News Summary
George Washington Ranck, a notable historian known for his contributions to Kentucky’s historical literature, tragically lost his life after being struck by a train. Witnesses reported he was walking on the L&N railroad tracks in search of a historic cemetery. His dedication to history was evident through his published works and involvement with the State Historical Society. Ranck’s accidental death at age 58 ended a profound chapter in Kentucky’s historical narrative, with his legacy living on through his writings.
Lexington – Renowned historian George Washington Ranck tragically lost his life on August 2, 1901, after being struck by a train while walking on the L&N railroad tracks. Ranck was in search of a historic cemetery at the time of the incident, as noted by eyewitness accounts.
Witnesses reported that Ranck was carrying an umbrella, which may have obstructed his view of the approaching train. The train’s engineer stated that he was traveling at speeds between 15 to 20 miles per hour when he noticed Ranck on the tracks. Despite blowing the whistle, the train could not stop in time, resulting in an instantaneous fatality for Ranck. The impact was severe, with his body thrown approximately 50 feet into a nearby fence.
A coroner’s inquest later ruled his death an “unavoidable accident on the part of the railroad,” clearing the train operators of any wrongdoing.
Born in Louisville on February 13, 1841, and raised in Shelbyville, Ranck had a profound passion for history. He attended Shelby College before transferring to Kentucky University, which is known today as Transylvania University. After completing his studies, Ranck became a teacher at the Transylvania University Academy.
Ranck made significant contributions to historical literature. He served as the editor of the Lexington Observer and Reporter from 1868 to 1871 and authored several important historical texts. His notable works include A History of Lexington, published in 1872, and O’Hara and his Elegies, released in 1875. In 1882, he published History of Fayette County, and during his lifetime, he was referred to as an expert on the history of Lexington.
His dedication to history did not go unnoticed. Renowned historian Jennie C. Morton praised his contributions in a publication by the Kentucky Historical Society. Ranck’s enthusiasm for history extended to his involvement in the reorganization of the State Historical Society in 1875, where he played a key role.
On the day prior to his untimely death, Ranck sought out Albert Taylor, a local resident near the Tarr distillery, to gather information about a family cemetery. After failing to receive assistance, he chose to continue his search independently by following the railroad tracks. Eyewitnesses noted that during his walk, he appeared deeply engrossed in thought, likely unaware of his surroundings, including the oncoming train.
At the time of his death, Ranck was 58 years old and had made significant contributions to Kentucky’s historical narrative. He was laid to rest in the Lexington Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate within the realm of Kentucky history. His book, A History of Lexington, is available for public access through the Library of Congress’s website, allowing future generations to learn about Lexington’s storied past through his valuable insights.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Celebrates Small Business at State Capitol
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- Wikipedia: George Washington Ranck
- NKY Tribune: Kentucky Inventors and Entrepreneurs
- Google Search: Kentucky history
- Kentucky.com: Local News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
