Place:Lewisport, Hancock, Kentucky, United States

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Lewisport was formerly called "Little Yellow Banks," and was renamed Lewisport in 1839 in honor of John Lewis, one of the first permanent settlers of the area. He was an early surveyor of land between the Salt and Green Rivers. The original town plat was drafted by James and John Prentis in 1837. The town was incorporated in 1844. Logging and building of flatboats were the first chief industries there. The population was 1670 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Owensboro, Kentucky Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Lewisport is a very small town in Hancock County, Kentucky, nestled along the Ohio River. "The Ohio River has been an important factor in the growth and development of Lewisport. The river furnished the most important means of transportation and connection to the outside world prior to the railroad. Even today, many local citizens use the river for its recreational value. Through the years of Lewisport's history the town had faced many natural disasters. The river claimed an entire street from town and has spawned several devastating floods. The town also suffered major destruction by fire."

"During the Civil War, many guerrilla bands occupied the town and area. One such experience happened when Bill Davison captured a federal boat at Lewisport. The passengers were robbed and their merchandise was taken. There were even other instances where guerrilla bands terrorized, fought, and even murdered the residents. Out of fear for their possessions, residents in the area hid their valuables and horses during the war. A living memento of the Civil War times is a large cypress tree in the center of town."

"Throughout its history, Lewisport has been the home of many businesses and social organizations, which no longer exist today. Lewisport's only bank was forced out of business by the Great Depression. Other businesses of the past included the Lewisport Flour Mill and Tom's Ice Cream, both of which were owned and operated by local citizens. The local Masonic Lodge fraternal organizations thrived until the 1980s. Other such organizations have long since disbanded. The Lewisport School System consolidated in 1938, when it consisted of eight local one-room schools. Today, Lewisport is part of the Hancock County Consolidated School System."

Abraham Lincoln won his first law case in the "Pate House" in Lewisport, which at the time was the site of the circuit court. The house is now a county landmark and is open for tours throughout the year. "In the spring of 1827, Abraham Lincoln was tried for operating a ferry across the Ohio River without a license. The case - 'The Commonwealth of Kentucky vs. Abraham Lincoln' - was tried in the east room of the log house before Squire Pate, the presiding Justice of the Peace for the County. After a short trial, the warrant against the young Lincoln was dismissed as the future president won his first law case."

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