Captain William Prince: The Visionary Who Founded Our City
A Revolutionary War Hero Comes to Kentucky
Born in 1752, William Prince first distinguished himself as a patriot during the American Revolution, serving as a captain in Colonel Benjamin Roxbury's Spartan Regiment. His military service instilled in him the leadership qualities and pioneering spirit that would later drive him to seek new opportunities in the western frontier.
In 1797, Captain Prince embarked on an exploratory journey that would change the course of local history. He ventured into an area of Kentucky known as Eddy Grove, located along Eddy Creek. What he discovered there captured his imagination: a large, reliable spring and fertile land that promised prosperity for those bold enough to settle there.
The Birth of Prince's Town
Convinced of the area's potential, Captain Prince made a life-changing decision. In 1798, just one year after his initial exploration, he moved his family from their previous home to this promising Kentucky location. This act of faith and courage marked the beginning of what would eventually become Princeton.
By 1799, tax records show Captain Prince residing on the present site of our town, making him officially the first permanent settler in the area. The community that grew around his homestead was initially known as "Prince's Town," established in 1805 and named in honor of its founder.
From Settlement to City
The transformation from a single family's homestead to a thriving community happened gradually but steadily. Captain Prince's vision extended beyond his own property; he understood the importance of creating a proper town infrastructure. His foresight proved invaluable when the area needed a county seat.
After Captain Prince's death in 1810, his widow demonstrated the same community spirit that had driven her husband. She generously donated 50 acres of land for the construction of the first courthouse, cementing the settlement's role as an important regional center.
The Evolution of a Name
The community's name evolved along with its growth. Originally called "Prince's Town" in 1805, it was later renamed "Princetown" in 1817 to honor William Prince's lasting contribution to the area. Eventually, the spelling was changed to "Princeton," the name we proudly bear today.
On December 6, 1820, Princeton was officially established as a city, and in 1854, it was formally incorporated. These milestones represented the fulfillment of Captain Prince's original vision of a thriving community built around the natural advantages he had recognized decades earlier.
A Legacy Written in Stone
Captain William Prince's final resting place is in Cedar Hill Cemetery, which was founded in 1809 and originally called City Cemetery. Fittingly, the first known burial in the cemetery was that of Captain Prince himself, the man whose vision had made the city possible. His grave serves as a tangible connection to our community's origins and a reminder of the courage it took to establish a settlement in the Kentucky wilderness.
The Kentucky Historical Society has honored Captain Prince's contribution with a historical marker, ensuring that future generations will remember the man who saw potential where others saw only wilderness.