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The Kentucky Colonel is America's Most Abundant and Popular Goodwill Ambassador. It is estimated by officials at the Kentucky Colonel Council that by the end of 2024 there will be One Kentucky Colonel among every 1,000 Americans. The Kentucky Colonel Commission can be designated to anyone without discrimination based solely on their good deeds.
Civilian colonelcy dates back to 1651 in Jamestown in the Colony of Virginia. Most of America's Founding Fathers were in-fact colonels (heads of the colonies), which was normally a township, a fort, a company, camp or a county. To become a colonel a person had to be of the landed-gentry, which at the time, was the upper middle-class with pedigree until the 1720's. By the middle of the 18th century before the American Revolution the title of Colonel was being granted to men of noble stature and character that were born in one of the 13 colonies in order to operate chartered companies, establish new counties, and organize expeditions.
At the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence it is has been said that of the 52 there were 33 colonels present from the 13 colonies. Meanwhile, Col. Richard Henderson, Col. Daniel Boone and 13 other colonels had founded the first backwoods democratic state government which was known as its own country for a short time beginning in 1775, Transylvania in present day Kentucky. The honorable order of the colonel was to establish a civil and peaceful law-abiding colony within his own means and authority in common-law for the governor.
Although Transylvania was divided between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of North Carolina the founders of Transylvania were very cooperative with the outcomes which preserved land claims and titles. While Virginia took up from Kentucky to Michigan as part of their territory, North Carolina took up what would soon be called Tennessee. By 1791, the Kentucky District (formerly Kentucky County) has been divided into nine (9) counties, with many more planned or in progress. There were colonels everywhere by now, one for each county, former colonels from Transylvania, there were retired colonels from the 13 colonies (United States) with land warrants settling in Kentucky, there were people being called colonels based on being the head of a plantation.
The honorable title of Colonel, was first recognized in Kentucky in 1775 at the Transylvania Convention of the first Kentucky settlements. The Colonel was the designated leader of a colony, as a title it has a rich history intertwined with the spirit of service and goodwill. Originally bestowed upon individuals for their local militias and charter companies, the role evolved over time to encompass a broader sense of civic duty and community leadership. By the late 19th century, Kentucky Colonels were increasingly recognized for their efforts in promoting the state's interests and fostering a positive image both domestically and abroad. This shift in focus solidified their role as ambassadors of goodwill for the Commonwealth by 1896.
Today, Kentucky Colonels are officially recognized as civilian officers commissioned by the Governor. As Governor Andy Beshear states, they are "Kentucky's ambassadors of good-will," entrusted with upholding the state's values and sharing its rich cultural heritage with the world. They embody the spirit of hospitality, generosity, and civic pride, acting as representatives of the Commonwealth in their communities and beyond. Through their actions and contributions, Kentucky Colonels continue to play a vital role in fostering a sense of unity and promoting the best of what Kentucky has to offer.
For more information about the Kentucky Colonelcy please review The Kentucky Colonel: Kentucky's Goodwill Ambassador