West Point, KY

They used to say the town of West Point, Ky., rolled up its sidewalks after dark, but a few years ago residents rolled out the sidewalks—and left them there as a welcome mat.

The changes began after the 212-year-old river town—struggling to find a new niche and boost its economy—realized it really did have something special to offer.

The town’s 1,100 residents figured West Point’s rich history, charming atmosphere, and location between the Ohio and Salt rivers could draw in visitors. But the townspeople wanted something even more important: They wanted their children to be proud to call West Point home.

Not so long ago, some people in the area had a tarnished view of the town. So when West Point decided to hang out its shingle as a vacation destination, locals heard more than a few snickers. But those familiar with the town’s history knew better. After all, since its 1789 founding, West Point had learned one thing—how to reinvent itself.

In the late 1700s, when trade was handled by boats, West Point became a major shipping port. In the early 1800s, it served the stagecoach lines, which brought in famous people such as opera singer Jenny Lind and Presidents James Buchanan and Andrew Jackson. When the railroad came through in 1874, the town built a depot, restaurants, and a hotel by the tracks.

A few years later, West Point played a significant role in the Civil War—serving as one of the Union’s most important supply bases and Gen. William Sherman’s headquarters. It also was a popular resort town, particularly with plantation owners from the Deep South. But after the Civil War, the fine hotels that had served plantation families were slowly replaced by river camps, some of which still serve as vacation spots, while others have become permanent homes.

During World War I, West Point embraced life as an Army town when Camp Knox, the predecessor to Fort Knox, set up operations.

Ultimately, residents realized the truth in what local historian Richard Briggs had been saying all along: “West Point is like a cat with nine lives, and we haven’t used them all yet.”

Now, with each new business that’s opened, from the bed & breakfasts to the restaurants and crafts shops, people have gained a renewed sense of self-respect, and the change in attitudes has been noticeable. Natives are buying and restoring historic buildings, including a turn-of-the-century theater; kids have begun taking more pride in keeping the riverside park clean; residents started telling people they’re from West Point, instead of saying “near Fort Knox.” And at the annual River Days Festival, this year scheduled for Oct. 8-14, the hottest selling item is a T-shirt proudly proclaiming residents as “West Point River Rats.”

“The image has changed. You aren’t embarrassed to say you’re from West Point anymore,” says Gaye Moore, a lifelong resident and owner of a local beauty salon.

Now the tourists come, but so do people with roots in the town.

One of the biggest draws is Music Ranch USA. Those who haven’t been to West Point in years stop by Music Ranch, where they’re served up a helping of Opry-style music and a chance to reconnect with friends they haven’t seen in decades.

But the transformation hasn’t been easy. When the swollen Ohio River flooded its banks in 1997, it swept away more than just businesses and homes.

“The effect on the town far exceeded the physical damage,” says Rube Yelvington, Music Ranch owner and former mayor. Still, residents vowed to push on. “The flood took a lot out of us … but we’re moving forward,” says Sissy Masterson, who owns a gardening shop.

A $100,000 federal grant is helping build Riverwalk, a path that weaves along the rivers and through the town’s Historic District, ending at the boat docks. Once there, visitors can hike up to Fort Duffield, a Civil War Fort and military cemetery that volunteers spent thousands of hours cleaning up and rebuilding.

In the meantime, Mayor Eric Duvall is negotiating with riverboats in Louisville and Indiana to offer cruises to West Point, as they had done in the past. “I want my kids to grow up being proud of West Point. We all do. That’s why we’re doing this.”

Lisa Hurt Kozarovich is a writer from Kokomo, Ind.

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