Webster County was originally formed from Henderson County, Hopkins County and Union County in 1860. It is located in the Western Coal Field region of the state and bounded by Union, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean and Crittenden counties.

Historical Sites

A trip on US 41A takes you to Webster County where the name of the county itself has historical significance. The county was named in honor of Daniel Webster, on of the greatest of American orators, statesmen and lawyers, and established in 1860. When you visit Webster County , be sure to see the historic War Memorial on the Courthouse Lawn in Dixon . Built in remembrance of 85 Webster County residents who died in World Wars I & II, it's a true reminder of the part Webster County played in the history of our nation.

Rice House - 400 Main Street, Dixon
Birthplace of poet Cale Young Rice and his philanthropist wife, Leban Lace Rice. Some outstanding titles of Rice and his wife are Bridging the Years, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, and Passionate Follies.

Battle of Burnt Mill - KY 630, near Vanderburg, Dixon
A few miles outside of Dixon on KY 630 is the site of the Battle of Burnt Mill. This skirmish, which occurred in 1861 at Deer Creek, was the first battle of the Civil War to take place in Kentucky . Twenty-five Union soldiers were taken captive by the local Confederate contingent, led by Captain Al Fowler of Hopkins County .

Harp's Head - U.S. 41A, Dixon
The head of notorious outlaw, Big (Micajah) Harp, was hung here in 1800 as a warning to other outlaws after he and Little (Wiley) Harp roamed Kentucky from 1798-99 on a crime spree.

The People's Bank, Dixon (c. 1903) - is currently being used for attorney offices.

Sebree Deposit Bank, Sebree
The historic Sebree Deposit Bank (c.1890) is still in operation with a beautifully refurbished interior including a marble floor.

McMullin-Warren House, Sebree
Another historic site in the area is the McMullin-Warren House (c. early 1900s - Queen Anne architecture).

Historic War Memorial on the Courthouse Lawn, Dixon
Built in remembrance of 85 Webster County residents who died in World Wars I & II, it's a true reminder of the part Webster County played in the history of our nation.

Historic Blackford Bridge, Blackford
The Tradewater River railroad bridge at Blackford was a vital link for the Ohio Valley Railroad that ran from Henderson, to Princeton, Kentucky. The bridge was the heartbeat of the small community of Blackford, Kentucky.

Bell's Drug Store, Sebree
For its old fashion soda fountain and atmosphere

Sebree Barber Shop, Sebree
For its original barbers chair and decor

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Webster County Civil War Sites

Webster County will soon be participating in the Civil War Driving Tour sponsored by the Kentucky Heritage and Tourism Council.  Signs will be erected at four major sites:

• The Battle of Slaughtersville , June 27, 1863: Col. William Hollis of Webster County and 480 men of the CSA were camped near the railroad on the Dr. Tom Drake farm. The Union army came upon them and attacked, defeating the Confederates and killing Col. Hollis.
  
  
• The Battle of Burnt Mill, Sept. 15, 1861: Capt. Al Fowler and the Webster County Home Guard of KY CSA came upon 25 troops camped at Old Tirzah Church and captured them. This is reputed to be the first shot fired in the Civil War in Kentucky.
  
  
• The Battle of Dixon, Aug. 8, 1863 and the Burning of the Dixon Jail, Aug. 10, 1863: Capt. F. M. Headley CSA, Camp E, 8th Reg., was recruiting men in Tennessee and Kentucky in the area. Capt. Headley and 30 CSA recruits were attacked outside of Dixon on their way to Clay, KY and only a few CSA men escaped. Two days later, Union soldiers that had been held in the log jail at Dixon, which confined Civil War prisoners only, burned the log jail and the county jail located at the side of the courthouse.
  
  
• The Campsite of Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest at Providence, Nov. 24- Dec. 5, 1861: Gen. Forrest and his company camped here on their return to Hopkinsville, KY after being in Union County.

 A brochure for the driving tour is available from Lowell Childress (270) 667-5022.

Webster County Historical Sites

The Story of the Harp Brothers

Webster County Civil War Sites

Webster County Civil War Driving Tour - Several Civil War battlesites as well as the campsite of General Nathan B. Forrest. Dixon 270-667-5022

Merle Travis - Everly Brothers "Rock-n-Roll" Trail - Part of Bluegrass, Blues, Barbecue and soooo much more across Kentucky

Parker Warner Historic Museum
Collection of photography, memorabilia, written & oral history. 500 S Broadway St., Providence 270-667-5022

Webster County Genealogy Society - located at the Webster County Courthouse in Dixon

Forrest Reconnoitered (State Marker 617, Providence, US 41, KY 120-A, Webster Co.)

County Named, 1860 (State Marker 783, Dixon, Courthouse lawn, US Alt. 41 & KY 132, Webster Co.)

Frontier Justice (State Marker 1004, N. of Dixon, US 41, Webster Co.)

Kentucky Authors (State Marker 1508, 303 S. Main St., Dixon, US 41-A, Webster Co.)

Encounter at Burnt Mill (Marker Number: 1915, 10 mi. E. of Providence, Jct. KY 630 & 120)

Trails-R-Us - Civil War Sites

Kentucky Historical Society

Kentucky Heritage Council