The Crossroads of the South

The city of Guthrie was officially chartered in 1879, though its origins being earlier in the 19th century. The earliest record of the lands that would eventually become Guthrie include an account of the Native Americans making the journey west on the Trail of Tears. In the 1820′s, Major John Gray’s stagecoach empire was established from a central location in Guthrie, reaching outward into major cities amassing over 150 head of horses, multiple hotels, one of which still exists in Guthrie in the Graysville District. Guthrie’s central location to major cities has always been opportunistic for the city.

Guthrie derives its name from John James Guthrie, president of the L&N Railroad system. The L&N Railroad created a major switch-track in Guthrie. The city became a boomtown of commerce featuring hotels, saloons and elaborate homes. Among visitors to Guthrie, the most notable are President Roosevelt, Jesse James, Frank Younger and countless other important figures of the late 19th and early 20th century. Guthrie’s native sons and daughters have long been revered as national icons. Robert Penn Warren became the first poet laureate of the United States of America. Kent Greenfield played in Major League Baseball, and every year, countless members of Guthrie’s community rise to positions of notoriety on the national level. Throughout the latter portion of the 20th century, major resources began to traverse the city. T.V.A. power sources, U.S. Highway 24, the celebrated Logan-Todd water system, and the railroad system continues to use Guthrie as a major depot.

At present day, the city of Guthrie is growing again however, this growth will be inspired by design intelligence. The University of Kentucky, Mayor Scott Marshall, and the Guthrie city council have partnered to develop a plan for growth and adaptation, in addition to economic models that will create lower taxes for residents, and attractive benefits for commerce and industry.