Maps & Local Histories - Oldham County, Kentucky
Historic maps are essential for Oldham County research. County lines changed, new counties formed, and the same families may appear in records of different counties over time, especially when they lived near a boundary or moved along the Ohio River corridor. Local histories further enrich this research by providing context about communities, churches, schools, and families that may not appear in official records but help explain how and why people lived and moved as they did.
County Formation & Boundary Notes
- Oldham County created: 15 December 1823, formed from portions of Jefferson, Henry, and Shelby Counties.
- Important boundary change for researchers: In 1837, Trimble County was created from parts of Oldham, Henry, and Gallatin Counties meaning some Oldham County families and records may later appear in Trimble County without relocating.
- Ohio River influence: The county's northern edge is shaped by the Ohio River, and families often crossed into southern Indiana for work, marriage, church ties, and migration routes.
Interactive Boundary Maps (Highly Recommended)
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Atlas of Historical County Boundaries (Newberry Library) - Kentucky
View Kentucky interactive boundary maps and county histories
Public Domain / Historic Map Resources
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1879 Beers & Lanagan Atlas of Jefferson & Oldham Counties (property owners, roads, towns, precincts)
Oldham County History Center - 1879 Atlas downloads -
Library of Congress - Maps Collections (searchable historic Kentucky maps; many are public domain)
Library of Congress Maps -
David Rumsey Map Collection (historic county, state, and regional maps; many downloadable)
David Rumsey Map Collection
Helpful Map Types for Oldham County Genealogy
- County formation & boundary maps (to track jurisdiction changes)
- Landowner/plat atlases (property ownership, neighbors, and community clusters)
- Transportation maps (roads, rail lines, river routes,migration clues)
- Town & precinct maps (helps place families in specific communities)
- River corridor maps (Ohio River crossings and Indiana connections)
Research Tips
- If your ancestor lived in Oldham County before the late 1830s, also check records in Jefferson, Henry, and Shelby (parent counties) and Trimble (formed 1837).
- When using land records, identify the watercourse, nearby neighbors, and the road/rail/river access. These often explain why families appear in multiple counties.
- Always note the date of the map you're using. A correct location in 1850 may fall under a different county's records in an earlier decade.
Local Histories
Have local history information or historic maps to share (scan or link)? We welcome contributions. Please contact Dee Pavey with details and source information.