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Location: Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States
Surnames/tags: Kentucky United_States
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Contents |
Introduction
- This page is intended to provide historical context and references that may assist Rockcastle County researchers with their genealogy and family history endeavors. It is still a work in progress: your input and suggestions are welcome. Volunteers are always welcome!
History/Timeline
- Founded in 1810, Rockcastle County is located in the central area of US State of Kentucky. The county was formed from Knox, Lincoln, Madison, and Pulaski counties.[1]
- Isaac Lindsey arrived in the area in 1767 with a hunting party. he observed a lone rock, which resembled an ancient castle. Thus, the Rockcastle River received its name and later the county.
Government Offices
- The county seat has always been Mount Vernon. The current courthouse is located at 205 East Main Street in Mount Vernon.
- 1810 First courthouse was a log structure established in ~1810.
- 1873 Courthouse burned twice in the same year.
- 1874 Second courthouse was a two-story brick structure.
- 1966 Third and present courthouse was constructed.
Geography
- The Rockcastle River forms the southeastern border where the county joins Laurel County. The Rockcastle River, from its source to the mouth, is about seventy-five miles long.[1]
Adjacent counties
Northwest Garrard County |
North Madison County |
Northeast |
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West Lincoln County |
Rockcastle County | East Jackson County |
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Southwest Pulaski County |
South |
Southeast Laurel County |
Rockcastle County Communities
- These are the cities, towns, and hamlets that comprise Rockcastle County.
- Livingston
- Mount Vernon (County Seat)
- Orlando
- Pine Hill
Demographics
- The following table shows the population by year with the percentage change.
Census Year Resident Population Percentage Change
in Population1820 2,249 — 1830 2,865 27% 1840 3,409 19% 1850 4,697 38% 1860 5,343 14% 1870 7,145 34% 1880 9,670 35% 1890 9,841 2% 1900 12,416 26% 1910 14,473 17% 1920 15,406 6% 1930 15,149 −1.7% 1940 17,165 13% 1950 13,925 −18.9% 1960 12,334 −11.4% 1970 12,305 −0.2% 1980 13,973 14% 1990 14,803 6% 2000 16,582 12% 2010 17,056 3% 2020 16,037 −6.0% 2021 (est.) 16,115 1%
Notables
These famous individuals were born in the county or had a role in its history.
- Red Foley Entertainer
- John Lair Entertainment
- Judge Joseph Lambert Legal
- Colonel James Maret Media
- George Payne Pro Sports
- David Smith Military
- Vince Stevenson Pro Sports
- Thomas Stivers Military
- Henry Skaggs Explorer
Major Highways
- Interstate 75
- US Highway 25
- US Highway 150
Historic Sites
- Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
- KY Music Hall of Fame
- Bittersweet Cabin Historical Village
- Great Saltpetre Cave
Cemetery Resources
- Rockcastle County Cemeteries WikiTree
- Rockcastle County Cemeteries FindAGrave
- Rockcastle County Cemeteries KYGenWeb
- Rockcastle County Cemeteries USGenWeb Archives
Birth Records
- Rockcastle County Births at KyGenWeb
- Rockcastle County Births at Genealogy Trails
- Rockcastle County KY Birth Records at LDS Genealogy
Census Records
- Rockcastle County, Kentucky, Census Records
- United States Census, 1810
- United States Census, 1820
- United States Census, 1830
- United States Census, 1840
- United States Census, 1850
- United States Census, 1860
- United States Census, 1870
- United States Census, 1880
- United States Census, 1900
- United States Census, 1910
- United States Census, 1920
- United States Census, 1930
- United States Census, 1940
- United States Census, 1950
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