Throwback Thursday – Spies and Espionage in Kentucky during World War I

For the next couple of weeks, Throwback Thursday will be looking at the two World Wars. Many Kentuckians fought all over the globe during these massive conflicts. Some 80 thousand soldiers from Kentucky found in the Great War. This week we look at espionage right here in southcentral Kentucky that occurred even before America entered WWI.

In February 1917, during a heavy snow storm, a tramp named Lewis appeared in Scottsville. According to the city’s newspaper, The Citizen Times, he was traveling from Louisville to New Orleans to win a bet that he could make the 700-mile journey on foot with no resources but a good voice, some lively songs, and what he was tipped for the entertainment. 

He apparently captivated audiences in both Scottsville and Glasgow, before continuing his southward journey. Then, in Birmingham, Ala., he was arrested as a German spy. Complete drawings of all the bridges on both the L&N railroad and the Jackson Highway, now 31-e, were found on his person.

German spies and saboteurs were active in the U.S. even before America declared war. In 1916, an ammunition depot was blown up in New Jersey and horses were infected with anthrax. Both were bound for British and French forces fighting in Europe. After Germany offered to help Mexico regain territory lost to the United States and began sinking American merchant ships, Congress finally declared war on April 6, 1917.

Next week, we find German prisoners of war right here in Warren County.