The Petersburg-Newburg Community has a fascinating historical narrative. It all began when Eliza Curtis Hundley, a free black woman, boldly acquired land in the “wet woods” during the antebellum period before the Civil War. Little did she know that she would later make history by successfully suing John Hundley and his estate, who had once owned her, for back pay for her work after gaining freedom. 

    Hundley and her husband purchased 40 acres of land in the “Wet Woods” and eventually passed it on to her nephew. In a remarkable act of kindness, Hundley also purchased additional family members to prevent their sale to other farms or plantations, solidifying her status as one of the few black “slaveowners” in Jefferson County. Her actions helped keep families together under the legal system of slavery, rather than succumbing to an exploitative economic arrangement.

     Following the Civil War, hundreds of newly emancipated black Kentuckians flocked to this community to embark on new lives. The name Petersburg pays tribute to freedman Peter Laws, one of the first individuals to invest in land and build a residence in the area.

     The Newburg Community traces its origins back to the 1830s when German immigrants began settling in the region. The name “Newburg,” which means “New Town” in German, perfectly encapsulates the fresh start that the settlers were undertaking. Over time, Newburg burgeoned into a thriving community, complete with a plethora of businesses and residential homes. Gradually, the name Newburg came to encompass the entire area, including the Petersburg community. 

    As of 2017, the Newburg-Petersburg community’s population stood at 25,743, a testament to the enduring legacy of its rich history.

Citations

Andrew Patrick, “Petersburg,” ExploreKYHistory, accessed June 28, 2024, https://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/820.

Kentucky State Data Center