The History of Greenville, KY
In 1795, a small group of soldier-settlers under the leadership of Colonel William Campbell and General William Russell, having served in the Revolutionary War under General Nathaniel Greene, came to this area to claim their land grants given to them in payment for their service in the war. This group came from Virginia, North Carolina and a few from Pennsylvania. They first settled a mile and a half west of the site that would later become the central business district of Greenville, building several temporary buildings. “Caney Station”, as the settlement was called, was located in an area that was quickly determined by the settlers to be too low and too far from their fresh water supply. In 1799 they moved to a “site on seven hills” where there were two good springs and where two old Indian trails met. They named their new location GREENVILLE in honor of General Nathaniel Greene. In the decade that followed Alney McLean, Muhlenberg County’s first surveyor and lawyer, drew the plans, laying out Greenville as a town and by 1812 had secured their incorporation and charter as a “City” by the state. 
“Greenville and Muhlenberg County have been known as the largest coal producing county in the USA and home of the largest shovel in the world. Although coal mining has waned a bit, the county continues to be among the most beautiful with lots of hunting and fishing and the home of very friendly people.”
Mayor Ed DeArmond
City of Greenville
2007 - Present
Historical “Claim-To-Fame”
Ephraim Brank of Greenville, born in 1791, grew up knowing of the many talents of Alney McLean. In 1815 Ephraim would become the hero of the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, while serving as a Lieutenant in a Company of the Kentucky Detached Militia commanded by this surveyor turned lawyer and now Captain Alney McLean. The effect produced by Ephraim Brank upon the British Army that January 8, 1815 reflects a coolness and daring that is graphically described by one of the British Officers who faced this “Kentucky Long-Rifleman” in that battle.
Notable Natives
Warren Oates
Famous Hollywood movie actor, who was born in nearby Depoy. He appeared in such movies as: Two Lane Blacktop, In the Heat of The Night, The Wild Bunch, Strips, Dillinger.
Alney McLean
(1779 - 1841)Captain in the Kentucky Detached Militia in the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans.
Lawyer and Survey during the incorporation of Greenville United States Representative from Kentucky.
Lt. Ephraim M. Brank
(Sept 1, 1791 - Sept 5, 1875)Revolutionary War Hero, historically referred to as the “Kentucky Long Rifleman” in the War of 1812’s Battle of New Orleans, in which the British Forces were routed.
Edward Rumsey
(1796-1868)Muhlenberg County’s second U.S.
Congressman (after Alney McLean)
United States Representative from Kentucky from 1837-1839. Buried in the old Caney Station Cemetary
John A. Stembridge
A Greenville educator who in 1852 wrote the widely used “Western Speller” text book.
Jonathan Spilman
A composer, born in Greenville in 1812, he died in Illinois in 1896. Spilman composed the music for such classics as “Flow Gently Sweet Afton” and the Christmas classic, “AWAY IN THE MANGER”.Rev. Barton W. Stone
He married a daughter of Colonel William Campbell, Greenville’s founder. He was west Kentucky’s most noted evangelist in the first half of nineteenth century.John A. Stembridge
A Greenville educator who in 1852 wrote the widely used “Western Speller” text book.William Campbell
He served as a Colonel during the Revolutionary War under General Nathaniel Green. Under a post war land grant, he settled the community of “Caney Station”, which eventually was relocated some two miles and renamed “Greenville” in honor of his superior general. He is known as the “founding father” of Greenville.James K. Patterson
He headed the Greenville Presbyterial (Boys) Academy in Greenville, and later was the “First President of University of Kentucky”.
Merle Travis
Born near Greenville, in Rosewood and reared in Ebenezer, he took the Muhlenberg County innovation of “thumb picking” to new heights, spreading its sound Internationally. As a result, he is now a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the National Thumb Pickers Hall of Fame and the Song Writer’s Hall of Fame.Orval Raymer
A musician from Luzerne on the outskirts of Greenville, he played professionally on the Grand Ole Opry. He is said to have been the first to play an electric instrument on the traditional Opry.Peck Hickman
Coach of University of Louisville Cardinals in the 40-60’s and was put in NCAA Hall of Fame.Roger Newman
Played for University of Kentucky Wildcats in the early 60’s under Coach Adolf Rupp.Danny Morris
Baseball player for Greenville Blackhawks who made it to the major league team, Minnesota Twins. He was a renown fastball pitcher.James Best
Famous Hollywood Actor, whose most famous character was “Rosco P. Coltrane”, the Sheriff of the “Dukes of Hazard”. He was in over 100 movies and guest appearances on Andy Griffith Show. He is from the small community, Powderly, adjacent to Greenville.
Jim Walker
Jim Walker is one of the few flutists in history to have made such indelible marks in so many musical circles. He has left his mark on jazz, pop, classical, television, film and the concert hall. He is a dynamic soloist, legendary orchestral and studio musician, celebrated jazz flutist and an inspiration to countless students worldwide. He has been called a true Renaissance Man of the Flute. Visit his website at www.jimwalkerflute.com.
My Kentucky Home Greenville
Want to learn more about Greenville's history? Check out My Kentucky Home Greenville, an entertaining two-part documentary that recounts Greenville's colorful history and current downtown renaissance.
Come Visit us in Greenville, Kentucky!
Where You're Just in Time!
