Many of the pioneers coming into Kentucky followed the windings of the rivers, and, on coming to a big bend in the Ohio, with a broad valley enclosed by green hills, decided that the northeastern section of the new land would be a pleasant place to live. Apparently there were no Indians nor many savage animals here and it would be an ideal location for these English and Scotch-Irish farmers, whose ancestors had come to Virginia.

Greenup County, bordering the Ohio River in northeast Kentucky, is rich in history and culture. Settlers first arrived in the mid-1700s and carved farms from the hardwood forests. Lucy Virgin Downs, the first white child born west of the Alleghenies, lived in Greenup County, as did Jesse Boone, brother of Kentucky icon Daniel Boone. The 20th century brought industrialization and economic diversification to the historically agricultural area. Ashland Oil, a Fortune 500 company, maintained corporate headquarters in Greenup County. Two steel mills, a large rail yard, an excellent hospital, and a number of surface mines also provided employment to many people who continued to work their family farms, too. This economic progress was mirrored in every aspect of county life as education, health care, and recreation all improved dramatically. Today Greenup County's history is appreciated by both longtime residents and cultural tourists.