Greenup, Kentucky: History
Greenup was laid out in 1803 and 1804 by Robert Johnson, a pioneer and legislator who owned the land. Upon the formation of Greenup County (named for the former congressman Christopher Greenup, who later served as governor) out of land separated from Mason County, Johnson's settlement was chosen to be the seat of government and adopted the name "Greenupsburg". Its post office was erected on July 1, 1811. The state assembly formally established the town on February 4, 1818, and incorporated the city thirty years later on February 29, 1848. The name was shortened to "Greenup" on March 13, 1872, partially to avoid confusion with Greensburg.
On August 14, 1829, an event known as the Greenup Slave Revolt occurred when a group of fifty-five enslaved individuals, who were forcibly marching, broke free from their chains near Tygarts Creek and began to attack their oppressors. In the struggle, two slaves were killed, while sixteen were able to escape. All escapees were eventually recaptured, and six of the slaves faced murder charges in Greenup, in which on October 6, they were found guilty. On November 20, four of the slaves were publicly hanged. However, the other two were eventually pardoned on April 28, 1830.
Around 1865 the Eastern Kentucky Railway Company established its headquarters, rail yard, and depot at Riverton or eastern Greenup.
The Ohio River flood of 1937 brought devastation to Greenup and many other towns along the river. Some people left the area permanently, with the population of Greenup showing a decline of 5.5% in the 1940 census.
Greenup is one of three county seats in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to share its name with its county; the other two being Harlan and Henderson.