From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Washington County (KY) Slaves, Free Blacks, and Free Mulattoes, 1850-1870
Washington County, located in central Kentucky where it is bordered by six counties, was the 10th county formed in Kentucky, in 1792. It was named for President George Washington. Many of the first settlers were veterans who came to the area to claim land grants awarded to them for service during the American Revolutionary War. The county seat, Springfield, was founded in 1793 and named for the many springs in the area. In 1800, the total population was 9,050: 7,611 whites, 17 free coloreds, and 1,422 slaves, according to the Second Census of Kentucky, 1800. In 1830 there were two free African American slave owners in Springfield. By 1860, the total population was 8,753, according to the U.S. Federal Census, and excluding the slaves. Below are the number of slave owners, slaves, free Blacks, and free Mulattoes for 1850-1870.1850 Slave Schedule
- 608 slave owners
- 3,127 Black slaves
- 337 Mulatto slaves
- 48 free Blacks
- 15 free Mulattoes
- 450 slave owners
- 2,149 Black slaves
- 674 Mulatto slaves
- 32 free Blacks
- 14 free Mulattoes
- 1,783 Blacks
- 312 Mulattoes
- About 25 U.S. Colored Troops listed Washington County, KY, as their birth location.