_._/C/,_
A Historical Sketch
CFF·,. Legislation was passed from time to time providing for the establishment
of roads and bridges in the countytkl), and, under the highway construction
5 program, Hopkins, over a period of years, has been provided with a network of
improved roads. (2) Today practically every town and village may be reached
over a hard surfaced or a graveled road. U. S. Routes 41 and 62, as well as
l ‘ numerous State highways, cross the county. (5) Two inter—county busts also provide
transportation for the inhabitants. _
A In addition to the Federal and State highways, Hopkins County has excellent
railroad transportation service. The Henderson Division of the Louisville and
{ Nashville Railroad crosses the county from northwest to southeast. A branch of
the Illinois Central Railroad traverses the southern section from east to west.
Both these railway systems have branches extending from junction points within
the county, thus giving Hopkins service to more towns and villages, perhaps, than
‘ is found in any other county in the State. (4) g
 
Educational Development i
‘ During the years 1785-89, known as the "Critical Period" in the history of f
4 our gation, there were few places, "even in the District of Kentucky, so wild and
dangerous as that part of Lincoln County adjacent to the Tidewater River, which
L had been set aside by Virginia for her officers and soldiers of the Revolution."(0' I
' This section of the State was far removed from Richmond, the seat of government, ‘
and means of transportation and communication were yet undeveloped. Communication
with the seat of government was necessarily slow and hazardous. Often months
[ Y I 1. acts: 1850-51, pp. 70-72, 184; 1855-54, p. 555.
2. Hopkins County, Kentucky, Resources, Attractions, Opportunities. Pamphlet.
pp. unnu bered. `
V 3. E£ad_map of Kentuckv, August 1, 1940 Edition.
A 4. Information obtained from Louisville and Nashville R. R. Office and Illinois
Central R. R. Office, August 16, 1940, by Joseph Gurganus.
T 5. Hrs. R. L. Price, April 14, 1925, comment in Madisonville Messengei, lhdison— 333
A ville, xy.