Tag: Henry

No Destination: Pleasureville

Pleasureville Christian Church. Irony in the name? Perhaps.

Straddling the line of Henry and Shelby counties is the community of Pleasureville. The community first began under the name Bantaville when the area was settled by Dutch Huguenot families, including that of Abraham Banta, leaving Mercer County.

The source of the current name, Pleasureville, is believed to come from the presence of the community’s popular bordello (a source of pleasure, and likely of disease, for many).

I saw Pleasureville on the map and had to stop. Not since Preachersville have I found the name of a Kentucky community so unique. And obviously for quite different reasons!

No Destination: The Old Pollard Inn

Kentucky Historic Marker #798 (Old Pollard Inn)

I will allow the following history to speak for itself [cite] as it is quite an interesting read:

After crossing the Kentucky River from Owen County, [Confederate General John H.] Morgan and Hines were left without a guide, his having turned back due to lack of knowledge of Henry County roads or people. Travelling through the dark, winter night, they eventually grew tired and cold about 2 a.m. December 1st. Morgan and Hines stopped at what is now known as the “Old Pollard Inn,” just north of Highway 22 on Highway 421 outside New Castle. Even though they weren’t sure of where his sympathies lay, the tired men knocked on the door at Mr. Pollard’s.

The master of the house was quickly aroused, whereupon Hines explained their desire to be put up for the night. Mr. Pollard readily let them in, and showed them to the main room of the house. As soon as the lamp on the table there was turned up, Morgan and Hines were sure they were safe. On the table lay a newspaper of Confederate sympathy with the bold headlines proclaiming (incorrectly) that General Morgan, Hines, and seven others had escaped from an Ohio prison.

Their conversation at this point is best put in Captain Hines’ own words: “Glancing at the paper, I looked up and remarked, “I see that General Morgan, Hines, and other offices have escaped from the penitent-iary.” He responded, “Yes; and you are Captain Hines, are you not?” I replied, “Yes; and what is your name?” “Pollard, he answered.” “Allow me, then, to introduce General Morgan.” I found that I had not made a mistake.” Shortly thereafter, Morgan and Hines were resting comfortably in total safety.

Morgan and Hines arose late the next day. After a hearty breakfast, plans to move further on were discussed. The house sat just feet from the main highway, and leaving at such an odd time of the morning was sure to draw unwanted attention of the black workers. Having discussed all the factors, it was decided to remain until after lunch. Mr. Pollard furnished Morgan and Hines with cattle whips, as it had been decided they would travel onward under the guise of cattle buyers. Shortly after lunch, the “cattle buyers” set out for the next planned stop on their journey.

The Old Pollard Inn no longer exists, but the pictured marker remains. As for the Ohio State Penitentiary from where the escape was launched, it was demolished to make way for the Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

No Destination: Main & Cross Main (Main Cross)

Intersection of Main & Cross Main in New Castle

Pictured above is the sign marking the intersection of N. Main St. and E. Cross Main St. in New Castle, Kentucky. Historical significance: none of which I am aware. So why the picture and the post?

Well, you’ve probably figured out I love strange historical facts and findings. A common street design in this area was to have a Main Street with a “Cross Street” (aka “Cross Main” or “Main Cross”). The road was traditionally the main road to run perpendicular to Main Street. Why the picture? Because I’ve never noticed a street sign bearing the name.  Lexington’s “Main Cross Street” is now Broadway. Nicholasville’s “Cross Street” is now Walnut Street.

New Castle’s isn’t the only remaining “Cross” street. A quick google reveals several in Ohio and another in Louisa, Kentucky (Lawrence County).

No Destination: New Castle

New Castle, Kentucky

Marketed as “life in the s-l-o-w lane,” New Castle was founded in 1798 and incorporated in 1817. It has always been the county seat of Henry County. From its website:

The view from this Henry County “seat” hasn’t changed much in 200 years. Local traditions linger , even with Louisville just 35 minutes down the road. New Castle (pop. 919) is one of the smallest towns in Kentucky certified in both “Renaissance on Main” and “Preserve America” programs; we tend to our town with the same grit and teamwork it takes to farm. Nothing fancy here–a busy courthouse square, a few characters and a lot of lawyers (15 at last count.).

So in the past 200 years, not much has changed in New Castle. Except that there are more lawyers.  As for the origin of the town’s name, it is unknown. (Per Wikipedia and, more importantly, the Kentucky Encyclopedia.) I would suggest it is named after my favorite beer, Newcastle Brown Ale. The ale, however, wasn’t created until 1927 so I doubt that is correct.

Henry County Courthouse – New Castle, Ky.


New Castle always seems slightly depressing to me. My only experiences in the county seat of Henry County have been on depressing rainy days. And my last trip through Henry County was no exception. Don’t get me wrong, the courthouse above is a beautiful old building, but downtown New Castle could use a little TLC. It’s a downtown that could really use a little revitalization, as there are a lot of really interesting old buildings that are still standing. I’ve found that most people are surprised that the county seat of Henry County isn’t in Eminence, the larger community down the road.