The Squire Boone Statue on East Main St.
Squire Maugridge Boone, Jr. (October 5, 1744 – August 5, 1815) left his mark on Shelby County and Kentucky history. He is best remembered for establishing a station along the banks of Clear Creek in a very pivotal era of Shelby County’s rich history. Settling Painted Stone Station in 1779/1780, Squire was one of the founding fathers of the county along with many other brave souls who ventured into the western lands of what became Kentucky. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the 12th county of Kentucky.
In honor of his accomplishments, a statue was created in his honor by sculptor Raymond Graf. A committee was formed to oversee the project, several members being members of the Shelby County Historical Society. Its dedication in 2018 drew over 100 descendants to Shelby County for a reunion and tribute to Daniel Boone’s younger brother. A crowd gathered at Centenary United Methodist Church, whose heritage also has Painted Stone ties. The Boone Society held its National Reunion and Conference on June 20-24, 2018 in Lexington with a special event in Shelbyville on June 21 to celebrate the placement of the statue. Members placed a wreath at the statue on East Main Street to mark the significance of Squire Boone’s efforts to establish Shelby County, as well as Kentucky.
With many members world-wide, The Boone Society Inc. is an association of descendants, genealogists, and historians who enjoy studying the lives and times of this remarkable family. It was formed as a reference service for researchers, a conduit for genealogists, clearing-house for bibliographical works, and to host the biennial Boone Family Reunion.
Image Description
Shelby County, Kentucky’s twelfth county, was created from Jefferson County on June 28,1792 with Shelbyville as the county seat. Named for Kentucky’s first governor, Isaac Shelby, Shelby County covers 383 square miles and by 1800 its population exceeded 8,100 individuals.
Prior to the Civil War, agriculture and livestock were the foundation of Shelby County’s economy. In 1850 the first railroad line passed through the county connecting Frankfort with Louisville. In 1870 the Shelby Railroad Company constructed a line that connected Shelbyville to Anchorage, Kentucky. Railroads created improved access to regional and national markets for local farmers. With greater prosperity, commercial and residential development followed. Corn was the most important cash crop in the period of 1870 to 1900; followed by hemp, tobacco and wheat. In 1870 Shelby County was the top hog producer in the state and was fifth highest for beef cattle.
Image Description
At the beginning of the twentieth century economic growth slowed following a national trend. After World War II, however, economic growth was spurred by greater tobacco production and the establishment of an industrial base. The Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation was formed in 1957. In 1961 Shelbyville was linked to Louisville by Interstate 64.
Today, Shelby County continues to be an agricultural leader in corn, wheat and livestock. It is home to sixty-four manufacturing facilities and has 385 members in the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. In 2005 Shelby County was proclaimed the Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World.
627 Main Street
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 444
Shelbyville, KY 40066