NEW CASTLE, Ky. — New Castle is home to one of the oldest African American fraternal organizations in the country, and for years its members have fought to salvage and preserve a vital piece of its history.

New Castle is a town steeped in American history. The seat of Henry County was founded in 1798, only a few years after Kentucky became a state. Visitors will notice several buildings and homes dating back to the community’s earliest days. New Castle is also home to The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows .

“We are the oldest group in the state of Kentucky, established in 1872,” Odd Fellows member Richard Smith told Spectrum News.

Washington Lodge #1513 was born out of the American Reconstruction, founded by former slaves. The Odd Fellows became a hub for Black families in Kentucky, b

See Full Page