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Owensboro, Kentucky

Located in Daviess County, Kentucky, Owensboro was founded in 1797. 'Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.'. Last public hanging in the U.S. took place here in 1936.
Founded 1797 | Population 61,000 | Peak 61,000 (2024) | County Daviess County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Owensboro, Kentucky

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1797 Founded: Ohio River settlement.
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1936 Last Public Hanging: Last public hanging in U.S.
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1936 Natural Disaster: Owensboro was impacted by a significant flooding.
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1973 Bluegrass: Bluegrass Music Capital.
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2010 Modern Era: Owensboro continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Owensboro

Jan 1, 1970
Kentucky Legislature Approves Bible Class Public Schools
FRANKFORT, Ky. — On March 11, 2016, the Kentucky legislature gave the green light to a bill that would let public schools offer …

Complete Historical Timeline

1797 Culture
Founded
1936 Crime
Last Public Hanging
1936 Disaster
Natural Disaster
1973 Culture
Bluegrass
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
'Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.'.
2
Last public hanging in the U.S. took place here in 1936.
3
Famous for unique mutton BBQ tradition.
4
Owensboro is located in Daviess County, Kentucky.
5
Owensboro was founded in 1797.

Famous People from Owensboro, Kentucky

JD
Johnny Depp
Actor, Musician · Born Jun 9, 1963 · Age 62
NH
Nicky Hayden
Motorcycle Racer · Born Jul 30, 1981 · Died May 22, 2017 (age 35)
TE
Tom Ewell
Actor, Stage Actor · Born Apr 29, 1909 · Died Sep 12, 1994 (age 85)
WF
Wendell Ford
Politician · Born Sep 8, 1924 · Died Jan 22, 2015 (age 90)
SC
Stephen F. Cohen
Writer, Historian · Born Nov 25, 1938 · Died Sep 18, 2020 (age 81)

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