The Kentucky area was claimed by Virginia as a part of Augusta County, Virginia until Daniel Boone, with others, explored the region and encouraged settlers. In December 1776, this area became Kentucky County, Virginia. By 1780, it was divided into three counties, Fayette, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Nelson County, Kentucky was formed in 1785 from Jefferson County which had been formed in 1780 from Kentucky County, Virginia. The county seat is at Bardstown. Unfortunately no census records exist for the county for the 1790 and 1800 counts. Apparently they were destroyed during the British attack on Washington in the War of 1812. Nelson County originally encompassed a much larger area than it does today. Washington County was taken from Nelson County in 1792 and Hardin County was set-off in 1793. Another piece of Nelson went to Bullitt County in 1797. The only subsequent division occurred in 1824 when some of Nelson County was taken in the creation of Spencer County. Thus some residents of Nelson County in 1820 may subsequently appear in the records of Spencer County. Rowena Lawson 1985, 8.5" x 11", paper, 75 pp.ISBN: 9780917890550 101-L9055
