Yellow Banks, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yellow Banks (Owensboro, Kentucky)
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 Yellow Banks, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Daviess |
| Elevation | 394 ft (120 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
42301, 42303, 42303
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| Area code(s) | 270 |
| GNIS feature ID | 497423 |
Yellow Banks, Kentucky was the original name for the area that is now Owensboro, Kentucky. This small community was started by a pioneer named William Smeathers (or Smothers) around the year 1790. It was located right on the banks of the Ohio River. The name "Yellow Banks" came from the yellowish color of the riverbanks in that area. Later, in 1817, Yellow Banks officially became a town and was renamed Owensborough. This new name honored Col. Abraham Owen, a brave military leader. Owen County in Kentucky is also named after him.
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The Start of Yellow Banks
Yellow Banks began as a simple settlement in the late 1700s. It was a time when many brave pioneers were moving west into new lands. William Smeathers was one of these early settlers. He chose this spot because of its location on the Ohio River.
Life for Early Settlers
Life in Yellow Banks was tough for the first settlers. They had to build their own homes and grow their own food. The Ohio River was very important to them. It was like a highway for travel and trade. Boats carried goods and people along the river.
From Yellow Banks to Owensboro
In 1817, the community of Yellow Banks was ready to become a more official town. People decided to change its name to Owensborough. This was a way to remember and honor Col. Abraham Owen.
Who Was Colonel Abraham Owen?
Colonel Abraham Owen was a respected military officer and politician. He was known for his service to Kentucky. Naming the town after him was a big honor. It showed how much the people valued his contributions.
The Town Grows
After becoming Owensborough, the town continued to grow. Its location on the Ohio River helped it become a center for trade and business. Over time, the spelling of the name changed slightly to "Owensboro," which is what it is called today.
