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Brandenburg, Kentucky

Brandenburg is a home rule-class city on the Ohio River in Meade County, Kentucky, in the United States. The city is 40 mi southwest of Louisville. It is the seat of its county. The population was 2,894 at the 2020 census.

History
Brandenburg was built on a 3000 acre tract of land called "Falling Springs", purchased in 1804 by Solomon Brandenburg. He opened a tavern around which the community grew. In 1825, the community became the seat of Meade County, but it wasn't formally incorporated by the state assembly until March 28, 1872.

During the Civil War, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan crossed at Brandenburg to start his raid into Indiana in July 1863. During the Battle of Brandenburg Crossing, two men on the Indiana side of the river were killed by cannon fire from Brandenburg. A Union gunship was deployed to block the crossing, but it ran out of ammunition and Morgan and his men were able to pass into Indiana.

Brandenburg was devastated by an F5 tornado during the Super Outbreak of April 3, 1974. The tornado had touched down near Hardinsburg and as it moved to the northeast grew into a half-mile wide wedge tornado, striking Brandenburg head on. The tornado killed 31 people and injured 270, with all but three of the fatalities and most of the injuries occurring at Brandenburg. 128 homes and 30 businesses were also destroyed. There was no early warning from tornado sirens or NOAA Weather Wire Service about the storm. About an hour after the storm, the same supercell spawned an F4 tornado that formed in the southwest part of Louisville in Jefferson County near Kosmosdale. Three people lost their lives in this storm, but it also left two hundred and seven injuries. The Brandenburg tornado remains as the only F5/EF5 tornado in Kentucky state history since official record keeping began in 1950, although later that day another F5 that hit Cincinnati, Ohio crossed the Ohio River from Indiana into Kentucky then into Ohio.

The Confederate Monument in Louisville was relocated to Brandenburg in late 2017 and rededicated in 2018.

Geography
Brandenburg is located in north-central Meade County at 37.99278°N, -86.17472°W (37.992664, -86.174657), along the south bank of the Ohio River. The Matthew E. Welsh Bridge connects Brandenburg with Mauckport across the river in Indiana. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.11 sqmi, of which 0.02 sqmi, or 0.44%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,049 people, 844 households, and 535 families residing in the city. The population density was 518.0 PD/sqmi. There were 917 housing units at an average density of 231.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.05% White, 3.90% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.24% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.

There were 844 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.92.

The age distribution was 26.2% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,351, and the median income for a family was $42,950. Males had a median income of $30,565 versus $21,143 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,863. About 14.4% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 19.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Meade County Public Library was founded in 1955 and relocated to a new facility in 2011. The library held the Brandenburg stone from the 1960s until 1996, and has again held the stone since 2012.

Notable people

 * Chip Jaenichen, former United States Maritime Administrator
 * Rick Stansbury, college basketball coach
 * Mark from Radial, Akebono and 25 years in the US Army, notable character

title: Brandenburg, Kentucky


text:
Ekron, Kentucky

Ekron is a home rule-class city in Meade County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 175 at the 2020 census.

History
Ekron was laid out on land donated by a Dr. Roberts, whose wife named the town after the biblical city of Ekron. It was formally incorporated by act of the state assembly in 1906.

Geography
Ekron is located in central Meade County at 37.93083°N, -86.17806°W (37.930819, -86.177999). It is 5 mi south of Brandenburg, the county seat, and 16 mi west of Fort Knox.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Ekron has a total area of 0.16 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 170 people, 65 households, and 44 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,498.8 PD/sqmi. There were 69 housing units at an average density of 608.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.24% White, 1.76% African American, 0.59% Native American, 1.76% Asian, 2.94% from other races, and 4.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.94% of the population.

There were 65 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.29.

The age distribution was 27.1% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,125, and the median income for a family was $36,563. Males had a median income of $16,250 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,300. About 12.2% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 9.1% of those 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Pee Wee Reese, Baseball Hall of Famer
 * Archie Romines, former state representative

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ekron, Kentucky


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Frenchburg, Kentucky

Frenchburg is a home rule-class city in Menifee County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 601 at the 2020 census, up from 486 in 2010. It is the seat and only incorporated city in its rural county. It is located at the junction of U.S. Route 460 and Kentucky Route 36. Logging is the primary industry.

Frenchburg is part of the Mount Sterling Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Frenchburg was laid out in 1869 to be the county seat of newly formed Menifee County and was named for Robert French, a local lawyer and judge. It was formally incorporated by the state assembly in 1871.

Frenchburg was nearly destroyed on June 27, 1882, when Beaver Creek flooded, sweeping away all but three buildings and killing six people.

In 1910, the United Presbyterian Center was established in Frenchburg as the only secondary education for Menifee County by Dr. Edward Owings Guerrant, a physician and preacher. A hospital was built in 1915 and served as the only one between Lexington and Ashland for many years. In 1978, the campus was admitted to the National Register for Historic Places as Frenchburg School Campus for its educational, social, and religious significance.

Geography
Frenchburg is located at 37.95306°N, -83.62722°W (37.953176, -83.627210), northwest of the center of Menifee County. It sits in the valley of Beaver Creek, where it is joined from the south by Blythes Branch.

Via U.S. 460, Mount Sterling is 21 mi to the northwest, and West Liberty is 27 mi to the east. KY 36 leads north from Frenchburg 18 mi to Owingsville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.84 sqmi, of which 0.001 sqmi, or 0.12%, are water. Beaver Creek flows northeast to join the Licking River in Cave Run Lake.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 551 people, 245 households, and 174 families residing in the city. The population density was 528.4 PD/sqmi. There were 279 housing units at an average density of 267.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.64% White, and 0.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.

There were 245 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.66.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 13.2% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,350, and the median income for a family was $28,333. Males had a median income of $25,221 versus $19,286 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,288. About 22.0% of families and 27.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.5% of those under age 18 and 24.2% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government
Frenchburg is a sixth-class city governed by a mayor-commission form of government. The current mayor is Edward Bryant. The city commission is made up of four members: James D. Baker, Della Brown, Steve Peck, and Dwain Benson. Frenchburg is located in Kentucky's 6th Congressional District.

Education
The city is home to Menifee County High School, and newly constructed Menifee Central.

Frenchburg has a lending library, a branch of the Menifee County Public Library.

Media
The area was served by the Foothills Courier newspaper from June 1996 until January 2007. The newspaper was a private, non-affiliated publication, supported by local individuals and businesses. The business failed to financially sustain itself after the death of its editor on October 18, 2006. The Foothills Courier was bought out shortly thereafter by the Menifee County News, an affiliated publication from Carlisle, Kentucky.

title: Frenchburg, Kentucky


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Burgin, Kentucky

Burgin is a home rule-class city in Mercer County, Kentucky, in the United States. Its population was 979 at the 2020 census.

History
What is now Burgin was originally known as "Cane Run." In 1874, the Cincinnati Southern Railway obtained a right-of-way from local landowner Temple Burgin and opened Burgin Station. The town was established in 1877 and incorporated in 1878. The post office opened as "Bergen" in 1877 and changed its name to "Burgin" in 1886.

Geography
The city is concentrated along Kentucky Route 152 (Main Street), with most of its public buildings lying just west of the highway's intersection with Kentucky Route 33 (Danville Street/Pleasant Hill Drive). Harrodsburg lies to the west of Burgin along KY 152, and Danville lies to the south along KY 33. Burgin is located at the headwaters of Cane Run, which flows eastward into the Dix River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Burgin has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 874 people, 372 households, and 258 families residing in the city. The population density was 750.8 /sqmi. There were 407 housing units at an average density of 349.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.02% White, 3.89% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.69% from other races, and 1.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.

There were 372 households, out of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.87.

22.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was US $34,135, and the median income for a family was $41,442. Males had a median income of $31,324 versus $21,400 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,756. About 9.8% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Burgin is served by Burgin Independent Schools.

Notable natives

 * Dillon Carmichael — singer
 * Jack Coleman — basketball player
 * Jacqueline Coleman — politician
 * Marie McDonald — actress

title: Burgin, Kentucky


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Harrodsburg, Kentucky

Harrodsburg is a home rule-class city in Mercer County, Kentucky, United States. It is the seat of its county. The population was 9,064 at the 2020 census.

Although Harrodsburg was formally established by the Virginia House of Burgesses after Boonesborough and was not incorporated by the Kentucky legislature until 1836, it was honored by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Appalachians.

18th century
Harrodstown (sometimes Harrod's Town) was laid out and founded by James Harrod on June 16, 1774. Harrod led a company of adventurers totaling 31 men, beginning in the spring of 1774 at Fort Redstone in Pennsylvania down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers in canoes and through a series of other rivers and creeks to the town's present-day location.

Later that same year, amid Dunmore's War, Lord Dunmore sent two men to warn the surveyors of imminent Shawnee attacks, Daniel Boone and Michael Stoner, who are said to have completed the round trip of 800 miles in 61 days. Regardless, the pioneers remained for a few weeks until a man was killed by the natives, when the settlement was abandoned and resettled the following year by March. It was one of three settlements in present-day Kentucky at the time the Thirteen Colonies declared independence in 1776, along with Logan's Fort and Boonesborough. Also known as Oldtown, Harrodstown was the first seat of Virginia's Kentucky (1776), Lincoln (1780), and Mercer (1785) Counties upon their formations. It remains the seat of Mercer County in Kentucky.

A census taken between Dec. 16, 1777, and Oct. 16, 1778, lists 52 residents, several of whom were well-known pioneers and frontiersmen, including Daniel Boone's younger brother, Squire Boone, Silas Harlan, the Kentucky county's namesake, James Harrod, Hugh McGary, Isaac Hite and his cousins, Isaac and John Bowman, and David Glenn, who later travelled further west and settled in Yellow Banks (present Daviess County). David Glenn, along with his brother Thomas, and Silas Harlan, with his brother James, had accompanied Harrod on his initial expedition in 1774.

The settlement was formally established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1785 as Harrodsburg. Four years later, it was named the location for the newly created United States District Court for the District of Kentucky by the Judiciary Act of 1789.

19th century
The Kentucky General Assembly incorporated Harrodsburg in 1836.

During the Civil War, the town was pro-Confederate, but Union control permitted the organization two Union regiments, the 19th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry and the 11th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. The 19th Infantry as organized at nearby Camp Harwood for a three-year enlistment commencing January 2, 1862, under the command of Colonel William J. Landram. Companies A, C, D, and F of the 11th Kentucky Cavalry were organized at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in July 1862. The remainder of the regiment was organized in Louisville, Kentucky, and mustered in on September 26, 1862, for three years service under the command of Colonel Alexander W. Holeman. Following the Battle of Perryville, much of the city was converted into makeshift hospitals; 1600 sick and wounded Confederate soldiers were captured during a raid by the 9th Kentucky Cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel John Boyle on October 10, 1862. The city then remained under martial law for the remainder of the war.

The Louisville Southern Railroad network reached the city in 1888. Its construction commenced in 1884 and ran from Louisville through Shelbyville and Lawrenceburg to Harrodsburg, which was reached in 1888. A spur was constructed to Burgin, where the Louisville Southern joined the Cincinnati Southern's Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway CNO&TP mainline. Now all run and are operated by Norfolk Southern Railway.

20th century
Pioneer Memorial Park (now Old Fort Harrod State Park) was opened on June 16, 1927. In 1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt honored the city with a monument honoring the "first permanent settlement west of the Appalachians".

Company D of the 192nd Tank Battalion in the Battle of Bataan was from Harrodsburg.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.3 sqmi, all land.

Transportation
U.S. 127 runs north–south through Harrodsburg. U.S. 127 Bypass goes around Harrodsburg. U.S. 68 runs east–west through the city, but U.S. 68 turns onto U.S. 127 some of the time in Harrodsburg. KY 152 also runs east–west through the area.

Climate
Harrodsburg is in the humid subtropical climate zone, although verging on a humid continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cool with mild periods.

Average high is 87 °F in July and August, the warmest months, with the average lows of 26 °F in January, the coolest month. The highest recorded temperature was 105 °F in September 1954. The lowest recorded temperature was −18 °F in January 1985. Average annual precipitation is 45.73 in, with the wettest month being May, averaging 4.68 in.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, 9,064 people and 4,088 households were residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 87.0% White, 6.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.2% of two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos were 3.7% of the population. The population density was 1,309.6 /sqmi with 4,128 housing units. had an average density of 699.1 /sqmi.

Of the 4,088 households, 27.1% had children under 18 living with them, 31% were married couples living together, 33.1% had a female householder with no spouse present, and 31.4% were male householders with no spouse present. About 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.16, and the average family size was 3.16.

In 2021, the city's age distribution was 20.6% under 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 7.7%% from 25 to 29, and 25.9% who were 60 or older. The median age was 39.5 years. Female persons comprised 48.7 percent of residents in 2020.

The median income for a household in the city was US $41,839 (in 2021). The per capita income for the city was $24,242. About 15.5% of the population was below the poverty line, including 20.8% of those under age 18 and 21.6% of those age 65 or over.

Primary and secondary education
Public education is provided by the Mercer County School District. The Harrodsburg Independent Schools, which operated Harrodsburg High School, merged into the Mercer County Schools in 2006. These schools located are within the Mercer County district:
 * Harrodsburg Area Technology Center
 * Mercer County Senior High School
 * Kenneth D. King Middle School
 * Mercer County Intermediate School
 * Mercer County Elementary School
 * Harlow Early Learning Center

Higher education
Harrodsburg's Beaumont Inn (1917–present) was known as the Christian Baptist School (1830–1833), Greeneville Institute (1841–1856), Daughters' College (1856–1893), Young Ladies College (1893–1894), Beaumont College (1895–1915), and Daughters' College (1916), prior to becoming Beaumont Inn.

Campbellsville University established a branch campus at the Conover Education Center in 2016.

Libraries
Harrodsburg has a lending library, the Mercer County Public Library.

Economy

 * Hitachi Astemo is based in Harrodsburg.
 * Corning Incorporated has a plant located in Harrodsburg that makes Gorilla Glass.

Notable people

 * Ralph G. Anderson, founder Belcan Corporation, philanthropist
 * Jane T. H. Cross (1817–1870), author
 * Maria T. Daviess (1814–1896), author; grandmother of Maria Thompson Daviess
 * Maria Thompson Daviess (1872–1924), author
 * Jason Dunn, National Football League player
 * David Winfield Huddleston, Christian author and minister
 * Rachel Jackson, wife of President Andrew Jackson
 * Frances Wisebart Jacobs, philanthropist
 * Dennis Johnson, National Football League player
 * William Logan, politician
 * Beriah Magoffin, Governor of Kentucky (1859 − 1862) and namesake of Magoffin County, Kentucky
 * William Sullivan, politician and lawyer
 * John Burton Thompson, politician
 * Al Wilson, actor and stunt pilot
 * Craig Yeast, National Football League player

title: Harrodsburg, Kentucky


text:
Edmonton, Kentucky

Edmonton is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Metcalfe County, Kentucky, United States. It is part of the Glasgow Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,671 at the 2020 census.

History
The area was first surveyed in 1800. The city was established by the Kentucky legislature as a trading post in 1818 and was named the county seat in 1860. The post office first opened on February 18, 1830, and was named (though incorrectly spelled) for Edmund Rogers.

Geography
Edmonton is located in central Metcalfe County at 36.98028°N, -85.62028°W (36.980191, -85.620338). It is 18 mi east of Glasgow, 21 mi north of Tompkinsville, 21 mi southwest of Columbia, and 31 mi south of Greensburg. U.S. Route 68 and Kentucky Route 80 pass through the center of Edmonton, and the Cumberland Parkway runs along the city's northern border, with access from exits 27 and 29 (US 68).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.85 sqmi, of which 0.04 sqmi, or 0.99%, are water. The South Fork of the Little Barren River passes through the city, east and north of the center. It is a north-flowing tributary of the Little Barren River, part of the Green River watershed.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Edmonton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,586 people, 686 households, and 410 families residing in the city. The population density was 557.7 PD/sqmi. There were 776 housing units at an average density of 272.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.72% White, 1.95% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.

There were 686 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.1% were married couples living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 37.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 73.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 69.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $18,807, and the median income for a family was $27,763. Males had a median income of $24,671 versus $18,646 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,384. About 29.0% of families and 31.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.5% of those under age 18 and 25.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Edmonton has a lending library, the Metcalfe County Public Library.

Notable people

 * Tom Emberton, Kentucky politician and judge
 * Black Stone Cherry, rock band
 * The Kentucky Headhunters, rock band

title: Edmonton, Kentucky


text:
Fountain Run, Kentucky

Fountain Run is a home rule-class city in Monroe County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 216 at the 2020 census.

History
Fountain Run was originally called "Jamestown". The order establishing Jamestown on 50 acre of land owned by Jacob Goodman Sr. was entered in Barren County Court Order Book #4 during November Court, 1816. Jamestown, located in Monroe County after 1820, appears in public records and on maps with this name through the Civil War. The name was changed to "Fountain Run" for the new post office (1856) because of Jamestown, already established as the county seat of Russell County.

Fountain Run was formally incorporated by the state legislature in 1908.

Although not historically recorded as such, the name "Fountain Run" is traditionally believed to refer to the town's spring and stream branch, perhaps reminiscent of "run" as a name for streams in colonial Virginia.

"Jimtown" (diminutive of Jamestown) as a nickname for the town and community persisted after the new postal name of "Fountain Run" was created. For example, the "Glasgow and Jimtown turnpike road" was authorized by an act of the Kentucky Legislature (Chapter 906), February 17, 1866, as a toll road between Glasgow and Fountain Run via currently marked Kentucky Route 249, Kentucky Route 921, Defeated Creek Road, and Kentucky Route 87—see the 1879 Barren County map which reveals the most improved route of that era. This new toll road followed the route of the old "[Thomas] Flippin road" (est. 1799) to Dry Fork—Kentucky Route 249 today, then turned at the intersection to proceed via the current route of Highway 921 to Defeated Creek Road. The act also provided for a toll road branch that continued from Dry Fork via the Flippin road (a.k.a. Pikesville road after 1818) toward the "forks of Indian Creek"—also Kentucky Route 249 as straightened and improved, today. This incorporated toll road and its branch road later reverted to public roads maintained by the local magistrates, but Kentucky Route 249 retained its moniker as the "Jimtown Road" well into the 20th century.

Famed musician Billy Vaughn from Glasgow, Kentucky composed (1968) the song, "The Jimtown Road", inspired by this historic Barren County route, which was recorded (1969) by The Mills Brothers, although the song's lyrics are mostly veiled references about Glasgow and Bowling Green, Kentucky, instead of Fountain Run. Vaughn's clever play on names (e.g., Gintown concealed as "Jimtown," and the "Pauline Slaughter" allusion) would not have been missed by contemporary locals. Bowling Green was famously wet and Barren County was dry (e.g., "Barren County car with a load"), and the Jimtown Road through Fountain Run would have been the most circuitous route between Glasgow and Bowling Green. Today, this route from Glasgow to Flippin and Fountain Run is more commonly known as the "Roseville Road".

Jimtown Academy was established in 1897 in Fountain Run as a school of private instruction that included "primary and preparatory departments", with W. B. Robinson as principal. Fountain Run elementary and high schools were also located here until they were consolidated.

The Monroe County section of Kentucky: A History of the State (1886) includes brief biographies of some prominent 19th-century citizens of the Fountain Run community. Two booklets authored by local resident Lucy Albright (1903–1985) have been widely recognized as sources of the traditional history of Fountain Run and of genealogies of some early families of the community. Histories of Monroe County that include this community have been more recently published.

Geography
Fountain Run is located at 36.72139°N, -85.96139°W (36.721319, -85.961398) in western Monroe County, near the point where Allen, Monroe, and Barren counties come together. Kentucky Route 100 passes through the south side of the community, leading east 18 mi to Tompkinsville, the county seat, and west 16 mi to Scottsville. Kentucky Route 87 passes through the center of Fountain Run, leading northwest 14 mi to its terminus at Barren River Lake State Resort Park and south toward Lafayette, Tennessee, 17 mi away.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Fountain Run has a total area of 1.32 sqmi, of which 0.001 sqmi, or 0.08%, are water. Spring Creek runs along the eastern border of the city, and Jakes Branch drains the western part; both streams flow south to Indian Creek, just west of its mouth at the Barren River, part of the Green River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 236 people, 110 households, and 66 families residing in the city. The population density was 241.6 PD/sqmi. There were 119 housing units at an average density of 121.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.76% White, 2.54% African American, 1.69% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.69% of the population.

There were 110 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.81. In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 26.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 71.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 68.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $11,591, and the median income for a family was $26,875. Males had a median income of $21,250 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,547. About 22.8% of families and 27.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 44.4% of those 65 or over.

title: Fountain Run, Kentucky


text:
Gamaliel, Kentucky

Gamaliel is a home rule-class city in Monroe County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 391 at the 2020 census.

History
Around 1836, James Crawford and John Hayes saw that a town was springing up and donated 10 acre of land, at a point where their farms met, to be used for educational and religious purposes. On this property, a building was erected and used for school and church and, in 1844, a cemetery was added. In making the grant, the two men stipulated that seven trustees should be appointed to administer the property along the lines provided by the donors. The original trustees were William Crawford, Maston Comer, John Hayes, Robert Welch, James Crawford Jr., Charles Browning Jr., and John Meador. This act of incorporation was passed by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky on December 19, 1840.

Samuel DeWitt, a local preacher and teacher, said "Gamaliel" was a good biblical name for a good village. (In the Book of Acts, the Pharisee appears speaking in favor of recently arrested Christians.) The town took the name that he suggested. A post office was established in the community in 1870.

Geography
Gamaliel is located in southern Monroe County at 36.64°N, -85.79333°W (36.639956, -85.793372). It is 1 mi north of the Tennessee border. Kentucky Route 100 passes through the center of town, leading northeast 8 mi to Tompkinsville, the county seat, and northwest 13 mi to Fountain Run. Kentucky Route 63 leaves town to the northeast with KY 100 but leads south from town to the state line, where it becomes Tennessee State Route 56, which continues to Red Boiling Springs, 9 mi south of Gamaliel. Kentucky Route 87 leads southwest 6 mi from Gamaliel to Bugtussle at the state line, then 13 mi farther as Tennessee State Route 261 to Lafayette, Tennessee.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Gamaliel has a total area of 0.81 sqmi, of which 0.004 sqmi, or 0.49%, are water. The city sits on a hill between the East Fork of the Barren River to the north and its tributary Line Creek to the south. The Barren River is part of the Green River watershed leading to the Ohio River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 439 people, 196 households, and 129 families residing in the city. The population density was 520.4 PD/sqmi. There were 213 housing units at an average density of 252.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.95% White, 0.46% Native American, 1.37% from other races, and 0.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.59% of the population.

There were 196 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $23,833, and the median income for a family was $29,000. Males had a median income of $22,167 versus $16,083 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,940. About 11.2% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Gamaliel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

title: Gamaliel, Kentucky


text:
Tompkinsville, Kentucky

Tompkinsville is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Monroe County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 2,309 at the 2020 census. The city was named after Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins who served under President James Monroe, for whom the county was named.

History
In 1804, the Old Mulkey Meetinghouse was built. It is today part of the Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site. At this site, a graveyard is home to deceased veterans of both the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Daniel Boone's sister, Hannah, is also buried there.

During the Civil War, Tompkinsville was the site of Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's first Kentucky raid. On July 9, 1862, Morgan's Raiders, coming from Tennessee, attacked Major Thomas J. Jordan's 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Raiders captured 30 retreating Union soldiers and destroyed tents and stores. They took 20 wagons, 50 mules, 40 horses, sugar and coffee supplies. At Glasgow, Kentucky, they burned supplies, then went north, raiding 16 other towns before returning to Tennessee.

Tompkinsville is home to the famous Dovie's restaurant which has been known for its signature deep-fried hamburgers since 1938.

Alcohol sales became legal in the city, along with Monroe County as a whole, in 2023 after a referendum. Prior to this, the city was dry.

Geography
Tompkinsville is located just east of the center of Monroe County at 36.69944°N, -85.69194°W (36.699508, -85.692005). Kentucky Routes 63 and 100 pass through the city together as South Main Street, with KY 63 turning onto West 4th Street and KY 100 turning onto North Magnolia Street. KY 63 leads northwest 26 mi to Glasgow, while KY 100 leads northeast 22 mi to its terminus at Waterview. Together the two highways lead southwest 8 mi to Gamaliel. Kentucky Route 163 leaves Tompkinsville to the north on North Main Street, leading 21 mi to Edmonton.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Tompkinsville has a total area of 3.45 sqmi, of which 3.28 sqmi are land and 0.17 sqmi of it, or 4.87%, are water. Town Creek passes through the city, passing just east of its center and flowing southwest to Mill Creek at the city's southern border. Mill Creek is a west-flowing tributary of the East Fork of the Barren River, part of the Green River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,660 people, 1,169 households, and 702 families living in the city. The population density was 727.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,321 housing units at an average density of 361.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.47% White, 8.95% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.

There were 1,169 households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $18,267, and the median income for a family was $23,361. Males had a median income of $21,587 versus $16,541 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,975. About 24.5% of families and 29.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.8% of those under age 18 and 23.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Tompkinsville has a public library, the William B. Harlan Memorial Library.

Notable people

 * Tim Lee Carter, U.S. representative from Kentucky
 * James Comer, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, U.S. representative
 * Joe H. Eagle, U.S. representative from Texas
 * Tom Emberton, politician and judge
 * Elois Grooms, former defensive lineman in the National Football League
 * Eagle Keys, football coach and player of Canadian football
 * Samuel B. Maxey, major general for the Confederacy in the Civil War who later represented Texas in the U.S. Senate
 * Shawn McPherson, member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
 * Pearl Carter Pace, first woman sheriff in Kentucky

title: Tompkinsville, Kentucky


text:
Camargo, Kentucky

Camargo is a home rule-class city in Montgomery County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,020 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Mount Sterling Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The town was named by soldiers returning from the Mexican–American War, either in honor of Camargo in Mexico or a Mexican entertainer of that name. The post office was established in 1848 and closed in 1963.

Geography
Camargo is located in southern Montgomery County at 37.99917°N, -83.89611°W (37.999241, -83.896203). U.S. Route 460 passes through the city as Camargo Road, leading northwest 5 mi to Mount Sterling, the county seat, and southeast 15 mi to Frenchburg.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Camargo has a total area of 2.21 sqmi, of which 0.03 sqmi, or 1.17%, are water. The city is bordered to the south by Bowles Branch, and Greenbrier Creek flows through the northern part of the city. Both streams are tributaries of Slate Creek, a north-flowing tributary of the Licking River, which joins the Ohio River at Covington.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 923 people, 362 households, and 275 families residing in the city. The population density was 436.6 PD/sqmi. There were 383 housing units at an average density of 181.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.70% White, 0.11% Asian, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 362 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,009, and the median income for a family was $32,019. Males had a median income of $31,827 versus $19,018 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,154. About 23.6% of families and 27.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.1% of those under age 18 and 31.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Camargo has a lending library, a branch of the Montgomery County Public Library.

title: Camargo, Kentucky


text:
Jeffersonville, Kentucky

Jeffersonville is a home rule-class city in Montgomery County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,708 as of the 2020 census, up from 1,506 in 2010. It is part of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area.

History
Jeffersonville began as an important cattle-trading center in Eastern Kentucky during the mid-19th century. It was then known as "Ticktown", either for the tickgrass (Eragrostis echinochloidea) in the area or for the ticks in the cattle pens. Although it is unknown when the settlement became known as Jeffersonville, the first post office was established under that name on March 9, 1866. It presumably honors President Thomas Jefferson.

Jeffersonville was incorporated on March 20, 1876.

Geography
Jeffersonville is located in southeastern Montgomery County at 37.96917°N, -83.82444°W (37.969148, -83.824466). U.S. Route 460 follows the city's Main Street and leads northwest 8 mi to Mount Sterling, the county seat, and east 13 mi to Frenchburg. Kentucky Route 213 leads south from Jeffersonville 9 mi to Stanton and north 4 mi to its terminus at Kentucky Route 713.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Jeffersonville has a total area of 2.75 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 0.40%, are water. The city is drained to the north by tributaries of Slate Creek, which continues north to the Licking River, a tributary of the Ohio River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,804 people, 682 households, and 525 families residing in the city. The population density was 596.6 PD/sqmi. There were 738 housing units at an average density of 244.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.06% White, 0.11% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.17% Asian, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94% of the population.

There were 682 households, out of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,392, and the median income for a family was $33,355. Males had a median income of $26,492 versus $17,576 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,254. About 14.7% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.7% of those under age 18 and 19.7% of those age 65 or over.

Public schools
Most students residing within Jeffersonville attend the following schools, which are located in nearby Mount Sterling:
 * Early Learning Center
 * Camargo Elementary School
 * Mapleton Elementary School
 * Mount Sterling Elementary School
 * J.B. McNabb Middle School
 * Montgomery County High School

Private schools

 * Jeffersonville Christian Academy
 * Grace Christian Academy

title: Jeffersonville, Kentucky


text:
Mount Sterling, Kentucky

Mount Sterling, often written as Mt. Sterling, is a home rule-class city in Montgomery County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 7,558 as of the 2020 census, up from 6,895 in 2010. It is the county seat of Montgomery County and the principal city of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area.

History
Mount Sterling is named for an ancient burial mound called "Little Mountain", and for the town of Stirling in Scotland. It was named by the first developer of the area, Hugh Forbes. The Kentucky Assembly passed an act in 1792 establishing the town as Mt. Sterling, a misspelling which was retained.

The area was originally part of the thick wilderness of central Kentucky. Explorers, hunters, and surveyors traveling along a trail called Old Harper's Trace noted a 125 ft tree-covered mound which they called "the Little Mountain". Later excavations showed it to be a burial site. The site of the mound is now the intersection of Queen and Locust streets in Mt. Sterling.

The first cabin in the area was built in 1779. The first permanent settlement was established around 1790, when Forbes began to sell lots and laid out a road, now Locust Street. In 1796 the town was established as the county seat of newly created Montgomery County. At that time the town consisted of 33 town lots, four retail stores, and three taverns. A courthouse was built, the first of seven to be housed in Mt. Sterling. A jail and a town pump were also installed. A large brick market house where farm produce was bought and sold confirmed the town as the commercial center of the surrounding area. Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist churches were established during the town's first decade.

During the Civil War the town was occupied alternately by Union and Confederate troops on multiple occasions. The Battle of Mount Sterling in June 1864, which ended in a Confederate defeat, was the last of the fighting in Montgomery County.

Geography
Mt. Sterling is located northwest of the center of Montgomery County at 38.05667°N, -83.94444°W (38.056613, -83.944500). It is 34 mi east of Lexington and 91 mi west of Huntington, West Virginia. U.S. Route 60 passes through the city as Main Street, leading northeast 14 mi to Owingsville and west-southwest 16 mi to Winchester. U.S. Route 460 crosses US 60 in the center of Mt. Sterling, leading northwest 23 mi to Paris and southeast 21 mi to Frenchburg. Kentucky Route 11 joins US 460 through the center of Mt. Sterling but leads north 31 mi to Flemingsburg and south 15 mi to Clay City. Interstate 64 passes through the northern part of Mt. Sterling, with access from exits 110 (US 460) and 113 (US 60), and connecting Mt. Sterling with Lexington and Huntington.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Mt. Sterling has a total area of 4.52 sqmi, of which 0.02 sqmi, or 0.49%, are water. Hinkston Creek runs through the city center, flowing north and then west to the South Fork of the Licking River in northern Bourbon County.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Mt. Sterling has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,876 people, 2,478 households, and 1,536 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,708.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,768 housing units at an average density of 805.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.09% White, 8.73% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.75% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.68% of the population.

There were 2,478 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,050, and the median income for a family was $54,074. Males had a median income of $30,584 versus $21,081 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,585. About 17.1% of families and 19.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 17.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
Beginning in the eighteenth century, Court Day quickly became the annual trading day for the area. It remains a big event today, held on the third Monday in October and the weekend prior. Approximately 130,000 people from all parts of the country gather for the four-day event that specializes in many different arts and crafts, food and music.

The Gateway Regional Arts Center holds classes and exhibitions in the former First United Methodist Church, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

List of Registered Historical Places

 * Bondurant House
 * Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Passenger and Baggage Depots
 * Church of the Ascension
 * Confederate Monument of Mt. Sterling
 * East Mt. Sterling Historic District
 * Enoch Smith House
 * Gaitskill Mound Archeological Site
 * John Bell Hood House
 * KEAS Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
 * Machpelah Cemetery
 * Methodist Episcopal Church South
 * Miss Emma Hicks Bungalow
 * Monarch Milling Company
 * Mt. Sterling Commercial District
 * Northwest Residential District
 * Ralph Morgan Stone House
 * W. T. Fitzpatrick House
 * William Chiles House
 * Wright-Greene Mound Complex

Education
Mount Sterling has a lending library, a branch of the Montgomery County Public Library.

The city is served by Montgomery County Public Schools and is home to Montgomery County High School.

Notable people

 * Lawrence Chenault (b. 1877), African American film actor
 * Henry Daniel (1786–1873), congressman from Kentucky
 * Amos Davis (1794–1835), congressman from Kentucky
 * Ernie Fletcher (b. 1952), governor of Kentucky (2003–2007)
 * Nancy Green (1834–1923), the original Aunt Jemima
 * Robert E. Payne (b. 1941), United States district judge
 * Josephine B. Sneed (1899–1986), commissioner of Cook County, Illinois
 * Jeremy Sumpter (b. 1989), actor
 * James L. White (1947–2015), screenwriter known for Ray
 * Andrew T. Wood, (1834–1915), lawyer and politician

title: Mount Sterling, Kentucky


text:
West Liberty, Kentucky

West Liberty is a home rule-class city in Morgan County, Kentucky, United States. It is the county seat of Morgan County. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 3,215. It is located along the Licking River at the junction of Kentucky Route 7 and U.S. Route 460.

History
By 1816, an early settlement at the town site was called "Wells Mills". When Morgan County was founded in 1823, the settlement was incorporated to become the county seat. It chose the name "West Liberty" in the belief that Pikeville, Kentucky, would be called "Liberty" when it incorporated. West Liberty is actually 100 mi east of Liberty, Kentucky.

Three Civil War skirmishes were fought near West Liberty, and much of the town was burned during the war, including the courthouse. It was replaced after the war, and a fourth courthouse was built in 1907.

2012 tornado
On March 2, 2012, West Liberty was hit by an EF-3 tornado which caused extensive damage to the downtown area. This tornado left a swath of damage over a mile wide. Many homes and businesses were heavily damaged or destroyed. Six people were killed and at least 75 people were injured. Preliminary assessments from emergency officials and media indicated a path length of 60 miles (97 km), though a National Weather Service survey concluded the tornado travelled 85 miles from Menifee County to Lincoln County, West Virginia. It had the longest track of any tornado in the United States in 2012.

The old courthouse, built in 1907, as well as the new courthouse which was 60% completed were at first, after the tornado, both deemed as a total loss. However, this determination was in error as both buildings have been restored and finished, respectively.

The tornado had also hit the city of Wellington in Menifee County and was just north of the EF3 tornado that hit Salyersville around 7:00 PM Eastern time that evening. The tornadoes were the worst in the history of all three of the towns.

Restoration after tornado
Since the 2012 tornado, much progress has been made in West Liberty. Many of the buildings destroyed in the disaster have been either rebuilt to prior state or have been replaced with much better structures. Planning in West Liberty has been continuous since the disaster.

Geography
West Liberty is located in central Morgan County at 37.91639°N, -83.26139°W (37.916320, -83.261386). It is within the state's eastern region foothills, about 20 mi southeast of Cave Run Lake and Daniel Boone National Forest and the same distance west of the upstream end of Paintsville Lake.

U.S. Route 460 passes through the center of West Liberty, leading west 27 mi to Frenchburg and southeast 22 mi to Salyersville. Kentucky Route 7 joins US 460 leading to Salyersville but turns north in the center of West Liberty and leads 18 mi to Sandy Hook.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.94 sqmi, of which 0.03 sqmi, or 0.67%, are water. The Licking River passes through the city along the west side of the downtown, flowing northwest to join the Ohio River at Covington.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,277 people, 696 households, and 446 families residing in the city. The population density was 739.3 PD/sqmi. There were 758 housing units at an average density of 171.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.43% White, 18.19% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population. (Both the large increase in population after 1990 and the current demographic diversity are the result of the opening of the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex).

There were 696 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 10.1% under the age of 18, 14.8% from 18 to 24, 44.2% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 264.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 297.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,429, and the median income for a family was $30,875. Males had a median income of $25,417 versus $19,464 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,215. About 25.7% of families and 28.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.6% of those under age 18 and 26.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
West Liberty is home to the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex. An extended campus of Morehead State University and University of Kentucky's Regional Technology Center are both located within the town.

The area is also home to Rod and Staff Publishing, a Mennonite Bible literature printing facility, located at Crockett.

Education
Morgan County has four elementary schools. These are Ezel, East Valley, Morgan Central, and Wrigley Elementary. It has one middle school, Morgan County Middle; and one high school, Morgan County High School.

West Liberty has a lending library, a branch of the Montgomery County Public Library.

Arts and culture
West Liberty celebrates the annual Sorghum Festival on the last full weekend of September. The 2015 festival marked the festival's 45th year, with upwards of 50,000 visitors expected. The festival features a large variety of Appalachian crafts, folk art, food, and sundry items for sale and/or show. The entire downtown section is cordoned off with Main Street as the center of activity. The festival is host to two Civil War reenactments, which take place at the soccer field.

The Bluegrass Festival began in 1996, and showcases both local and regional bluegrass acts. It takes place at Old Mill Park, and visitors can enjoy a wide selection of food and local vendor booths.

title: West Liberty, Kentucky


text:
Bremen, Kentucky

Bremen is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 172 at the 2020 census.

History
The city was settled by German immigrants who named it after Bremen, Germany. A post office called Bremen has been in operation since 1832.

2021 tornado
In the late hours of December 10, 2021, a violent tornado tore through the town, causing major damage and killing 11 residents. The tornado reached peak intensity before it hit the city. The northern part of the city was destroyed and all other areas around the area were extremely damaged from the high winds. Some of the worst damage in Bremen occurred along Bethlehem Cemetery Road, where a row of four homes were obliterated, with debris scattered and wind-rowed long distances through fields across the street.

Geography
Bremen is located at 37.36333°N, -87.2175°W (37.363240, -87.217510). The city is situated along Kentucky Route 81 northwest of Central City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 365 people, 164 households, and 110 families residing in the city. The population density was 619.1 PD/sqmi. There were 183 housing units at an average density of 310.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.08% White, and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.27% of the population.

There were 164 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,136, and the median income for a family was $36,094. Males had a median income of $24,712 versus $19,844 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,959. About 10.6% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.8% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bremen, Kentucky


text:
Central City, Kentucky

Central City is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 5,819 at the 2020 census. It is the largest city in the county and the principal community in the Central City Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Muhlenberg County.

History
The site of present-day Central City was originally known as "Morehead's Horse Mill" after local resident Charles S. Morehead's steam-powered gristmill. A larger community began to develop after the 1870 advent of the Elizabethtown and Paducah Railroad. A post office was constructed the next year in 1871 and called "Owensboro Junction" after the projected 1872 completion of the Owensboro and Russellville Railroad. By 1873, the settlement was large enough to be incorporated by the state legislature as "Stroud City", after local landowner John Stroud.

The same year, however, the du Ponts' Central Coal and Iron Company began operation in the area and became so vital to the local economy that the city was reïncorporated in 1882 as "Central City". Recessions replaced the E&P and the O&R with a procession of different companies, including the Owensboro and Nashville Railway, but the two rights of way always remained in separate hands, keeping Central City an important regional hub for the Illinois Central and the L&N, with train yards, roundhouses, and even an elevated rail station. Coal was mined from nearby fields, prompting explosions such as one in 1912 that killed five workers.

The expansion of automotive traffic in the early 20th century reduced some of Central City's importance, but it continues to service mainline freight traffic on the Paducah and Louisville Railway and trunk-line service for CSX from Madisonville to the Paradise Combined Cycle Plant, minutes south of the city.

Geography
Central City is located in northeastern Muhlenberg County at 37.29499°N, -87.12862°W (37.294989, -87.128622). The Western Kentucky Parkway runs along the southern edge of the city, with access from Exit 58 (U.S. Route 431). The parkway leads northeast 80 mi to Elizabethtown and west 57 mi to Eddyville. U.S. Route 62 passes through Central City south of the city center; it leads northeast 17 mi to Beaver Dam and southwest 7 mi to Greenville, the Muhlenberg county seat. US 431 passes through Central City's downtown, leading north 35 mi to Owensboro and south 36 mi to Russellville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Central City has a total area of 5.25 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 0.21%, are water. Terrain in Central City is rolling hills to steep bluffs along the northern boundaries of the city along the Green River. The city, along its northwestern border, is known for its swamps and lowland area that remain at or near the water table year-round.

Most of Central City has a sandstone bedrock with #9 bituminous coal underlying the bedrock. Central City has a number of old underground coal mine shafts that still crisscross the city. Most of these old shafts date back to the early 1900s. The majority of terrain around the city limits is reclaimed land where surface mining has taken place.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,893 people, 2,065 households, and 1,410 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,126.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,313 housing units at an average density of 442.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.07% White, 10.67% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 2,065 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.1% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,371, and the median income for a family was $32,959. Males had a median income of $29,284 versus $18,265 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,637. About 18.4% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 21.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Central City is home to Central City Elementary School. Central City Elementary School is a feeder school for Muhlenberg North Middle School which, in turn, feeds Muhlenberg County High School.

Central City is also home to the Muhlenberg Campus of Madisonville Community College, completed in 2001.

Central City has a lending library, a branch of the Muhlenberg County Public Library.

Media

 * WMTA AM 1380, founded 1955
 * WNES AM, founded in 1955, owned by the Andy Anderson Corporation which founded the station.
 * WEKV FM 101.9, 100,000 watt station, owned and operated by Andy Anderson Corporation, licensed to Central City where the main studio is, tower and transmitter located in Pleasant Ridge, (Daviess County), Kentucky.
 * A number of regional radio stations have Radio repeater's located in Central City. Two are currently active while a third is under consideration.
 * Leader-News, weekly newspaper founded in Greenville Leader, moved to Central City in the 1960s and became the "Greenville Leader-Central City News", owned and published by the Andy Anderson Corporation.
 * Times Argus, formerly the Messenger Times Argus, founded in 1909, published weekly.

Economy
Major employers in Central City include:
 * Brewco
 * Brewer, Inc.
 * Green River Correctional Complex
 * Kentucky Utilities Green River Generating Station
 * Armstrong Coal Company Parkway Mine
 * KenAmerican Paradise Underground Mine
 * Wal-Mart Supercenter
 * Central City Elementary School

Everly Brothers Homecoming/Labor Day Cruise-In
On Labor Day Weekend 1988, Central City began hosting The Everly Brothers Homecoming event to raise money for a scholarship fund for Muhlenberg County students. The Homecoming became a popular annual event for fourteen years, before ending in 2002.

Not to be discouraged, the citizens reformed the event as a weekend long cruise-in and car show that is still held annually on Labor Day Weekend.

Kentucky Women's Hall of Fame, Inc.
Sponsored by the Central City Business & Professional Women's Club, the Hall of Fame is located inside the Central City Public Library, 108 E. Broad Street and features a portrait and memorabilia gallery which includes former Governor Martha Layne Collins, Country & Western music giant Loretta Lynn, and local author, editorialist, historian, war correspondent for the Service Star and noted cultivator of roses Agnes S. Harralson. Central City Library hours are Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.mcplib.org for more info; Central City BPW meets the second Tuesday of each month in the library meeting room at 6:00 pm - visitors are welcome.

Muhlenberg County Rail Trail
The Muhlenberg County Rail Trail is a paved trail following an old Paducah and Louisville railway route between Central City and Greenville that is open to pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle traffic. Kentucky's most extensive rail trail conversion to date, the Muhlenberg Rail Trail opened October 20, 2000 and was named "Trail of the Month" by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in May 2004. A viewing platform and birding guide are available where the trail passes through a local wetland. The Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails Committee has obtained an additional 3 miles of abandoned rail, possibly for a later extension into McLean County.

Notable residents

 * Tom Christerson, second recipient of an artificial heart
 * T. Coleman du Pont, manager for the Central Coal & Iron Company, later president of Dupont and a Republican senator for Delaware
 * Don Everly of The Everly Brothers, musician
 * Bernard Hickman, former head coach of the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team
 * Halley G. Maddox, US Army major general
 * Ziggy Sears, Major League Baseball umpire
 * Jim Walker, musician
 * Corky Withrow, baseball player

title: Central City, Kentucky


text:
Drakesboro, Kentucky

Drakesboro is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 481 at the 2020 census. Incorporated in 1888, the city was named for early pioneer William Drake.

Geography
Drakesboro is located in eastern Muhlenberg County at 37.21722°N, -87.05028°W (37.217274, -87.050169). The city is situated along Kentucky Route 176 (Mose Rager Boulevard) east of Greenville, the county seat. Its municipal boundaries extend eastward to KY 176's intersection with U.S. Route 431. Greenville is 7 mi to the west, while Central City is 7 mi to the northwest via US 431, and Russellville is 29 mi to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Drakesboro has a total area of 0.56 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 1.78%, are water. Plum Creek runs along the eastern edge of the city, flowing north to Pond Creek, which continues north to the Green River south of Rockport.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 627 people, 247 households, and 171 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,296.1 PD/sqmi. There were 281 housing units at an average density of 580.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.47% White, 9.73% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.16% Asian, and 0.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.48% of the population.

There were 247 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 18.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.1% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $17,875, and the median income for a family was $25,417. Males had a median income of $21,094 versus $16,458 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,508. About 28.4% of families and 32.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.4% of those under age 18 and 24.1% of those age 65 or over.

The Four Legends Fountain
Constructed in 1992, the Four Legends Fountain honors four pioneers of the "thumb picking" style of guitar playing often associated with bluegrass music: Kennedy Jones, Ike Everly, Mose Rager, and Merle Travis. All four have close ties to Muhlenberg County.

John Prine Highway
The section of Hwy 431 through Drakesboro is named for John Prine.

Notable people

 * Mose Rager, musician
 * Merle Travis, country western songwriter and performer

title: Drakesboro, Kentucky


text:
Greenville, Kentucky

Greenville is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. The population was 4,492 as of the 2020 census.

History
The town was settled in 1799 on an estate donated by local landowner William Campbell in order to establish a seat of government for a new county. Greenville was not established by the state assembly until 1812, however. It was incorporated as a city in 1848.

The city was probably named for the Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Local lore holds it was named by Campbell's wife after the abundant forests seen from the town's hilltop location.

Geography
Greenville is located in central Muhlenberg County at 37.20722°N, -87.17639°W (37.207158, -87.176499). It is bordered to the northeast by the city of Powderly.

U.S. Route 62 passes through Greenville as Main Street and Hopkinsville Street. It leads northeast through Powderly 7 mi to Central and west 17 mi to Nortonville. Kentucky Route 189 passes through the northern part of Greenville and bypasses the downtown to the northwest; it leads southwest 33 mi to Hopkinsville. Kentucky Route 181 joins US 62 through the center of Greenville but leads north 16 mi to Sacramento and south 30 mi to Elkton. Kentucky Route 171 also leads south to Elkton but by a longer western route. Kentucky Route 178 leads east 7 mi to Drakesboro.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Greenville has a total area of 5.27 sqmi, of which 5.14 sqmi are land and 0.14 sqmi, or 2.62%, are water. It is drained by Caney Creek, which flows eastward through the northern part of the city toward Pond Creek, a tributary of the Green River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,398 people, 1,859 households, and 1,217 families residing in the city. The population density was 921.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,047 housing units at an average density of 429.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.88% White, 8.75% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 0.30% of the population.

There were 1,859 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.75.

The age distribution was 19.1% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,521, and the median income for a family was $35,571. Males had a median income of $37,454 versus $18,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,708. About 14.2% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The 1987 Encyclopedia of Kentucky refers to Greenville as "the unofficial capital of the Black Belt", a reference to the area's production of coal and dark tobacco.

Education
Greenville has a lending library, a branch of the Muhlenberg County Public Library. Schools located in town include Greenville Elementary School and Muhlenberg South Middle School.

Veterans Plaza
The Muhlenberg County Veterans Mall and Plaza was originally constructed in the mid-1980s as the "Muhlenberg County War Memorial" to honor veterans who fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The construction of the current plaza began in the mid-2000s as a part of the Muhlenberg County Courthouse renovations. New additions to the memorial include the Lt. Ephraim McLean Brank Memorial, located at the entrance of the plaza and the Historic Gristmill Stone which is a tribute to the song "Paradise" by John Prine.

Thistle Cottage
Thistle Cottage, formerly the Duncan Cultural Center, occupies the former home of William Graham Duncan on Cherry Street in Greenville. Constructed in 1912, the home was donated to the city of Greenville by Hamilton Richardson Duncan Sr., the last of the Duncan family to reside there, in 1986. It became the Duncan Cultural Center a year later but did not open to the public until 1989. The house became a part of Muhlenberg County Public Libraries in 2013, at which time the name reverted to Thistle Cottage, as the home was originally christened by builder William G. Duncan.

Today, the Center displays a number of artifacts related to the history and culture of Muhlenberg County, including a coal museum. It is also available for rent to host parties and other special events.

Muhlenberg County Rail Trail
The Muhlenberg County Rail Trail is a paved trail following an old Paducah and Louisville railway route between Central City, Kentucky and Greenville that is open to pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle traffic. Kentucky's most extensive rail trail conversion to date, the Muhlenberg Rail Trail opened October 20, 2000 and was named "Trail of the Month" by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in May 2004. A viewing platform and birding guide are available where the trail passes through a local wetland. The Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails Committee has railbanked an additional 3 mi of abandoned rail, possibly for a later extension into McLean County.

Notable people

 * Ephraim McLean Brank (1791–1875), soldier and lawyer
 * Ray Harper, college basketball coach
 * Miles Heizer, actor
 * Alney McLean (1779–1841), congressman from Kentucky
 * Danny Morris (1946–2023), baseball player
 * Edward Rumsey (1796–1868), congressman from Kentucky
 * Jonathan E. Spilman (1812–1896), composer, attorney and minister
 * Chasteen C. Stumm (1848–1895), African-American minister, teacher, journalist, editor, and newspaper publisher; attended school in Greenville
 * Benjamin Tod (Lost Dog Street Band), singer and songwriter
 * Jim Walker, flautist
 * Brent Yonts (1949–2021), state legislator and attorney

title: Greenville, Kentucky


text:
Powderly, Kentucky

Powderly is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 788 as of the 2020 census.

History
The city developed around a coal mine opened by the Cooperative Coal Company in 1887. The community was named for Terence Powderly, an early labor leader, when the post office was established the next year.

Geography
Powderly is located in central Muhlenberg County at 37.24028°N, -87.15694°W (37.240274, -87.157042). The city is situated along U.S. Route 62 between Central City to the northeast and Greenville to the southwest. Kentucky Route 189 serves as a bypass route around Powderly.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.60 sqmi, of which 0.04 sqmi, or 2.50%, are water. The city drains south to Caney Creek and north to Little Cypress Creek, both part of the Green River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 846 people, 342 households, and 235 families residing in the city. The population density was 586.7 PD/sqmi. There were 396 housing units at an average density of 274.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.10% White, 2.96% African American, 0.24% Native American, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.24% of the population.

There were 342 households, out of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $23,750, and the median income for a family was $28,063. Males had a median income of $29,250 versus $16,591 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,705. About 10.3% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

Muhlenberg County Agriculture and Convention Center
The Convention Center is frequently the site of horse shows, rodeoes, tractor pulls, cattle auctions, and go-kart races. It is also the site for Muhlenberg County's annual Relay for Life event.

Paradise Park
Located near the Muhlenberg County Agriculture and Convention Center on the Highway 189 bypass, Paradise Park is the site of weekly "Pickin' in the Park" events during the months of June through September. Several historic buildings have been moved or constructed in Paradise Park, including:

 * Coal Mines Shotgun House
 * Merle Travis Birthplace - moved to Paradise Park and renovated
 * Paradise Park Museum - a replica of a 1920s coal mining town
 * Springridge School - a two-room schoolhouse built in 1935 and moved to the park

Notable native

 * James Best, American character actor best known as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in The Dukes of Hazzard

title: Powderly, Kentucky


text:
South Carrollton, Kentucky

South Carrollton is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 141 at the 2020 census, down from 184 in 2010. Founded as "Randolph Old Farm" in 1838, an early pioneer changed the name of the city to honor his son, Carroll. The name was prefixed with "South" in order to distinguish it from the city of Carrollton.

Geography
South Carrollton is located in northern Muhlenberg County at 37.33667°N, -87.14167°W (37.336799, -87.141719). The city lies along the western bank of the Green River, just north of Central City. U.S. Route 431 traverses South Carrollton, connecting the city with Central City to the south and Island to the north. Kentucky Route 81 intersects US 431 in South Carrollton, connecting the city with Bremen and Sacramento to the northwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, of which 0.001 sqmi, or 0.39%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 184 people, 70 households, and 53 families residing in the city. The population density was 759.2 PD/sqmi. There were 80 housing units at an average density of 330.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.28% White, 0.54% African American, 0.54% Native American, and 1.63% from two or more races.

There were 70 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $33,125 versus $14,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,183. About 3.7% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 9.7% of those 65 or over.

title: South Carrollton, Kentucky


text:
Bardstown, Kentucky

Bardstown is a home rule-class city in Nelson County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 13,567 in the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Nelson County.

Bardstown is named for the pioneering Bard brothers. David Bard obtained a 1,000 acre land grant in 1785 in what was then Jefferson County, Virginia. William Bard surveyed and platted the town. It was originally chartered as Baird's Town in 1788, and has been known as Beardstown, and Beards Town. The production of bourbon whiskey is a major industry.

History
First settled by European Americans in 1780, Bardstown is among the oldest cities in Kentucky. Named county seat of the newly created Nelson County, Virginia (now Kentucky) in 1784, the town was formally established in 1788. It was incorporated by the state assembly in 1838.

Reflecting the westward migration of Americans over the Blue Ridge Mountains after the Revolutionary War, Bardstown was also the first center of Catholicism west of the Appalachian Mountains in the original western frontier territories of the United States. The Diocese of Bardstown was established on February 8, 1808, to serve all Catholics between the Appalachians and the Mississippi River. This divided the previous all-encompassing Diocese of Baltimore, established in 1789. In 1841, the seat of the diocese was transferred to nearby Louisville, Kentucky. The Bardstown cathedral is the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, and the city has a Roman Catholic parochial high school, Bethlehem High School.

In 2008, videos showing sewage and storm water spewing from the sewer systems in multiple locations around the city led the state of Kentucky to order the city to fix the problem. The sewer system was fixed in 2016.

Geography
Bardstown is located in north central Nelson County. It is at the intersection of US routes 31E, 62 and 150. The Bluegrass Parkway passes to the southeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.4 sqmi, all but 0.1 sqmi of which is land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bardstown has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2010
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,700 people, 4,712 households, and 2,949 families living in the city. The population density was 1577.9 /sqmi. There were 5,113 housing units at an average density of 689.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 82.31% White (80.79% non-Hispanic), 12.39% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.56% from other races, and 2.78% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 3.71% of the population.

There were 4,712 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.3% were married couples living together, 19.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.01.

The age distribution was 27.7% under 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

As of the 2010 Census, the median income for a household in the city was $50,046, and the median income for a family was $60,609. Full-time male workers had a median income of $46,500 versus $36,551 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,059. About 11.3% of families and 15.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.6% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,374 people, 4,195 households, and 2,701 families living in the city. The population density was 1445.3 /sqmi. There were 4,488 housing units at an average density of 625.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 82.11% White, 15.07% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic and Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 4,195 households, out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 17.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,497, and the median income for a family was $41,065. Males had a median income of $31,850 versus $20,537 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,681. About 14.6% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.6% of those under age 18 and 15.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

The Old Talbott Tavern, built in 1779, has been patronized by frontiersman Daniel Boone, and future 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Bullet holes in an upstairs wall are reputed to have been shot by Jesse James. It had been rumored that the Tavern is haunted.

Distilleries operating in Bardstown include Heaven Hill, Barton 1792, and Lux Row Distillers. The regional production of bourbon is celebrated at the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, whose promoters have trademarked the phrase "Bourbon Capital of the World" to apply exclusively to Bardstown. The festival was designated Kentucky's official bourbon festival by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2000.

The Civil War Museum in Bardstown is the fourth-largest Civil War museum in the United States.

Other notable sites include:
 * Bardstown Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Bardstown Historical Museum.
 * Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey, which celebrates Bardstown's history in the production of whiskey.
 * Wickland, a private residence that has been the home of three governors (two of Kentucky and one of Louisiana) and is open to the public for tours.
 * A memorial to steamboat inventor John Fitch in Courthouse Square, including a replica of his first steamboat.
 * Anatok, a now-demolished slave plantation built by Charles Haydon; also the birthplace of Daniel Rudd.

Bardstown has a lending library, a branch of the Nelson County Public Library.

Parks and recreation
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown. Judge John Rowan and his wife Ann Lytle Rowan commissioned the construction of a large mansion there named Federal Hill. The Stephen Foster Story is an outdoor musical at the park about Stephen Foster, composer of "My Old Kentucky Home." It was designated Kentucky's official outdoor musical by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2002.

Education
Almost all of the city is served by the Bardstown City Schools; the district also includes significant portions of the built-up area outside the city limits. Ryan Clark is the Superintendent of Schools.

The school district includes an Early Childhood Education Center, Primary School, Elementary School, Middle School and High School.

Some of the city is instead served by the surrounding Nelson County School District. By contrast, one of the county district's two high schools, Nelson County High, physically lies within the Bardstown school district.

Bardstown is also home to St. Joseph School and Bethlehem High School, both of which have been operational since 1819. Both schools are under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville.

Media
The Kentucky Standard is a newspaper in Bardstown.

In early 2023, Bardstown was ranked as number 8 of Travel and Leisure 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America. Mentioned were the Federal and Georgian achitiecture, cobblestone paths, and gateway to Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Transportation
The Bluegrass Parkway is a limited-access highway that passes just south of Bardstown. A part of the Kentucky parkway system, the highway was formerly a toll road. Tolls were removed in 1991 after its construction bonds had been paid off.

Railroad freight service is provided by the R.J. Corman Railroad Central Kentucky Lines, over the former Bardstown Branch of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

Notable people

 * J. C. W. Beckham, grandson of Charles A. Wickliffe, U.S. Senator from Kentucky, 35th Governor of Kentucky, born in Wickland
 * William Pope Duval, first civilian governor of the Florida Territory
 * Ephraim H. Foster, U.S. Senator from Tennessee
 * Lucy Ann Kidd-Key, president of North Texas Female College (later Kidd-Key College)
 * Candy Massaroni, Kentucky state representative
 * Marie Mattingly Meloney, journalist
 * Hal Moore, retired U.S. Army lieutenant general. Co-author of We Were Soldiers Once… And Young
 * Leroy Augustus Stafford, Confederate brigadier general was educated in Bardstown.
 * Charles A. Wickliffe, 14th Governor of Kentucky, appointed Postmaster General built and resided in Wickland.
 * Robert C. Wickliffe, son of Charles A. Wickliffe, Lieutenant Governor and 15th Governor of Louisiana was born in Wickland.

title: Bardstown, Kentucky