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Place Names - How streams got their names By Michael C. Watson Adair County Genealogical Society Most of the streams in what became Adair County were named well before the formation of the county. The Long Hunters and other explorers and land speculators named streams, beginning as early as the 1760s. Some of these retain the original designations, others have changed, perhaps more than once. A few examples: Cumberland and Green Rivers Crocus Creek was named for the small springtime flower on her banks. It rises in present Russell, flows through south eastern Adair, into Cumberland, and empties into the Cumberland River. Russell Creek, originally Russell's Creek, was named for a Long Hunter, Mr. Russell, who became nearly blind and was lost along this stream for some time before being found by his companions. His full name was not known for many years, but has been proved to be William Russell. Pettit's Fork of Russell Creek was named during the same period. Often contorted into "Petty's" Fork, but this is not accurate. Even modern maps have the name incorrect, beginning about 1955 with the State Transportation Department maps. Camp Creek, named for an early Long Hunter's camp location of Capt. James Harrod about 1774, became Butler's Branch at an early date. Casey's Creek or Casey Creek was the stream followed by Col. William Casey after he left Lincoln County en route to the new Casey Station in present Adair in 1789. Named for Col. Casey, it empties into Green River at Plum Point. Land entrees were made on this stream as early as 1781, then known by this name. Col. Casey also lent his name to Casey's Lick Creek, first mentioned in a land entry dated 1803, it ran into Harrod's Fork of Crocus. Casey County also named in his honor. Pelham Branch has its head near Columbia and empties into Russell Creek. The name comes from a pair of men by the name, who settled on the banks of said branch in the 1790s and were considered criminal in nature and were "encouraged" to leave the area before trouble could start. They did, but left their name permanently on the stream. Disappointment Creek was named after the attack on station builders who had gone out to start a new location from Casey's Old Fort. This stream was also known as Slate Creek as of 1848, and also about the same time, Bull Run. The Disappointment one-room school retained the name into the 1920s when Mrs. Allie G. Cundiff, the teacher, launched a campaign to change the name to Pleasant Grove. Ferries and stream crossings also lent their names to various locations in the county. Such as: David Doak's Ferry on Green River, Vandiver Banks' Ferry on the same; DeMoss Ferry across Russell Creek in the neighborhood of present Milltown. Bartlett's Ford of Green River was near Neatsville. Beaver Pond on Green River, noted in deeds around 1810. Some locations were named for geographic or natural features: Big Creek community, post office, school, and church. Crocus for the flower. Red Lick for the color at buffalo and deer licks. Sand Lick Creek and community, for deer licks. Cane Valley for the abundance of natural cane that grew all over. Sulphur Fork Creek and community for the obvious. Caney Creek for the cane that grew along the banks. East Fork of Little Barren River. Dry Fork for the small amount of water during much of the year. Beech Grove Baptist and community. Chestnut Grove Christian and community. Clear Spring community and church. Cool Springs community and church. Barger Ridge came to known as Melson Ridge, with Cundiff post office. Little Cake was so named, tradition says, for a wife who had only enough flour for a "Little Cake." This is part of Mike Watson's "Place Names in Adair County" presentation at the Adair County Genealogy and History Research Center next door to the Adair County Public Library, 307 Greensburg Street. It is open weekdays from 9amCT to 5pmCT, and on Saturdays from 8amCT to NoonCT. Email: adairgenealogy@gmail.com or phone 270-380-1024. This story was posted on 2026-03-25 09:00:48
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Have comments or corrections for this story? Use our contact form and let us know. More articles from topic Mike Watson - History:
Place Names - Adair County, Kentucky Adair Heritage Association will meet March 10 Downtown Walking Tour on March 21 Snow-Go once again... New Year's Superstitions Ghost tales from old Adair County Upcoming programs from the Adair Co. Genealogical Society A few adverts from the 1963 Adair County High yearbook It's beginning to feel a lot like... the end of summer vacation Doors: Mr. Ben White, and Roley-Casey Creek Program a success View even more articles in topic Mike Watson - History |
 
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