Rockcastle County Development Board

06/10/2025

07/21/2020

COVID restrictions delayed our work schedule to complete the History Garden and renovation of the building which will become the office for the Development Board, Chamber of Commerce and Vitalize Mount Vernon. An ARC grant allowed us to install the history signs which tell the story of out town founder, Stephen Langford. The next project was the construction of four planters and the installation of summer annual flowers by the Garden Club. Today the building was painted. We still have a lot of work to do at the site but it is beginning to improve the downtown intersection of Main and Richmond Street. This project is a collaboration between the City of Mount Vernon, Chamber of Commerce and Development Board along with volunteers such as the Garden Club.

01/24/2020

The history signs have been installed at the History Garden. In the near future, four raised garden areas will be constructed. The Garden Club has expressed interest in planting in these areas this spring. We will also plant shrubbery and dwarf trees along Richmond Street. Gravel pathways will soon cover the mud. The City of Mt. Vernon will continue work on the building. Presently, the rear of the building has been reworked to store seasonal decor and work will start shortly on the new restroom. Several people have inquired about the wrought iron panels that were removed when the stone wall was rebuilt. We do plan to incorporate them into the project. Also, Ronnie and Randy Mink donated some old wrought iron fencing which we plan to use also.

01/02/2020

The Rockcastle County Development Board received a $5,000.00 ARC mini grant for the History Garden project located at Richmond and Main Streets. The early history of Mount Vernon will be displayed by late January. In the spring, greenery and flowers will be planted.

08/05/2019

The Rockcastle Tourist Commission plans to reopen the Bittersweet gift store cabin in September. If you are a crafter, artist or antiques/collectibles seller, space will be available to rent. Registration day is Saturday, August 17th. If you are interested, contact Emily Bullock, Tourism Director. We are presently cleaning the gift shop cabin and cleaning up the overgrown landscape.

07/30/2019

The Rockcastle County Development Board was recently awarded an ARC Flex-E-Grant. The funds will be used to create history signs and fabricate wrought iron sign posts that will be installed in the History Garden located on Mt. Vernon's Main Street. We will create a bronze plaque to honor the founder of Mt. Vernon - Stephen Langford. We have asked the DAR to assist with the history signs. The city workers have cleaned up the lot and rebuilt the stone wall. If all goes well, we hope to dedicate the History Garden during the Bittersweet Festival in October.