Dennis Partridge

IT is an interesting suggestion of the archaeologist, that this land, which on the coming of the whites was too forbidding for the habitation of the Indian, centuries before was the home of a race of beings possessing some approach to civilization. The discovery of footprints upon his deserted island by Robinson Crusoe was not more startling than the discoveries of archaeologists to the followers of Petarius and Usher, who place the operations of creation and the whole evolution of civilization within the narrow limits of a few centuries. But science has multiplied its evidence until there is no room … Read more

Early settlers in the American frontier established homes by clearing timberland for crops, using the removed timber to build cabins and fences. Equipped with rudimentary tools and food supplies, they prospected for months to find suitable land, after which families moved to these new homes, often sharing space with others due to communal hospitality. Game and simple crops mostly sustained them, with meat, hominy, and wild fruits as staples. Hunting was both a necessity and a leisure activity, with settlers adept at using rifles and enjoying the thrill of the chase, as exemplified by tales of raising fawns and communal hunting expeditions. Settlers prioritized land clearing over large-scale farming since they valued land appreciation, and communities helped newcomers build homes in a show of mutual aid. As settlements grew, hunting territories expanded; the game became scarcer leading to organized hunting trips which were occasions of camaraderie, health, and religious observance. Major threats from predatory wildlife like bears, panthers, and wolves were combated to protect livestock until about 1827 when such threats diminished in the settled regions.

Todd County, historically an agricultural area, favored tobacco farming due to settlers’ old practices and reliance on this cash crop for income. Yet, this led to soil depletion, necessitated crop rotation, and introduced other farming methods. Tobacco remains key, grown with care, despite its demanding nature and fluctuating profits. Corn has become important, feeding livestock rather than laborers, signaling a shift towards mixed farming and increased grain production. Post-war, stock-raising gained traction, alongside a maintained interest in horse breeding, with some efforts to improve cattle breeds. Modern agriculture now includes mixed grass meadows, while keeping livestock diversifies the farming landscape and contributes to the economy.

Early settlers immigrated to Kentucky’s bluegrass region, with adventurers founding Davis Station and Cartwright’s settlement in 1792. Despite Native American resistance, settlements like Cartwright’s persevered. Pioneers, including Revolutionary War veterans, faced hardships and frontier challenges. Jefferson Davis was born in a notable tavern-keeping family in Fairview. By 1811, immigration surged from North Carolina, transforming the region’s landscape and setting foundations for towns and infrastructure.