Cynthiana
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At a Glance
- Founded: 10 December 1793
- Location: Harrison County, KY. Located in the southern portion.
- Coordinates: 38°23′10″N 84°17′58″W
- Primary Waterway: South Fork of the Licking River
- Known For: 3M Post-it Notes, Home of The Walking Dead
- Status: Home Rule Class City
History
In December 1793, the Kentucky General Assembly formally established the town of Cynthiana on 150 acres of land owned by Robert Harrison in Bourbon County. The land, located east of the South Fork of the Licking River near the mouth of Gray’s Run, had already been surveyed into half-acre lots with streets and alleys. The Act officially recognized the town and placed its development under the authority of appointed trustees.
The trustees were empowered to sell the remaining town lots and were required to give three months’ public notice in The Kentucky Gazette before any sale. They were also authorized to resolve boundary disputes, regulate building standards, and issue deeds to purchasers. Buyers were obligated to construct a house of specified size within four years, and lots not improved within that time could be reclaimed and resold. The trustees were further permitted to alter the town’s layout as needed, while honoring contracts made prior to the Act’s passage.
The Act protected existing property and contractual rights by allowing individuals with superior legal or equitable claims to seek recovery of proceeds from lot sales. It also ensured continuity in town governance by allowing trustees to fill vacancies, and declared that all provisions of the Act would take effect immediately upon passage. Sourced from but not verbatim
Perrin, William Henry, ed. History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky; With an Outline Sketch of the Blue Grass Region. Chicago: O.L. Baskin & Co., 1882.
In the Kentucky Gazette
CYNTHIANA.
The lots in the town of Cynthiana, will be exposed to sale on the first Tuesday in April and continue until all are sold.
Benjamin Harrison } Trustees.
Morgan Vanmeter }
Cynthiana, Jan. 3, 1794.
“Lexington, Fayette, Kentucky, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHN-13YP-89MS-L?view=fullText : image 79 of 751; . Image Group Number: 009050174
Maps & Location
Industry & Commerce
While Cynthiana is known today for manufacturing (including 3M products), its early 1850s industry was foundational, supporting the surrounding agriculture and establishing its role as a regional hub.
Post Office & Government
The Post Office has been in operation since 1 April 1801. One odd fact: there was a 19-year period during which it was spelled “Cinthiana.”