History of Brandenburg, Kentucky, USA

1854 - Brandenburg
Brandenburg, capital of Meade county Kentucky, on a high bluff of the Ohio river 40 miles below Louisville, and 90 miles W. by S. from Frankfort. It contains 2 or 3 churches, 2 flouring mills, 4 warehouses, and has considerable trade. Population, estimated at 700.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1870 - Huge Fire
The entire business portion of Brandenburg, Meade county, Ky, was destroyed by fire on the morning of the 22d. Only three business houses are left in the place. Loss estimated at $100,000; insurance, $50,000.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
December 21, 1870

1889 - Hanging
On the 8th James Ross (colored) was hanged at Brandenburg, Ky., for the murder of Benedict Rhodes, an old farmer, on April 6 last.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 16, 1889

1895 - Brandenburg
Bran/ denburg, a post-village, capital of Meade co., Ky., on the Ohio River, 23 miles from Brandenburg Station, and 36 miles by rail S.W. of Louisville. It has 4 churches, a bank, 2 newspaper offices, and salt-works. Pop. 500.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Brandenburg, a banking post-town, capital of Meade co., Ky., on the Ohio River, 36 miles by rail SW. of Louisville. Pop. in 1900, 218.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1974 - 80 KENTUCKIANS KILLED.
Louisville, Ky. (AP) - The death toll soared to 80 today as Kentucky began digging out from the worst tornado disaster in its history.
Hundreds were injured and property damage was expected to run into millions of dollars.

Gov. WENDELL FORD declared the state a disaster area and called upon President Nixon to do likewise.

"This is probably the most tragic day in Kentucky history," the governor said late Wednesday after reports of the death and destruction began filtering into his office in Frankfort.

The previous most devastating tornado in the state's history touched down in Louisville on March 27, 1880, when 76 persons died. An undetermined number of others lost their lives in that same storm in other portions of the state.

Wednesday's tornado was the first reported in Brandenburg, a community of 1,600 about 50 miles from here, since 1950.

Soldiers from nearby Ft. Knox used giant searchlights through the early morning hours, looking for more bodies in the... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Brandenburg:
Visit the Meade County History Museum: Start your exploration of Brandenburg by delving into its history. The Meade County History Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the town's past. You'll find exhibits showcasing the Civil War era, Native American artifacts, and much more.

Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area: Nature enthusiasts will love spending time at Otter Creek. This beautiful park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and even a lake for fishing and boating. It's a great spot to connect with the great outdoors.

Brandenburg Riverfront Park: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Ohio River at Brandenburg Riverfront Park. It's a perfect place for a picnic, and you can also find a boat ramp here if you're interested in boating or fishing.

Sample Local Eats: Brandenburg has some excellent local restaurants and eateries. Be sure to try some classic Southern comfort food at places like The Whistle Stop and Brandenburg Bakery.

Squire Boone Caverns: Just a short... Read MORE...