River Mile: 630

Population: 952

U.S. Census Profile

Settlers first arrived at the confluence of the Salt and Ohio Rivers in 1776, but were driven away by Native Americans until the Treaty of Greenville (Ohio) in 1775 brought that conflict to an end. Officially founded in 1796, the town was called West Point because it was then the westernmost point of “English” settlement. The town’s founder and early driving force was Virginian James Young, who owned the land grant on which the town was established. Young amassed a fortune in various businesses and was a partner in the first turnpike to connect Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.

Before railways dominated, West Point was the main river port of commerce for much of Kentucky. The strategic position prompted Union forces to build Fort Duffield at West Point during the Civil War. The town was also home to one of the “Rosenwald Schools” built by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald to serve African American students in rural areas. Sugar refining, salt, boat building and a brickyard were major industries in the town, which was hit like so many other river towns by the advent of the railways and highways.