Oldham County Overview
Oldham County is located in north-central Kentucky along the Ohio River and has a long history tied to river commerce, agriculture, and early settlement. Formed in 1823, the county was created from portions of Jefferson, Henry, and Shelby Counties and quickly became an important region for farming, transportation, and community development.
The county seat, La Grange, was established as the center of government and remains notable for its historic downtown and railroad that runs directly through the town. Oldham County's proximity to Louisville and its access to the Ohio River contributed to steady population growth and frequent movement of families between neighboring counties and southern Indiana.
Fast Facts - Oldham County, Kentucky
- County Formed: 1823
- Named For: Colonel William Oldham (Revolutionary War officer and Kentucky legislator)
- County Seat: La Grange
- State: Kentucky
- Region: North-Central Kentucky
- Bordered by the Ohio River: Yes
- Parent Counties: Jefferson, Henry, and Shelby Counties
- Major Waterways: Ohio River
- Early Settlement: Late 1700s to early 1800s
- Early Economy: Agriculture, river trade, milling, and rail transportation
- Transportation Routes: Ohio River, railroads, early turnpikes
- Courthouse Records: Held in La Grange
- Primary Research Records: Deeds, wills, probate, tax lists, court records, church registers, cemeteries, newspapers, and railroad-related records
Genealogy Research Notes
Oldham County research often requires examining records in neighboring counties, particularly Jefferson County, due to migration, land ownership, and employment patterns. Families frequently crossed county and state lines, especially into southern Indiana, resulting in records appearing across multiple jurisdictions.
Land deeds, tax lists, probate files, cemetery transcriptions, and church records are among the most valuable resources for reconstructing Oldham County families and tracking their movement over time.