Carroll County Historical Sites

May 22, 2018
Parks, dams, wineries and more.

Carroll County has some excellent fishing opportunities and is home of our Carrollton County Ohio River Regional in November. Besides the fishing, there is plenty to see for the whole family. Here are a few of the historical sites that may interest you on your next visit.

General Butler State Resort Park and Conference Center

One of the Kentucky State Park System’s finest resort parks, General Butler State Resort Park is a diamond in a wooded setting. Paying tribute to one of Kentucky’s foremost military families, the Park is the perfect blend of modern comfort and rich historic atmosphere.

General Butler State Resort Park Overlook

This spot located at the tallest point in Carroll County is the ideal setting to watch the sun rise and set. From this beautifully and lovingly built stone structure, built by the CCC’s during the depression, locals and visitors alike are amazed at the wonder of the Ohio River Valley.

Kentucky Veterans Memorial

Located at the Highway 227 entrance to General Butler State Resort Park. The Kentucky Veterans Memorial is dedicated to all Kentucky Veterans, combat and non-combat; living or deceased. Mr. John Geisler, of Carroll County, and Mr. Jim Sutherland, of Trimble County, designed the Memorial.

In honor of those who served,
In tribute of those who perished,
In gratitude to those now serving.

After six years of planning the Memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2000. The Memorial is nestled among “bricks” purchased for Veterans. Bricks will be available until the approximate 1,300 spots are filled.

This is a most striking sight in the evening. The lighting is absolutely breathtaking. The monuments among the trees are beautiful. Enjoy the hundreds of daffodils that surround the Memorial in the spring.

The Old Stone Jail

This structure built in 1880 was used as the Carroll County Jail until 1969. The two story building houses a basement used for “solitary confinement”. The first floor originally housed men inmates, the second floor housed women and children. The two stories were identical in structure. Each floor had four cells and a “pot belly” stove for heat. There were small open slits for windows without screen or glass. During the winter months, shutters were placed over the open slots used as windows to keep the elements out.

The Old Stone Jail is open for the public.

Point Park

Point Park is located on land at the confluence of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. Point Park is owned by the City of Carrollton and available to the public with boat ramp, Gazebo and playground. The Park is fully equipped with electric, water and gas capabilities throughout the facility. It is the stage for many civic gatherings such as the Two Rivers Blues to the Point, Gospel Jubilee, occasional theatrical productions as well as landings of Riverboats.

Much of the early history of Port William centered around the Point and on Water Street (a street between Main Street and the Ohio River – completely washed away at this time). Trappers, traders paddled up and down the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers. Site of outdoor festivals.

Kentucky River Lock #1 and Dam

Construction of Carrollton’s Lock #1 began in the 1830s. Lying entirely within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Kentucky River is formed at the confluence of its North, Middle and South Forks and drains the timber and coal-rich western slopes of the Kentucky Appalachians. The river flows in a generally northwesterly direction through a steep palisade gorge across the fertile Kentucky bluegrass and snakes through the state capital at Frankfort and empties into the Ohio River at Carrollton. The stone was laid by Irish immigrants. Joseph Barbour Company built the lock and dam. The locks are open on weekends & holidays for boat travel.

Markland Dam

Located in Warsaw, Kentucky at mile 531.5 below Pittsburgh. The navigation locks are on the left bank or Kentucky side of the river. Construction commenced in March 1956 and was completed in April 1959. The dam was finished in the summer of 1963 complete with road to connect Indiana and Kentucky. Picnic tables, observation deck with displays.

River Valley Winery

Experience a European feel with Kentucky hospitality at River Valley Winery.  Escape to the country and enjoy wines under the arbor, the vineyards, the view, the farm animals and the experience!

International award-winning wines are produced with 100% Kentucky grown grapes from right there on the farm.

For more Information and things to do, visit their website.

News Archive

Select the month and year you want to view:


Most Viewed