Chapman, Lawrence County, Kentucky facts for kids
Chapman is a small place in Lawrence County, Kentucky, United States. It's called an "unincorporated community," which means it's a group of homes and businesses that doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Chapman is located on the eastern side of the Levisa Fork River. You can reach it by using KY Route 2037.
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What is Chapman, Kentucky?
Chapman is a quiet community in eastern Kentucky. It's about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Louisa, Kentucky. Even though it's a small place, it has an important history tied to the railroad.
The Railroad's Role
A busy railway line runs right through Chapman. This railway is operated by a company called CSX Transportation. It travels south from Chapman through Kentucky and into Virginia. For many years, this railroad has been a big source of jobs for people living in Chapman.
How the Railroad Helped
The first railroad tracks were built here in 1880. A company called the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway built them. People who lived in Chapman and worked for the railroad would catch the train right from their community. They would ride it to their jobs each day. This made it easier for them to work, even if their workplace was far away.
Who Was David Chapman?
The community of Chapman, Kentucky, is named after its first settler. His name was David Chapman (1803–1845). He was an important landowner in the area. David Chapman was originally from Montgomery, West Virginia. Many people living in Chapman today are descendants of David Chapman.
The Chapman Family Name
The name "Chapman" has an interesting history. It comes from the German word "Kaufmann," which means "merchant" or "trader." David Chapman's family came to North America from a place called Kaufmann, Germany. David Chapman's uncle, Ned Chapman, also played a role in the region's history. He established Chapmansville, West Virginia, in 1800. Ned Chapman was the first postmaster and ran a general store there.
