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  20. ↑ ""Judge John D. Watkins" in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana"". Chicago and Nashville, Tennessee: Southern Publishing Company. 1890. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
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