The rest of the story........... Per "Jessamine County, Ky 1798-1993" After the Civil War, traffic on the old Shawnee Run Road declined. With the collapse of the resort industry, there was an abundance of property for sale and many newly freed slaves were in need of a place to live. The Black community dates from this time, with much of its life centering around the still thriving Macedonia Baptist Church. In the final third of the 19th century, the village became the agricultural and trading center for northwest Jessamine County. Later in the century, the coming of the railroad to Keene opened a new link to the outside. The R.N.I. & B. line crossed about 3/4 of a mile north of the village at a spot still called "The Depot." Just across from the depot, a grain elevator and steam-powered mill was built around the turn of the 20th century and was operated by Mr. Joe and Mr. Wallace Wharton. In 1895, F. S. Wilson sold his business to his son, Ben Wilson, who operated it for the next 40 years. During this time the two main retail businesses in Keene were his store and Sandusky's, which was located in the two-story brick building that once stood at the main intersection. In the 20th century, Keene has seen times of prosperity and depression. The mechanization of farming reduced the need for abundant labor, and many Keene inhabitants left to find work in cities of the North. This trend has been somewhat slowed in recent years. In a time when many of our region's towns and surrounding countryside are losing their identity as the pursuit of "growth" dominates all else, Keene has retained the qualities that make a true community. Submitted by James R. (Bob) Wilson, Jr Next installment - LITTLE HICKMAN NEIGHBORHOOD Shelia