Royal Spring Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Royal Spring Park
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Royal Spring
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | Between Clinton and Jefferson Sts. W of Water, Broadway, and Georgetown Sts., Georgetown, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1774 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000842 |
| Added to NRHP | April 02, 1973 |
Royal Spring Park is a special place in Georgetown, Kentucky. It has a big natural spring that has given water to the area for a very long time, even since the first people settled there. The park also has a log cabin that was built by Milton Leach, who was once enslaved. This park became part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 2, 1973, because of its important history.
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The Story of Royal Spring Park
The Royal Spring: A Water Source
The Royal Spring is a large natural spring in Georgetown, Kentucky. It has been the main source of water for the area since the very first communities were built. In 1889, a company called Georgetown Water Works started to share the spring water with people. Later, in 1945, the City of Georgetown bought this company. They then created the Municipal Water Works Plant. Today, more than 13,000 homes and businesses in Georgetown get their main water supply from this spring.
Early Settlers and the Spring
In 1774, a man named John Floyd led a group to explore Kentucky. They were looking for land for soldiers who fought in the French and Indian War. On July 7, 1774, Floyd discovered this important spring. He received the spring and about 1,000 acres of land as payment for his work. At first, people called it "Mr. Floyd's Spring."
In October 1775, Floyd gave the spring to John McClelland. McClelland had already explored the land and built a cabin there earlier that year. In 1776, a military outpost called McClelland's Fort was built on a nearby cliff. This fort was close to the spring, so soldiers had easy access to water. However, the fort was left empty in 1777 because attacks from Native American tribes became more frequent and dangerous.
A Mill and New Ideas
A Baptist preacher named Elijah Craig built a grain mill at this site in 1789. He used the spring water for his mill. Craig is often remembered for his work with grain and water, though other stories exist about how certain processes were developed.
Royal Spring Park is located off West Main Street in the downtown area. It offers an outdoor space for fun and a chance to see the Royal Spring up close. There is also a real, restored log cabin that works as a museum. The park has several historical markers and monuments. These markers honor the spring, the early settlers, and local heroes from wars.
The Leach Cabin: A Piece of History
In 1874, Milton Leach, who was once enslaved, built a log cabin. This cabin was his home. Later, the log cabin was carefully restored and moved to Royal Spring Park. Now, it serves as a museum, helping visitors learn about the past.
