CHRONOLOGY 453
1783 Kentucky becomes a judicial district; district court opens at Harrods-
burg in March. First horse race in Kentucky run at Humble’s race path;
second at Higgins’ race path—both near Harrodsburg.
1784 First of nine conventions, in session in Danville, considers separation
of Kentucky from Virginia. _
1786 Towns of Frankfort, Stanford, and Washington founded.
1787 Navigation of Mississippi discussed at Danville.
June. Gen. James Wilkinson descends Mississippi to New Orleans with
cargo of tobacco and other Kentucky products. Spanish Governor gives
permit for marketing.
August 18. John and Fielding Bradford establish Kentucky Gazette,
second newspaper west of the Alleghenies, at Lexington.
1788 Spanish Government offers Kentucky commercial favors "if the people
of Kentucky would erect themselves into an independent state."
1790 First Federal census of Kentucky: population 73,677.
July. Ninth convention of Kentucky accepts terms offered by Virginia
in 1789; hxes June 1, 1792, for independence.
1791 January. Congress creates local board of war for District of Kentucky.
General Scott leads Kentucky Volunteers against Indians on Wabash.
Military expeditions under - Gen. James Wilkinson, Gen. Arthur St.
Clair, and Gen. Anthony Wayne.
February 4. Congress authorizes Kentucky to frame a constitution.
1792 April 3. Convention meets at Danville to frame a State constitution.
May. Isaac Shelby elected nrst Governor of Kentucky.
June 1. Kentucky, with an area of 37,600 square miles, admitted as ‘
State into the Union.
June 4. Kentucky Legislature assembles at Lexington; selects Frank-
fort as capital (June 6).
August. First paper mill in Kentucky built at Georgetown (operated
until 1836).
1793 September 28. Draft of Kentuckians ordered by Governor Shelby to
replenish forces of General Wayne.
November 1. Legislature meets for first time at Frankfort.
November 16. First line of packets on Ohio River established at Cin-
cinnati; monthly service to Pittsburgh; Limestone (Maysville) is made
boat station.
1794 May. Citizens meet at Lexington; pass resolutions regarding free navi-
' gation of the Mississippi. _
August. Edward West successfully runs a steamboat on Elkhom Creek, ~
near Lexington—f1rst on mid-Western waters.
1795 Kentucky Academy established.
Spanish Governor of Louisiana sends Thomas Powers to negotiate with
Kentucky.