Oldham County facts for kids

Oldham County is the name of two different places in the United States. Both are areas of land called counties, which are like smaller regions within a state. One Oldham County is in the state of Kentucky, and the other is in the state of Texas. They are named after different people but share the same name.

Oldham County, Kentucky

Oldham County, Kentucky, is located in the northern part of the state, right next to the Ohio River. This river forms the border between Kentucky and Indiana. The county seat, which is the main town where the county government is located, is La Grange.

History of Oldham County, Kentucky

Oldham County, Kentucky, was created on December 15, 1823. It was formed from parts of three nearby counties: Jefferson, Henry, and Shelby counties. The county was named after a brave soldier named Colonel William Oldham. He was a hero in the American Revolutionary War and also fought in the Northwest Indian War. Sadly, he died in battle in 1791.

Geography and Life in Oldham County, Kentucky

Oldham County, Kentucky, is known for its beautiful rolling hills and green landscapes. It's often called the "gateway to the Bluegrass" because it's close to the famous Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Many people who work in the larger city of Louisville live in Oldham County, making it a suburban area.

The county has a mix of farms and residential areas. It's also known for its good schools and family-friendly communities. The Ohio River provides opportunities for boating and enjoying nature.

Oldham County, Texas

Oldham County, Texas, is located in the Texas Panhandle, which is the very northern part of Texas that looks like the handle of a pan. The county seat here is Vega. This part of Texas is very different from Kentucky, with flatter land and a drier climate.

History of Oldham County, Texas

Oldham County, Texas, was created much later than its Kentucky namesake, on August 21, 1876. It was officially organized in 1880. This county was also named after a person, but a different one: Williamson Simpson Oldham. He was a lawyer and a politician who served in the Confederate Congress during the American Civil War.

Geography and Life in Oldham County, Texas

Oldham County, Texas, is part of the Great Plains region. This means it has wide-open spaces, flat land, and is often used for ranching and farming. The famous Route 66 highway, which was a very important road for travel across America, runs right through Oldham County. This brings many tourists who are interested in the history of the old highway.

The county has a much smaller population than Oldham County, Kentucky. Life here is often quieter, with a focus on agriculture and the wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle.