Petersburg, Kentucky
Encyclopedia
Petersburg is an unincorporated community
in Boone County
, Kentucky
, United States
. The community was established about 1800, known at the time as Tanner's Station. The Bullittsburg Baptist Church
was founded outside former hamlets of Utzinger and Gainesville/Idewild, east and north of Petersburg in 1794. Because the community is unincorporated, it has no precise borders. Depending on where the boundaries are drawn, Petersburg has a population between 400 and 600.
One may often incorrectly hear that Petersburg, in 1791, was considered as a site for location the new Kentucky State Capital; this has been confirmed in the oral tradition of the community, where descendants of the original settlers still live, and was "planned," laid out on a grid, highly unusual for the period, re-named in honor of Petrograd, Russia. The statehouse and governor's mansion were to have been built on the hill overlooking the town. However, oral tradition proves incorrect; the Petersburg in consideration for state capital was another, now defunct, location in Woodford County
.
The Woodford County town was laid out by General Charles Scott, with anticipation of it becoming the capital. The legislature at the time opted to make the capital whichever town anted up the most, and Frankfort, under the leadership of one General James Wilkinson, came up with land, rent from a tobacco warehouse for 7 years, building supplies, and $3,000 in gold. No place, other than Frankfort, Kentucky
else was close. Petersburg, Boone County was never considered for the head of government in Kentucky.
Petersburg, Boone County is home to the controversial Creation Museum
by Answers in Genesis
.
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
in Boone County
Boone County, Kentucky
Boone County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1798. The population was 118,811 in the 2010 Census. Its county seat is Burlington. The county is named for frontiersman Daniel Boone...
, 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...
. The community was established about 1800, known at the time as Tanner's Station. The Bullittsburg Baptist Church
Bullittsburg Baptist Church
Bullittsburg Baptist Church is located at 2616 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Boone County, Kentucky. This Baptist Church was organized in June, 1794, by Elders John Taylor , Joseph Redding, and William Cave. The church erected the first house of worship in 1797. This is the oldest church...
was founded outside former hamlets of Utzinger and Gainesville/Idewild, east and north of Petersburg in 1794. Because the community is unincorporated, it has no precise borders. Depending on where the boundaries are drawn, Petersburg has a population between 400 and 600.
One may often incorrectly hear that Petersburg, in 1791, was considered as a site for location the new Kentucky State Capital; this has been confirmed in the oral tradition of the community, where descendants of the original settlers still live, and was "planned," laid out on a grid, highly unusual for the period, re-named in honor of Petrograd, Russia. The statehouse and governor's mansion were to have been built on the hill overlooking the town. However, oral tradition proves incorrect; the Petersburg in consideration for state capital was another, now defunct, location in Woodford County
Woodford County, Kentucky
Woodford County is a county located in the heart of the Bluegrass region of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 23,208. Its county seat is Versailles. The county is named for General William Woodford, who was with General George Washington at Valley Forge...
.
The Woodford County town was laid out by General Charles Scott, with anticipation of it becoming the capital. The legislature at the time opted to make the capital whichever town anted up the most, and Frankfort, under the leadership of one General James Wilkinson, came up with land, rent from a tobacco warehouse for 7 years, building supplies, and $3,000 in gold. No place, other than Frankfort, Kentucky
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...
else was close. Petersburg, Boone County was never considered for the head of government in Kentucky.
Petersburg, Boone County is home to the controversial Creation Museum
Creation Museum
The Creation Museum is a museum near Petersburg, Kentucky that presents an account of the origins of the universe, life, mankind, and man's early history according to a literal reading of the Book of Genesis...
by Answers in Genesis
Answers in Genesis
Answers in Genesis is a non-profit Christian apologetics ministry with a particular focus on supporting Young Earth creationism and a literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The organization has offices in the United Kingdom and the United States...
.
Notable natives
- Charles Clinton FleekCharles Clinton FleekCharles Clinton Fleek was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
, recipient of the Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for service in the Vietnam WarVietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. "Chalky," as he was known, attended the 4-room Petersburg Elementary School.