In 1823, James Gamble built the first industrial site in the region, a gristmill that ground corn. The settlement was originally known as Gamble's Mill (as noted in the 1827 official Post Office guide).In 1824, the first sawmill was built by Eli Wilson and the first road to Mansfield was cut through the thick woods the following year.
In 1836, the name of the village was officially changed from Gamble's Mill to Shelby in honor of General Isaac Shelby who served with distinction in the Revolutionary War and was later elected the first governor of Kentucky.
Much of the history of Shelby is preserved in the Shelby Museum of History located at 23 East Main Street behind the Shelby Municipal Utilities office. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the businesses and people of Shelby.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. The
museum is open 2 - 5 P.M. on Sundays from May through October,
except Mother's and Father's Days. It is also open by appointment.
Click Below to learn more about Shelby and its History!
