Early History of Glasgow
The modern city of Glasgow, Kentucky founded in 1799, at the same time that the new Kentucky state legislature formed Barren County. A post office opened in 1803 and Glasgow gained city status in 1809. While the city has always remained small, currently it is only about 16 square miles in area and is home to 15,000 people, it boasts some unique history.
Among this unique history is a tie to the first American president, George Washington. Washington's niece, Elizabeth, married Alexander Eliot Spotswood and as a wedding gift the former president gifted the couple a house in Glasgow. The house, which became known as Spotswood after its first owners, still stands at 309 N. Race Street in Glasgow.
Numerous other historical homes stand along South Green Street. These homes consist of the myriad of different popular styles from the 19th century, including Colonial, Federal, and Victorian constructions.
The Jews of Glasgow
Though there is not an organizational Jewish history in Glasgow, Kentucky, there are a number of Jewish families who have made the city home over the years and have greatly added to the city's history. Little is currently known about the early Jewish communities in Glasgow, but by the 1890s there was a significant number of Jewish-owned businesses along the city's downtown Square. Between 1885 and 1910 an estimated 12 to 15 Jewish businesses opened up in Glasgow, with the majority of the shopkeepers arriving from Germany. After 1900, a small wave of Russian and Polish Jews arrived into Glasgow, including the Kopels, Folks, Lapidus, Sloan, and Green families.
Morris Dry Goods & Clothing
Our collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs that highlight the people and events that have shaped our community. From Native American history to the present day, our exhibits offer a glimpse into the past.
Arthur Krock
One of Glasgow's most famous son's was three-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Arthur Krock. Krock was the son of Joseph Krock and Caroline Morris. His maternal grandparents owned Morris Dry Goods. When his mother his mother became blind, Krock lived in Glasgow with his grandparents, Emmanuel and Henrietta Morris. Eventually, when his mother regained her sight, he moved up to Chicago with his parents, where he would spend the rest of his childhood.
Arthur Krock went on to become one of the most prominent journalists in American history, writing for over 60 years. He began his career at the Louisville Times and the Louisville Courier-Journal before taking a position at the New York Times in 1927. He worked there the rest of the career.
Over the course of his career, Krock became regarded as the "Dean of Washington news media" for his work as a New York Times correspondent and bureau chief at the Capitol. In his career he won three Pulitzer Prizes and was eventually awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1970.
Raubold's Bakery
As a member of Riverlands Jewish Archive, you will have access to exclusive events and discounts, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an important community organization. Join us in preserving our history for future generations.
Kopel Family
As a member of Riverlands Jewish Archive, you will have access to exclusive events and discounts, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an important community organization. Join us in preserving our history for future generations.
Adolph Rapp
As a member of Riverlands Jewish Archive, you will have access to exclusive events and discounts, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an important community organization. Join us in preserving our history for future generations.