Newport, Kentucky
Encyclopedia
Newport is a city in Campbell County
, Kentucky
, United States
, at the confluence of the Ohio
and Licking rivers
. The population was 15,273 at the 2010 census. Historically, it was one of four county seat
s of Campbell County. Newport is part of the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio
Metro Area which comprises over 2 million inhabitants. http://www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/deskbook/files/landarea.pdf. Today, Newport is becoming the entertainment community of the fast-growing Northern Kentucky area while its neighboring cities--Bellevue
and Covington
--become the business centers.
as a town
in 1795 and in 1850 Newport received a city charter. In 1803 the Ft. Washington
military post was moved from Cincinnati to become the Newport Barracks
. In 1900, 28,301 people lived in Newport, Kentucky; in 1910, 30,309; in 1920, 29,317; and in 1940, 30,631.
Newport once had the reputation of "Sin City" due to its upscale gambling casinos on Monmouth street. Monmouth also had many men's stores, nice restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Investigations for racketeering pushed out the casinos, which were replaced by peep shows and adult strip clubs. Many of the old businesses disappeared when parking became difficult on Monmouth street and the commercial district opened on the hill of south Newport.
In the 1980s and 1990s Newport made plans to develop its riverfront and core to focus primarily on "family friendly" tourism, instead of the "Sin City" tourism of the past. In May 1999 the $40-million Newport Aquarium
opened, and the historic Posey Flats apartments were leveled in favor of the Newport on the Levee
entertainment complex, which opened the following year.
In 1997 plans were announced for a 1,015-foot structure called the "Millennium Tower" were revealed. The tower's main selling point was that building it would be financed by private money, as opposed to tax-payer money. The tower was expected to be completed by 2003, but investors later pulled out and no construction was done. Today the site for the tower is a parking lot next to the World Peace Bell
.
, Kentucky
from 1797 until 1823, and then again from 1824 until 1840.
In the 19th Century, the overwhelming majority of the population lived in Newport and the surrounding cities. Many citizens did not like traveling south to Alexandria
to conduct county business, as southern Campbell County was primarily undeveloped.
In 1883, Newport successfully lobbied the state legislature, in Frankfort
, for an exception to state law, which both required that a county seat be located in the center of the county, and that certain county business only be conducted at the county seat. Frankfort passed a special law, creating the Newport Court House District, and within that district, the Newport Courthouse Commission which functioned as a special taxing district, so that an additional courthouse could be built, and business could take place in Newport, in addition to Alexandria. In 2008, the Kentucky General Assembly removed the taxing authority from the Courthouse Commission, but left the District and Commission intact.
The special Courthouse Commission legislation has led to a misconception that Newport was also a county seat, and that Campbell County was dual-seated. However, a recent court ruling clarified that, indeed, Alexandria is the only county seat, and Newport is not a county seat. It explained that "In 1840, pursuant to an act of the Kentucky Legislature, the county seat, then located at Newport, was established at Alexandria. No evidence has been presented to this court that this formal designation of Alexandria as the county seat of Campbell County has ever changed. Evidence provided by the Defendants that Newport is considered a county seat or one of two county seats by historians, encyclopedias (editor's note: Wikipedia was cited in this case by the Defendants) and government agencies is based upon practical realities of how county government and the court system have functioned, pursuant to law, in Campbell County for the past 150 years. However, none of the special acts related to the Newport Court House District ever designated Newport as the county seat."
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 3 square miles (7.8 km²). 2.7 square miles (7 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²) of it (8.42%) is water.
Newport, Kentucky is located within the Bluegrass region
found in the Upland South
of the United States of America. Newport is also commonly, but technically inaccurately, referred to as being located in the Midwest. Either description of Upland South
or Midwest is acceptable due to Newport being located at the extreme periphery of both regions.
of the Southeastern United States.
of 2010, there were 15,273 people, 6,194 households, and 3,273 families residing in the city. The population density
was 6,267.8 inhabitants per square mile (2,420.0/km²). There were 7,828 housing units at an average density of 2,878.0 per square mile (1,111.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.3% White, 7.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, less than 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races
, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.1% of the population.
There were 6,194 households out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.7% were married couples
living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.2% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,451, and the median income for a family was $32,858. Males had a median income of $29,337 versus $22,723 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $15,207. About 20.7% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.1% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.
. Some are listed below:
Some local restaurants that are city institutions:
Campbell County, Kentucky
Campbell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed on December 17, 1794, from sections of Scott, Harrison and Mason counties. As of 2010, the population was 90,336. Its county seats are Alexandria and Newport...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, at the confluence of the Ohio
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
and Licking rivers
Licking River (Kentucky)
The Licking River is a tributary of the Ohio River in northeastern Kentucky in the United States. The river and its tributaries drain much of the region of northeastern Kentucky between the watersheds of the Kentucky River to the west and the Big Sandy River to the east.-Origin of name:The Native...
. The population was 15,273 at the 2010 census. Historically, it was one of four county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
s of Campbell County. Newport is part of the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
Metro Area which comprises over 2 million inhabitants. http://www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/deskbook/files/landarea.pdf. Today, Newport is becoming the entertainment community of the fast-growing Northern Kentucky area while its neighboring cities--Bellevue
Bellevue, Kentucky
Bellevue is a city in Campbell County, Kentucky, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 5,955 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Bellevue is located in the extreme northern portion of Kentucky, directly across the Ohio River from the Mount Adams neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio...
and Covington
Covington, Kentucky
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 43,370 people, 18,257 households, and 10,132 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,301.3 people per square mile . There were 20,448 housing units at an average density of 1,556.5 per square mile...
--become the business centers.
History
Settled about 1791, on land granted to George Muse, purchased by James Taylor Sr. and settled by his son James Taylor, Jr.. Newport was incorporatedMunicipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
as a town
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in 1795 and in 1850 Newport received a city charter. In 1803 the Ft. Washington
Fort Washington, Cincinnati, Ohio
Fort Washington was a fort in the early history of Cincinnati, Ohio. The location is marked by a plaque at the Guilford School building, at 421 E 4th St, Cincinnati, which now occupies the site...
military post was moved from Cincinnati to become the Newport Barracks
Newport Barracks
Newport Barracks was a military barracks on the Ohio River, across from Cincinnati, Ohio in Newport, Kentucky. It was operational from 1803 until 1894.-History:In 1803, James Taylor Jr. solicited the help of his cousin, James Madison, who was then U.S...
. In 1900, 28,301 people lived in Newport, Kentucky; in 1910, 30,309; in 1920, 29,317; and in 1940, 30,631.
Newport once had the reputation of "Sin City" due to its upscale gambling casinos on Monmouth street. Monmouth also had many men's stores, nice restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Investigations for racketeering pushed out the casinos, which were replaced by peep shows and adult strip clubs. Many of the old businesses disappeared when parking became difficult on Monmouth street and the commercial district opened on the hill of south Newport.
In the 1980s and 1990s Newport made plans to develop its riverfront and core to focus primarily on "family friendly" tourism, instead of the "Sin City" tourism of the past. In May 1999 the $40-million Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium
-External links:*...
opened, and the historic Posey Flats apartments were leveled in favor of the Newport on the Levee
Newport on the Levee
Newport on the Levee is a lifestyle center located on Third Street in Newport, Kentucky. It is located adjacent to the Purple People Bridge along the Ohio River and has a view of Cincinnati. The Levee is only one block away from the East Row Historic District and the Monmouth Street Historic District...
entertainment complex, which opened the following year.
In 1997 plans were announced for a 1,015-foot structure called the "Millennium Tower" were revealed. The tower's main selling point was that building it would be financed by private money, as opposed to tax-payer money. The tower was expected to be completed by 2003, but investors later pulled out and no construction was done. Today the site for the tower is a parking lot next to the World Peace Bell
World Peace Bell
The Newport, Kentucky World Peace Bell is one of more than twenty Peace Bells around the World. It weighs 33,285 kg and is 3.7 m wide. From 2000 until 2006, it was the largest swinging bell in the World...
.
County seat
Newport was the county seat of Campbell CountyCampbell County, Kentucky
Campbell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed on December 17, 1794, from sections of Scott, Harrison and Mason counties. As of 2010, the population was 90,336. Its county seats are Alexandria and Newport...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
from 1797 until 1823, and then again from 1824 until 1840.
In the 19th Century, the overwhelming majority of the population lived in Newport and the surrounding cities. Many citizens did not like traveling south to Alexandria
Alexandria, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,286 people, 2,884 households, and 2,275 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,538.7 people per square mile . There were 2,989 housing units at an average density of 555.1 per square mile...
to conduct county business, as southern Campbell County was primarily undeveloped.
In 1883, Newport successfully lobbied the state legislature, in Frankfort
Frankfort, Kentucky
Frankfort is a city in Kentucky that serves as the state capital and the county seat of Franklin County. The population was 27,741 at the 2000 census; by population it is the 5th smallest state capital in the United States...
, for an exception to state law, which both required that a county seat be located in the center of the county, and that certain county business only be conducted at the county seat. Frankfort passed a special law, creating the Newport Court House District, and within that district, the Newport Courthouse Commission which functioned as a special taxing district, so that an additional courthouse could be built, and business could take place in Newport, in addition to Alexandria. In 2008, the Kentucky General Assembly removed the taxing authority from the Courthouse Commission, but left the District and Commission intact.
The special Courthouse Commission legislation has led to a misconception that Newport was also a county seat, and that Campbell County was dual-seated. However, a recent court ruling clarified that, indeed, Alexandria is the only county seat, and Newport is not a county seat. It explained that "In 1840, pursuant to an act of the Kentucky Legislature, the county seat, then located at Newport, was established at Alexandria. No evidence has been presented to this court that this formal designation of Alexandria as the county seat of Campbell County has ever changed. Evidence provided by the Defendants that Newport is considered a county seat or one of two county seats by historians, encyclopedias (editor's note: Wikipedia was cited in this case by the Defendants) and government agencies is based upon practical realities of how county government and the court system have functioned, pursuant to law, in Campbell County for the past 150 years. However, none of the special acts related to the Newport Court House District ever designated Newport as the county seat."
Geography
Newport is located at 39°5′19"N 84°29′25"W (39.088661, -84.490206).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 3 square miles (7.8 km²). 2.7 square miles (7 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²) of it (8.42%) is water.
Newport, Kentucky is located within the Bluegrass region
Bluegrass region
The Bluegrass Region is a geographic region in the state of Kentucky, United States. It occupies the northern part of the state and since European settlement has contained a majority of the state's population and its largest cities....
found in the Upland South
Upland South
The terms Upper South and Upland South refer to the northern part of the Southern United States, in contrast to the Lower South or Deep South.-Geography:There is a slight difference in usage between the two terms...
of the United States of America. Newport is also commonly, but technically inaccurately, referred to as being located in the Midwest. Either description of Upland South
Upland South
The terms Upper South and Upland South refer to the northern part of the Southern United States, in contrast to the Lower South or Deep South.-Geography:There is a slight difference in usage between the two terms...
or Midwest is acceptable due to Newport being located at the extreme periphery of both regions.
Climate
Newport is located within a transition zone and is proximal to the extreme northern limit of the humid subtropical climateHumid subtropical climate
A humid subtropical climate is a climate zone characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters...
of the Southeastern United States.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 15,273 people, 6,194 households, and 3,273 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 6,267.8 inhabitants per square mile (2,420.0/km²). There were 7,828 housing units at an average density of 2,878.0 per square mile (1,111.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.3% White, 7.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, less than 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.1% of the population.
There were 6,194 households out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.2% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,451, and the median income for a family was $32,858. Males had a median income of $29,337 versus $22,723 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $15,207. About 20.7% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.1% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.
Landmarks
- Newport AquariumNewport Aquarium-External links:*...
- Newport on the LeveeNewport on the LeveeNewport on the Levee is a lifestyle center located on Third Street in Newport, Kentucky. It is located adjacent to the Purple People Bridge along the Ohio River and has a view of Cincinnati. The Levee is only one block away from the East Row Historic District and the Monmouth Street Historic District...
, an entertainment and shopping complex founded by Joshua Treadway of Main Moon Productions and Wallks International - Southgate House, historic live music venue; birthplace of John T. ThompsonJohn T. ThompsonJohn Taliaferro Thompson, , was a United States Army officer best remembered as the inventor of the Thompson submachine gun.-Early life:...
, inventor of the Thompson submachine gunThompson submachine gunThe Thompson is an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1919, that became infamous during the Prohibition era. It was a common sight in the media of the time, being used by both law enforcement officers and criminals... - Corpus Christi Church, Newport now converted into low-costing housing.
- East Row Historic DistrictEast Row Historic DistrictEast Row Historic District is the second largest Historic District in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is located in Newport, Kentucky. The East Row was created by joining two of Newport's Historic Neighborhoods; Mansion Hill and Gateway....
, the second-largest National Register Historic DistrictNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in Kentucky - Old Post Office
- Masonic Temple, Newport, Ky. .
- Southgate Street School
- Grace Methodist Episcopal ChurchGrace Methodist Episcopal ChurchGrace Methodist Episcopal Church was formed for English speaking Methodists in Newport to worship. It is located at 111 East 6th Street in Newport, Kentucky....
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, built in 1871 completed in 1873, noted for its beautiful stone tower on the Courthouse Square
- World Peace BellWorld Peace BellThe Newport, Kentucky World Peace Bell is one of more than twenty Peace Bells around the World. It weighs 33,285 kg and is 3.7 m wide. From 2000 until 2006, it was the largest swinging bell in the World...
, located next to the White Castle. - Newport Southbank BridgeNewport Southbank BridgeThe Newport Southbank Bridge stretches 2,670 feet over the Ohio River, connecting Newport, Kentucky to downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.- History :...
Landmarks lost
- Immaculata Academy, Newport, Ky.
- Newport National Bank, circa 1923
- Newport Riverfront circa 1910
- West River Front. Newport
- Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newport
- St. John's German Lutheran Church
- Mount Saint Martin's, Newport
- St. Stephens Church, 9th & Saratoga Sts., Newport
- C. & O. and L. & N. R. R. Depot, Newport, Ky.
- George WiedemannGeorge WiedemannGeorge Wiedemann Sr. was born in Eisenach, Germany, in 1833, Wiedemann came to the United States as a young man in 1855. He moved to Newport, Kentucky in 1870. He was the founder of the George Wiedemenn Brewing Company, which became Kentucky's largest brewery. It was located at 601 Columbia Street...
Brewing Company, Kentucky's largest brewery complex, now torn down for urban renewal, for many years Wiedemann beer was synonymous with Newport
Dining
There are a number of restaurants in the city, attracting residents from the surrounding cities. Many are located in the popular Newport on the LeveeNewport on the Levee
Newport on the Levee is a lifestyle center located on Third Street in Newport, Kentucky. It is located adjacent to the Purple People Bridge along the Ohio River and has a view of Cincinnati. The Levee is only one block away from the East Row Historic District and the Monmouth Street Historic District...
. Some are listed below:
- The Chart House
- Don Pablo'sDon Pablo'sDon Pablo’s is a chain of Tex-Mex restaurants founded in Lubbock, Texas, in 1985. The chain has 45 restaurants in 15 states. The menu features Tex-Mex items, made-from-scratch salsa, tortillas and sauces and a range of other Mexican specialties. Don Pablo’s is a subsidiary of Avado Brands of...
- York Street Cafe
- HootersHootersHooters is the trade name of two privately held American restaurant chains: Hooters of America, Incorporated, based in Atlanta, Georgia, and Hooters, Incorporated, based in Clearwater, Florida...
- Gourmet Chili
- Johnny RocketsJohnny RocketsJohnny Rockets is an American restaurant franchise whose concept is to create a classic American restaurant atmosphere. The theme is the diner-style restaurant that had become a common sight by the 1950s...
- Jefferson Hall
- Mokka Restaurant
- Geselbracht's German Brewhouse
- Claddagh Irish Pub
- Mitchell's Fish Market
- HofbräuhausHofbräuhausThe Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München is a brewery in Munich, Germany, owned by the Bavarian state government...
Newport - Beer Sellar
- Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
- BRIO Tuscan Grille
- Dewey's Pizza
- AOI Japanese Cuisine
- Bar Louie
- Casual Chinese Restaurant
- Hong Kong Grand Buffet
- 1st Wok
- Sis's Family Affair & Catering
- La Mexicana
Some local restaurants that are city institutions:
- Dixie Chili and DeliDixie Chili and DeliDixie Chili and Deli, originally Dixie Chili, is a chain of three Cincinnati chili restaurants located in the state of Kentucky. Greek immigrant Nicholas Sarakatsannis founded the first location in 1929 in Newport, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from the city of Cincinnati...
- Newport Pizza Company
- The Green Derby
- The Pepper Pod
- Pompilio's Italian Restaurant
Trivia
- A pivotal scene (toothpicks) in the movie Rain ManRain ManRain Man is a 1988 drama film written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass and directed by Barry Levinson. It tells the story of an abrasive and selfish yuppie, Charlie Babbitt, who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son,...
was filmed in Newport at Pompilio's, a local restaurant. - Former Republican presidential hopeful Gary BauerGary BauerGary Lee Bauer is an American politician notable for his ties to several evangelical Christian groups and campaigns.-Biography:...
grew up in Newport. - One of the "50 Greatest Players in NBA History" Dave CowensDave CowensDavid William Cowens is a retired American professional basketball player and NBA head coach. At 6'9", he played the center and occasionally the power forward position. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991...
grew up in Newport
See also
- Newport Independent SchoolsNewport Independent SchoolsThe Newport Independent School District is located in Newport, Kentucky....
- List of cities and towns along the Ohio River
- Newport Barracks, Newport KentuckyNewport BarracksNewport Barracks was a military barracks on the Ohio River, across from Cincinnati, Ohio in Newport, Kentucky. It was operational from 1803 until 1894.-History:In 1803, James Taylor Jr. solicited the help of his cousin, James Madison, who was then U.S...
- Vincent Saint JohnVincent Saint JohnVincent Saint John was an American labor leader and a prominent Wobbly.-Biography:He was born in Newport, Kentucky and was the only son of New York native Silas St. John and Irish immigrant Marian "Mary" Cecilia Magee...
, famous Wobbly born in Newport - Newport Central Catholic High SchoolNewport Central Catholic High SchoolNewport Central Catholic High School is a coed private secondary school in Newport, Kentucky and part of the Diocese of Covington. It is located in the center of Newport overlooking the Cincinnati Skyline and Ohio Valley. Founded in 1896 with a Roman Catholic affiliation, it serves students in...