It was chosen as the seat of the newly established Elliott County over nearby Newfoundland in 1869, owing to a generous donation of land for public buildings by resident James Hunter. In 1872, the city was incorporated as "Martinsburg" in honor of Congressman John P. Martin. The priority of another Martinsburg, Kentucky, meant that the post office (est. 1874) had to be named "Sandy Hook". The city resumed the name shortly afterRennick, Robert. Kentucky Place Names. University Press of Kentucky (Lexington), 1987. and was reincorporated as "Sandy Hook" in 1888.
It was chosen as the seat of the newly established Elliott County over nearby Newfoundland in 1869, owing to a generous donation of land for public buildings by resident James Hunter. In 1872, the city was incorporated as "Martinsburg" in honor of Congressman John P. Martin. The priority of another Martinsburg, Kentucky, meant th,at the post office (est. 1874) had to be named "Sandy Hook". The city resumed the name shortly afterRennick Robert. Kentucky Place Names. University Press of Kentucky (Lexington), 1987. and was reincorporated as "Sandy Hook" in 1888.