Cropper, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cropper
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 Cropper
Location in Kentucky
Cropper
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Shelby |
| Elevation | 902 ft (275 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 490392 |
Cropper is a small, unincorporated community located in Shelby County, Kentucky, in the United States. This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own city government. Long ago, it was also known as Croppers Depot. Even though its post office is now closed, Cropper has a rich history that dates back to the late 1700s. In 2010, about 205 people lived in Cropper.
Contents
History of Cropper
How Cropper Got Its Name
Cropper was founded by a man named James Cropper. He was a blacksmith and a store owner. Around the 1790s, he built the very first house in the area. James Cropper also became the community's first postmaster. This is how the community got its name, honoring its founder.
Early Settlers and Growth
The first people to settle in Cropper were mostly members of the Low Dutch colony. They arrived in the area as early as 1786. In 1807, a new group of settlers came from Virginia. Their arrival helped the community's population grow even more.
The Railroad Arrives
In 1855, a big change came to Cropper: the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) opened a line. A train depot was built on the east side of town. Soon after, a hotel opened to serve travelers. This railroad line was very important for the community for many years. However, it eventually closed in the early 1970s.
Community Life and Institutions
Churches in Cropper
In 1855, the Union Grove Church was founded in Cropper. This church was unique because it welcomed three different Christian groups: Christian, Methodist, and Baptist. The only cemetery in Cropper is located on the grounds of this church.
By June 1900, the Baptist members decided to form their own church. They built their own church building by 1903. Later, in 1967, the original Union Grove Church changed its name to Cropper Christian Church.
Local Businesses
Cropper also had its own bank for a while. It was opened in 1905 by a man named Ben Allen Thomas. However, the bank did not stay open for long and closed its doors in 1921.
Schools in Cropper
An old map from 1882 shows the first school in Cropper. It was a large, two-story building. Students from first grade all the way through twelfth grade attended this school. Sadly, the building burned down in 1951. A new, one-story elementary school was built to replace it. The school's team mascot was the Yellow Jackets.
