History of Independence, Kentucky

Introduction

Independence, Kentucky, located in the heart of Kenton County, was incorporated in 1842 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1992. The city's history, as detailed in Margie Prindle's 1992 book, A History of Independence, Kentucky, reflects the broader narrative of a developing nation. From its early days as a settlement along key waterways to its growth into the largest city by land area in Kentucky, Independence embodies the spirit of community, resilience, and progress.

Pre-Settlement and Native American Presence

Before European settlers arrived, the area that would become Independence was inhabited by Archaic Native Americans from approximately 700 to 1000 BC. Archaeological evidence along Banklick Creek indicates these hunter-gatherers used the region's streams for travel and sustenance. By the time Kentucky was settled by Europeans, no permanent Native American settlements remained in the area, though the rivers and creeks continued to serve as vital routes.

Kentucky's first permanent European settlements were established in 1775 at Boonesboro and Harrodsburg. Explorers from Virginia, traveling through the Cumberland Gap, followed the Licking River north to the Ohio River, often visiting salt licks at Big Bone for food preservation. The Ohio River also facilitated travel from Pennsylvania, bringing European immigrants to the region. Banklick Creek, stretching 20 miles from its source between Nicholson and Walton to its confluence with the Licking River in Covington, was a critical access route and water source for early settlers.

Early Settlement (1800–1840)

By 1800, the rolling hills of present-day Independence attracted settlers who cleared land for farming and built log cabins. The area's first recorded church, the "Baptist Church of Jesus Christ at Banklick," was organized around this time, reflecting the community's early efforts to establish social and spiritual institutions.

The first post office, opened on November 20, 1837, by Isaac Everett, was initially called "Everett's Creek." It was renamed "Crews Creek" a month later, likely after Cruises Creek near Piner, and changed to "Bagby" in July 1838 by Thomas H. Horndern. This post office, located south of modern Independence, served the scattered settlements in the region.

Northern Kentucky, initially part of the vast Campbell County in 1794, saw Boone County formed from its western portion in 1798. The area that became Kenton County faced challenges due to difficult travel conditions and the Licking River's role as a barrier. Newport served as the northern county seat, with Visalia (later Alexandria) as the southern seat. The struggle for a separate county culminated in 1840 when Kenton County was created, named after pioneer Simon Kenton, who had helped settle the region.

Establishment of Independence as County Seat (1840–1842)

In 1840, farmer John McCollum donated a five-acre tract at what was believed to be the highest point in Kenton County for the county seat. Named "Independence" to celebrate the new county's autonomy, the town saw the construction of a courthouse. The Bagby Post Office was relocated to Independence on October 7, 1840, and renamed accordingly. In 1842, Independence was officially incorporated.

The original Independence Courthouse

The courthouse became the heart of civic and social life, hosting political events, church services, schools, concerts, plays, funerals, and a circulating library. The courtyard was a venue for dances, sports, and community gatherings. Political conventions, often lasting a week, drew crowds and featured prominent figures like John G. Carlisle (later Secretary of the Treasury), Governor Stevenson, and Lieutenant Governor Bryan, who received early nominations in Independence. Local farmers provided meals, and the town buzzed with activity during these events.

By the 1850s, Independence had developed into a small but vibrant community with a tobacco warehouse, general store, brick hotel, drug and dry goods store, taverns, a jail, and a two-room public elementary school. Entertainment included dances in the tobacco warehouse, plays by local dramatic clubs, and spirited political speeches. Community events like Roman Candle fights on July 4th and hat-throwing contests on Election Day fostered a sense of camaraderie, with the jail rarely occupied.

Growth and Challenges (1840–1860)

The period from 1840 to 1860 saw significant growth in Northern Kentucky, particularly in Covington, fueled by German immigration to Cincinnati and Covington. The 12-mile journey from Covington to Independence, via horse-drawn carriage or omnibus on the dirt Independence Turnpike, was arduous. In 1851 and 1858, acts allowed certain county court sessions to be held in Covington, and in 1860, the Kentucky Assembly divided Kenton County into two districts, establishing a second courthouse in Covington. This led to jurisdictional disputes, as illustrated by a 1898 Kentucky Post cartoon depicting tensions between the two courthouses.

Religious Development

Religion played a central role in community life. The Baptist Church of Jesus Christ at Banklick, established around 1800, moved to a new site in 1849 on a ridge with hickory trees, becoming known as Hickory Grove Baptist Church by 1900. In 1844, members founded the Decoursey Creek Baptist Church, later renamed Oak Ridge Baptist Church.

Irish Catholic immigrants in the 1850s held Mass in homes, served by visiting priests. In 1866, a brick house was purchased for worship, and by 1868, a foundation was laid for a dedicated church, though financial difficulties delayed completion. St. Cecilia Church was erected in 1880, named after the saint whose feast coincided with its first Mass. After a fire destroyed the original building in 1919, a new church was constructed at its current location.

The Union Church, built in 1884 following a Presbyterian revival, served multiple denominations but was destroyed by fire in 1896 and not rebuilt. By then, other churches had emerged in the area.

Civil War and Its Impact (1861–1865)

During the Civil War, hilltops along Banklick Creek served as military lookout posts, reflected in names like Fort Mitchell and Kyle Battery. Independence itself saw no direct fighting, but the war delayed progress in public education and state services.

Education

Early education relied on parents or neighbors teaching in homes or small schoolhouses. The Kentucky State Board of Education, created in 1838, introduced public elementary education in the 1840s, though private and small schools persisted into the early 1900s. A private high school, taught by Reverend Dunlap, operated from 1894 until 1910, when it was acquired by the county. In 1911, land was purchased for the Independence Graded and High School, completed in 1912. This building served until 1953 and still stands, though altered.

Consolidation in 1928 eliminated small rural schools, and Simon Kenton High School opened in 1937. Kenton Elementary (1951), Taylor Mill Elementary (1954), Twenhofel Middle School (1960), White's Tower Elementary (1963), and Beechgrove Elementary (1967) followed, reflecting the area's growing population.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Early travel relied on rivers and wagon paths, many of which became toll roads operated by private companies. The Banklick Turnpike (1838), later the Independence Turnpike, followed Banklick Creek. Other turnpikes included Taylor's Mill (1857), Independence Big Bone (1865), and Decoursey Creek (1860). In 1868, the Independence Turnpike was sold to the Louisville Railroad, and a rail station was established two miles from Independence, connected by a stagecoach.

Driving through town in 1947

By the early 1900s, automobiles prompted demands for better roads. Tollbooths were eliminated between 1904 and 1913, and the Covington and Lexington Turnpike (Dixie Highway) was paved with asphalt in 1913. The Independence and Colemansville Turnpike, extending to Harrison County, became Route 17. The origins of the "LLL Highway" remain debated, with theories suggesting it stood for Latonia, Lexington, Louisville or was named after Linus Lamb Liebus, a weigh-master.

Fire Department

Fires posed a constant threat, exacerbated by limited water sources. In 1936, 15 volunteers formed the Independence and Community Fire Department, starting with a hand-drawn chemical cart. Fundraising efforts, including a 1937 supper, enabled the purchase of a pumper truck. Cisterns were built in 1939, and Fire Station 1 was constructed on donated county land. A siren, telephone, and additional trucks followed in the 1940s. The department expanded its service area in 1950, and water lines installed in 1961 improved firefighting. Stations 2 (1974) and 3 (1976) were added, and the Independence Fire District, formed in 1979, began collecting taxes, incorporating the city in 1992.

Independence 1937 Pumper

The Aristocrat Pear

In 1969, William Straw discovered a thornless ornamental pear tree in his Independence nursery. Named the "Aristocrat Pear," it was patented and trademarked, becoming widely planted across the U.S. and abroad. In 1990, it was designated Kenton County's official tree, with the original planted at the Independence Fire Department.

Modern Growth and Services

Independence saw significant expansion through annexations from 1960 to 1984, growing from Madison Pike to the Boone County line and incorporating areas like Cherokee and Ridgeview Heights. This was partly a response to Covington's annexation threats, as Independence offered lower taxes.

By 1990, Independence spanned 16 square miles with a population of 10,444, making it Kentucky's largest city by land area. The city features diverse housing, three shopping areas, and recreational facilities like Banklick Woods Park and Kenton County Public Golf Courses. State Routes 16 and 17, along with Route 536, provide connectivity, with Interstates 275 and 75 nearby.

Public services include TANK bus service, city water, electricity, and cable television. The Kenton County public schools, St. Cecilia Catholic School, and private academies offer robust education. The city is governed by a mayor and six council members, with a police department, 911 dispatching, and amenities like street lights and garbage collection.

Conclusion

Independence, Kentucky, has grown from a small settlement along Banklick Creek to a sprawling city with a rich history of community and resilience. Its story, as chronicled by Margie Prindle, reflects the challenges and triumphs of early settlers, the establishment of civic institutions, and the adaptation to modern demands. As Independence continues to develop, its scenic beauty, strong community spirit, and historical legacy ensure it remains a vibrant part of Kenton County.