Many Faces of Mel Hankla
Isaac Shelby
Kentucky's First Governor
1750-1826
Kentucky's First Governor
1750-1826
Like the nation, Kentucky chose a war hero and someone whose name would be used for cities and counties throughout the United States to be its first Chief Executive. General Isaac Shelby was the hero of the Battle of King’s Mountain during the Revolutionary War. (King’s Mountain is near Blacksburg, South Carolina.) Shelby was unanimously elected Kentucky’s first Kentucky’s first Governor by the “electors” as set forth in the First Constitution of Kentucky two weeks prior to Kentucky’s admission to the Union on June 1, 1792 as the 15th State.
In addition to his military service, Shelby had served in the legislatures of Virginia and North Carolina.
During Shelby’s first term his major issues concerned protecting Kentucky from Indian attacks and financing the militia which provided that protection. It should be noted that the Jackson Purchase area of Kentucky. The Purchase area did not become part of Kentucky until 1818 Treaty with the Chickasaw Indian Nation.
After serving his first term, Shelby was elected to another term in 1812.
In addition to his military service, Shelby had served in the legislatures of Virginia and North Carolina.
During Shelby’s first term his major issues concerned protecting Kentucky from Indian attacks and financing the militia which provided that protection. It should be noted that the Jackson Purchase area of Kentucky. The Purchase area did not become part of Kentucky until 1818 Treaty with the Chickasaw Indian Nation.
After serving his first term, Shelby was elected to another term in 1812.