Wilsonville, Boyle County, Kentucky facts for kids
Wilsonville is a small community located in Boyle County, Kentucky. It's not an official city or town with its own government, but it's a place where people live and have a shared history.
Contents
Discover Wilsonville
How Wilsonville Started
After the American Civil War, a former slave named Charlie Wilson began buying land in this area. He then sold parts of this land to other formerly enslaved Black people. This helped them create their own homes and community.
By 1870, the community had grown enough to have a special school called a Freedmen's Bureau school. This school was set up to help formerly enslaved people and their children get an education. There were 48 students learning there!
Later, by 1880, an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was built in Wilsonville. AME churches were important places for African Americans, often started by them. People in the community held events at the school to raise money to build this church.
Key Places in Wilsonville
The Wilsonville School
The Wilsonville School was a very important part of the community for many years. It operated from about 1876 until 1964. For almost 90 years, it helped educate generations of children in Wilsonville. After 1964, the school closed its doors.
Wilson Chapel AME Church
The Wilson Chapel AME Church was a central gathering place for the community. It was used for church services and community events for a long time, right up until the mid-2010s. Sadly, the church is no longer active because its members have either passed away or moved to other areas.
The Wilsonville Cemetery
Next to the church is the Wilsonville Cemetery. This cemetery is still used sometimes, even today. A few burials have taken place there since the year 2000, showing that it remains a part of the community's history and memory.
A Famous Person from Wilsonville
Wilsonville is also known as the birthplace of a famous athlete! Jim Marshall, who was born in Wilsonville in 1937, became a professional NFL player. He was a defensive end, known for playing many games in a row without missing any.
