Addison, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Addison, Kentucky
|
|
|---|---|
 Addison, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
Addison, Kentucky
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Breckinridge |
| Elevation | 420 ft (130 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area codes | 270 & 364 |
| GNIS feature ID | 510220 |
Addison is a small place in Breckinridge County, Kentucky, United States. It's called an unincorporated community because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
Addison is located right next to the Ohio River. You can find it along Kentucky Route 144. It's about 6.8 miles (11 km) north-northeast of a town called Cloverport.
Contents
History of Addison
Early Days: Holt's Bottom
The area where Addison is now was once known as Holt or Holt's Bottom. In 1880, a post office called Holt opened here. The name came from the family of Joseph Holt, a very important person in American history.
Joseph Holt held several big jobs in the U.S. government. He was in charge of patents (new inventions) in 1857. Then, in 1859, he became the Postmaster General, which meant he oversaw all mail services. In 1860, he was the Secretary of War, helping to manage the country's military. These jobs were during President James Buchanan's time.
Later, President Abraham Lincoln chose Joseph Holt to be the Judge Advocate General. This meant he was the top legal officer for the military. He was also the judge during the important trial of the people who planned Lincoln's assassination.
Holt's Legacy in Addison
Judge Holt's old home is still standing in Addison today. It's even listed on the National Register of Historical Places. He is buried in a private cemetery right next to his home.
There was also a school nearby called Holt School. A church known as Holt Chapel was also part of the community.
Addison Gets Its Name
In 1889, part of the town of Holt was renamed Addison. This new name honored the local postmaster, L. D. Addison. Mr. Addison ran the Addison post office and also a store in the community.
The Holt post office continued to operate for many years, from 1880 until 1958. The Addison post office, which was run by postmistress Mae Harpe, closed in 1965.
Life by the Ohio River
Addison was also important because of Lock and Dam #45 on the Ohio River. This dam helped control the river's water levels for boats. It worked from 1927 until 1971. It was taken down when a new, bigger dam, the Cannelton Lock and Dam, was built.
On a hill in Addison, there's a place called "The Reservation." Ten homes were built there for the people who worked at Lock and Dam #45. These homes are still there today. Private residents live in them and enjoy amazing views of the Ohio River. The L & N railroad also runs between The Reservation and the river.
Notable people
- L. D. Addison: He was the person Addison was named after. He ran the first store and post office in Addison. L.D. (Lloyd Dulany) Addison was married to Alice Setzer Addison (1862–1939). He is buried in Cloverport Cemetery #1 in Cloverport, Kentucky. Cloverport is about 10 miles from Addison along KY-144 W.
