Cordova

by Larry Bailey

Cordova was at one time occupied by a large tribe of Cherokee Indians, known as the Cordova Indians. The Indians camped by the creek near the land now owned by my father. It is said that the Indians also used the land for a burial ground.

At one time Cordova was one of the busiest communities in Grant County. It had two blacksmith shops that were owned by Jimmy Martin and Willie Stone, three country stores were operated by Ben Younger, Floyd Martin, and Lesile Bailey. Besides owning one of the stores in town, Lesile Bailey also owned a mill which brought plenty of business to Cordova. Besides the other places of business, there was also a leather shop owned by Buddy Dunaway, and a creamery owned by Henry Morgan, Herbes Morgan's father. An important member of Cordova Dr. Limerick, the only doctor within five or ten miles, was known as "Dr. Bob" to everybody in the community. The doctor had his home and office in the house where Leonard Rider now lives.

During the winter, the people went to a maple forest, owned by Albert Gill, and made maple syrup. Also during the winter, they went to creeks, ponds, lakes, and rivers, and cut ice to store in the ice houses for the summer months.

At one time many years ago, a stage coach line passed through Cordova, bringing business and profit to this small country town. During that time, most people owned horses and buggies; not very many people had cars. Those who did own cars, had Model T Fords. The first man in Cordova to own a Model T Ford was my grandfather, Lesile Bailey.

From a collection of essays written in American Literature Eleven.  The class was taught by Ms. Hazel Ogden of Grant County High School in the 1963-1964 school year, and was typed by the typing classes of Mrs. Mattie Cox.  It is copyrighted by the Grant County Schools, and is used here with their kind permission. We found a copy in UK's King Library.