Kentucky History Podcast

Happy New Year! In this thought-provoking episode, we explore alternate history scenarios tied to one of the most pivotal conflicts in early US history—focusing on the state that gave more soldiers to the war than any other. Nearly 25,000 Kentuckians served, and the commonwealth suffered more casualties than any other state, making “Remember the River Raisin!” a rallying cry that echoed across frontier America.

Our Links: https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

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

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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.

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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.

Our Links: https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

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.

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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

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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.

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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, [email protected]

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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, [email protected]

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/

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