The first session of the Kentucky General Assembly met in a two-story log structure in Lexington. Alexander Bullitt was elected Speaker of the Senate and Robert Breckinridge was chosen Speaker of the House. On June 6, 1792, the General Assembly met in joint session to hear Governor Isaac Shelby’s message. The session lasted for twenty-three working days. Much was accomplished during this short time, including a revenue bill that specified that all taxes had to be paid in specie. Taxes on land, slaves, and livestock would be the principal source of revenue, but the revenue act also provided for licensing of taverns and retail stores at ten pounds annually, as well as a “sin” tax on billiard tables and stamps for various legal papers.
Map of the State of Kentucky with the Adjoining Territories, published by J. Russell in 1794, shows the nine Kentucky counties at statehood, as well as Logan County, which was created later in 1792 along with Washington, Scott, and Shelby Counties. KHS Collections.
