Ghent, Kentucky
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Historical Marker #911 in Carroll County commemorates the community of Ghent, Kentucky, which is named for the treaty that ended the War of 1812.
The town traces its roots back to 1809. At that time, about thirteen families lived in the area, and a settlement called McCool's Creek was laid out on land owned by Samuel Sanders.
According to local tradition, Henry Clay visited the area in 1816 and suggested that the town be called Ghent, in honor of the treaty of Ghent, Belgium, which ended the War of 1812. Clay had been one of the American negotiators at Ghent, part of a team led by John Quincy Adams. The treaty ending the war was signed on December 24, 1814.
Although the war officially ended that Christmas Eve, it took time for the news to spread across the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the Battle of New Orleans, fought on January 8, 1815, took place after the war officially ended.
The name of this Carroll County community traces its roots back to the War of 1812.
Files
Bird's Eye View of Ghent, Kentucky, c. 1908
This postcard shows a bird's eye image of Ghent, Kentucky, circa 1908. Ghent was named for the Belgian town where the treaty to end the War of 1812 was finalized. Courtesy the Kentucky Historical Society.
The "City of Louisville" steamboat passing by Ghent, Kentucky, c. 1910
This 1910 image shows the steamboat "City of Louisville" passing by Ghent, Kentucky. The town was named after the Belgian city where the treaty that ended the War of 1812 was finalized. Courtesy the Kentucky Historical Society.
Portrait of Henry Clay
The great Kentucky politician Henry Clay was one of the American negotiators for the Treaty of Ghent, Belgium, which ended the War of 1812. Ghent, Kentucky, is named for the Belgian town. Courtesy the Kentucky Historical Society.