In this episode, historian and author Gabriel Neville joins us to discuss his book The Last Men Standing: The 8th Virginia and the Birth of the American Frontier. Nearly 800 men followed the “Fighting Parson,” Colonel Peter Muhlenberg, into the Continental Army in 1776—but few remained by the end of the Revolution. Drawn from Virginia’s western frontier—stretching from Pittsburgh to what would become Kentucky and Tennessee—these men helped shape the fight for independence and the early settlement of America’s frontier. Neville shares how he pieced together their story from rare letters, archives, and forgotten records, offering new insight into major battles like Sullivan’s Island, Germantown, and Monmouth, and into the lives of soldiers who went on to settle the American West. This is the remarkable tale of the 8th Virginia Regiment, the men who endured the Revolution’s harshest campaigns—and the legacy they left behind in Kentucky and beyond. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Men-Standing-Virginia-Revolution/dp/1804516724 8thVirginia.com https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In this episode, historian James Prichard joins us to uncover the story of Cook’s Rangers, a Confederate guerrilla group active in northeastern Kentucky during the Civil War. Operating in the rugged terrain of the region, these irregular fighters launched a series of raids that struck fear into Unionist communities and disrupted military operations across the area.

In this episode of the Kentucky History Podcast, we’re joined by Jason French of the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington, Kentucky. Dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Northern Kentucky, the museum brings the region’s story to life through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and community programs. From early Native American history and frontier life to the impact of the Ohio River, transportation, industry, and culture, the Behringer-Crawford Museum connects the past with the present in ways that inspire curiosity and appreciation. Jason shares insights into the museum’s unique collections, the role it plays in education and preservation, and why Northern Kentucky’s history is essential to understanding the Bluegrass State as a whole. Join us as we explore one of Kentucky’s most dynamic regional museums and uncover the stories that have shaped communities along the Ohio River. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations on Kentucky’s history.

This episode is a special feed swap with Kentucky Wide, a podcast production of The Frazier History Museum. General William “Bull” Nelson of Mason County, secretly fought to keep Kentucky in the Union and was then famously murdered in Louisville's Galt House Hotel by Jefferson Davis (not the Jefferson Davis you’re thinking of). Camp Nelson in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was named in his honor. The incredible historic site is now remembered for the hundreds of enlistments of Kentuckians into the U.S. Colored Troops. Poet Frank X Walker has written a collection of poems touching on these people and moments called Load in Nine Times—several of which are included in this episode covering both the history and his modern relationship with Camp Nelson. -- On Main Street in Louisville, The Frazier Museum is dedicated to sharing the stories, moments, and people from the Commonwealth that matter to the world. With exhibits, multimedia, field trips, live programs, tours, and the Kentucky Wide podcast, The Frazier is where thousands start their Kentucky journey. Find out more at www.Fraziermuseum.org Subscribe to the Kentucky Wide Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kentucky-wide/id1816224422 Load In Nine Times by Frank X. Walker: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324094937 https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In part two of our conversation with Jerry Fischer, we continue tracing the history of Meade County, Kentucky, focusing on its role in the Civil War, postwar development, and 20th-century growth. Learn about the impact of Fort Knox, the county’s economic and cultural evolution, and the stories of the people who made Meade County what it is today. This episode brings the county’s past full circle, highlighting its lasting legacy in Kentucky history. https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In this first episode of our two-part series, we sit down with historian Jerry Fischer to explore the early history of Meade County, Kentucky. From its founding along the Ohio River to the lives of its first settlers, we discuss how geography, frontier challenges, and community building shaped Meade County’s identity. Discover the county’s role in Kentucky’s growth and the unique stories that set it apart in the Bluegrass State. https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In Part 2, Gwinn Thompson continues the conversation by exploring the broader, lesser-known story of the Lincoln family. From disputed family records to forgotten homesteads, Gwinn reveals the people, places, and events that historians have often overlooked or misunderstood. This episode uncovers the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of the Lincolns in Kentucky—and how those untold stories reshape our understanding of one of America’s most iconic families. For Gwinn’s book email, gwinnthompson@yahoo.com https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In Part 1 of this special two-part series, we’re joined by Gwinn Thompson, author of The Lincoln Family: Its Lost & Hidden History, for a deep dive into Abraham Lincoln’s earliest days in Kentucky. Drawing from years of research, Gwinn shares new insights about the Lincoln family’s roots in Mill Creek, Hardin County, and Beechland in Washington County, shedding light on long-overlooked locations and misunderstood facts about Lincoln's birthplace and childhood. For Gwinn’s book email, gwinnthompson@yahoo.com https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In this episode, we’re joined by Matthew Bailey, Executive Director, to explore the remarkable history of Green River Academy, located in Elkton, Kentucky. Founded in the 19th century, this historic institution played a vital role in shaping the educational and civic life of Todd County and the surrounding region. Matthew Bailey shares the origins, mission, and enduring legacy of the academy—from its Methodist beginnings to its influence on generations of students who would go on to become leaders in Kentucky and beyond. Discover how Green River Academy became a cornerstone of learning in rural Kentucky and why its story still resonates today. https://www.greenriveracademy.com/ https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In Part 2, Gwen Thompson returns to discuss Mary Todd Lincoln’s life as First Lady, her personal struggles, and the lasting impact of her legacy. We examine her time in the White House during the Civil War, her profound grief after the loss of family members and President Lincoln, and the controversies that surrounded her in the public eye. Gwen provides expert insight into how Mary Todd Lincoln’s Kentucky roots, political instincts, and personal resilience helped shape her role in one of the most turbulent eras in American history. https://www.mtlhouse.org/ https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In Part 1 of our special two-part series, Gwen Thompson, Executive Director of the Mary Todd Lincoln House, joins us to explore the early life of Mary Todd Lincoln in Lexington, Kentucky. From her upbringing in a prominent and politically connected family to the cultural and social influences that shaped her worldview, this episode offers a fascinating look at the formative years of one of America's most complex First Ladies. We delve into Mary’s education, her family’s stance on slavery, and the vibrant atmosphere of Lexington in the early 19th century—a place that profoundly influenced her later life in the White House. https://www.mtlhouse.org/ https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In part two, we turn our attention to the deeply personal story of Dinah, a pregnant enslaved woman caught up in the Greenup Slave Revolt. With Professor Andrew Feight and Marlitta Perkins, we explore her life, her choices, and the extraordinary circumstances she faced during one of the most dangerous uprisings in Kentucky history. Dinah’s story brings the human cost of slavery into sharp focus and reminds us of the resilience and humanity of those too often forgotten. Through her story, we better understand the lived experiences of enslaved women and how their courage shaped the fight for freedom.

In this first part of our two-part series, Professor Andrew Feight and Marlitta Perkins join the Kentucky History Podcast to tell the dramatic story of the Greenup Slave Revolt. This powerful but often overlooked event highlights the courage of enslaved Kentuckians who risked everything in pursuit of freedom along the Ohio River. We’ll uncover the revolt’s origins, what drove the enslaved to rise up, and how the dramatic confrontation unfolded in Greenup County. Their story not only sheds light on Kentucky’s place in the history of slavery but also connects to the larger narrative of resistance and survival across America.

In part two, Professor Doug Cantrell returns to discuss Cassius Clay’s political career, his diplomatic service under President Abraham Lincoln, and his lasting legacy as a progressive voice in a conservative time. From defending emancipation to serving as Ambassador to Russia, Clay’s fearless pursuit of justice took him far beyond Kentucky.

In this episode, we dive into the early life and rise of Cassius Marcellus Clay, one of Kentucky’s most controversial and influential figures. Guest Professor Doug Cantrell joins us to explore Clay’s privileged upbringing, his education at Yale, and the ideological transformation that led him to become a staunch emancipationist in a deeply divided state.

In this final installment of our three-part series on Alexander Keene Richards, we explore the lasting legacy of one of Kentucky’s most visionary horsemen. Author Gary A. O'Dell helps us reflect on how Richards’ bold efforts to revive the American Thoroughbred through Arabian and English bloodlines continue to influence modern horse racing. Gary's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-American-Thoroughbred-Adventures-Alexander/dp/0807183695 https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In Part 2, we continue the fascinating tale of Alexander Keene Richards and turn to his second journey in 1855, accompanied by famed equine artist Edward Troye. This episode examines how Richards’ breeding innovations and Troye’s artistry combined to preserve the beauty, heritage, and stamina of the horses they encountered. Gary's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-American-Thoroughbred-Adventures-Alexander/dp/0807183695 https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In this episode, we begin the extraordinary story of Alexander Keene Richards, a 19th-century horse breeder from Georgetown, Kentucky, whose bold vision reshaped American horse racing. Drawing from Gary O’Dell’s newly published book, Reinventing the American Thoroughbred, we explore Richards’ belief that American Thoroughbreds had lost their endurance and needed revitalization through bloodlines from pure Arabian horses. Join us as we follow Richards’ daring journey into the Syrian desert in 1851—making him the first Westerner to bargain directly with Bedouin tribes for these prized horses. Discover how this Kentucky visionary brought endurance and excellence back to American racing, laying the groundwork for future champions. Gary's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-American-Thoroughbred-Adventures-Alexander/dp/0807183695 https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

In this compelling episode, historian James Prichard returns to explore a turbulent and often overlooked chapter in Kentucky history: the rise of vigilante justice in the late 1800s. As Kentucky struggled with post-Civil War lawlessness, economic transition, and rural isolation, citizens in several counties took the law into their own hands—forming vigilante groups that operated outside legal authority.

Part 2 of our Butler County series with guest Tommy Hines continues the journey through the county’s rich and often dramatic past. We explore the impact of the Civil War, how Butler County navigated its divided loyalties, and the transformation that followed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod