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Augusta, KY on the slopes of the majestic Ohio River... is a town where there are old houses along its shaded streets peering down on the passing parade of great historic eras in American life that have sheltered families whose sons have influenced the destinies of whole continents. Augusta has always been one of the most picturesque of the Ohio River towns. Founded in pioneer days, Augusta's influence was destined to extend to the remote corners of the earth. Captain Philip Buckner had acquired this site, Augusta, for his Revolutionary War service. Augusta was a town to become located in Bracken County which was formed on December 14, 1796. Not only were its trustees hardy pioneers but they were men of culture, education, and refinement. The first ferry in operation at Boude's Landing began its service in 1800. The most important and far-reaching event in Augusta's early history was the merger by the trustees of the Bracken Academy with conferences of the Methodist Church of Ohio and Kentucky to found the Augusta College in 1822. Lewis Collins quoted in his History of Kentucky, page 210, that "Augusta College was the first college ever established by that denomination in the world." Augusta became an exceptional community of accomplished and cultured families, who though not provincial, built their lives around their lovely churches and beautiful homes...Augusta was a good Chautauqua town and demanded excellent talent, i.e. Wm. Jennings Bryan. The generations that were to follow inherited the spirit and influence of their forbearers. (Walter Rankins, Historic Augusta and Augusta College Kentucky, Sesqui-Centennial Edition, Augusta, KY 1797-1947, Copyright 1949, Reprinted 1985.)
Augusta Ferry: Continuous ferry operations for 200 years across the Ohio River. Augusta Methodist College: Colleges were rare in the mid-west in the year 1820, and as a new adventure required the best thought and talent, careful consideration was given to the selection of officers. Steven Collins Foster: One such officer of the college was Dr. Joseph Tomlinson whose sister (Eliza) was the mother of Stephen Collins Foster, the writer of My Old Kentucky Home. Stephen Foster was often exposed to the musical and harmonious voices that floated softly from the old Negro church, still standing on Second Street. John Gregg Fee: A famous alumnus of Augusta College was Rev. John Gregg Fee, noted abolitionist in Kentucky. The college in the late 1840's was in the center of the anti-slavery movement in Kentucky, and the feeling against the college became so intense that the legislature repealed its charter. This may account for the sentiment that was directed against Augusta in the Civil War that was to follow. Fee was eventually "run" from the country and later founded Berea College and Camp Nelson nearby. Casto-Metcalfe Duel: The cause of the duel between these men was the secessionism of Kentucky. Battle Of Augusta: The attack at Augusta seemed to be a surprise attack. The fighting had been desperate, and the toll was tragic, Col. Basil W. Duke, with about 750 of John Hunt Morgan's men, had attacked Col. Bradford's command at Augusta, succeeding in capturing Col. Bradford's force. Portable Theatre: The inventor of the portable theatre was born and began his career in Augusta. General George Catlett Marshall: Another trustee of Augusta College was Martin Marshall, Esq., the father of General George Catlett Marshall of World War II; his mother was Laura Bradford, a daughter of Dr. Thomas Bradford of Augusta. George Marshall was the founder of the Marshall Plan, which was enacted after W.W. II. Mr. and Mrs. Nick Clooney donated a park to Augusta in his honor. William O. Miller: Investigator at Nuremburg and prosecutor at Dachau War Crimes Trials, resided in Augusta. Kentucky's Oldest Jail: This jail is being preserved and was used to hold runaway slaved for transport South. The front lawn was also the site of slave auctions.
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