Meade County at a Glance
- County Created: 1823
- Parent Counties: Breckinridge County and Hardin County
- County Seat: Brandenburg
- Named For: Colonel James Meade
- Statehood: Kentucky (1792)
Historical Background
Meade County was formed in 1823 from portions of Breckinridge and Hardin counties. The county was named in honor of Colonel James Meade, a respected Kentucky statesman and military figure. Brandenburg, located along the Ohio River, was selected as the county seat and quickly became a center for trade, transportation, and settlement.
The Ohio River played a significant role in the county's early development, serving as a major transportation route for people and goods. Many early settlers migrated into the region from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, while others arrived from nearby Indiana and other Kentucky counties.
Geography and Location
Meade County is located in north-central Kentucky and borders the Ohio River to the north. The county is adjacent to Breckinridge, Hardin, and Bullitt counties in Kentucky, as well as Harrison County, Indiana. This proximity to state and county lines is an important consideration for genealogical research.
Communities and Settlements
In addition to Brandenburg, historically significant communities within Meade County include Ekron, Guston, Muldraugh, Payneville, and Stithton. Records for residents of these communities may appear under different jurisdictions depending on time period and record type.
Genealogical Research Considerations
Researchers should note that records prior to 1823 will be found in Breckinridge or Hardin counties. Boundary changes, record loss, and jurisdictional shifts may affect where records were created or are currently held.
In addition to vital records and census schedules, researchers are encouraged to consult land records, tax lists, probate files, court records, church registers, and military records when researching Meade County families.