text:
Mackville, Kentucky

Mackville is a home rule-class city in Washington County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 207 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Mackville was established in 1818 as "Maxville." It was named for Captain John McKittrick, an American Revolutionary War veteran who owned the original tract upon which the city was founded. The name was changed to the current spelling when a post office was established in the city in 1826.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.4 sqmi, all land. The city is situated in eastern Washington County, west of Harrodsburg and east of Springfield, and is concentrated around the intersection of Kentucky Route 152 and Kentucky Route 433.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 206 people, 93 households, and 59 families residing in the city. The population density was 544.4 PD/sqmi. There were 103 housing units at an average density of 272.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.60% White, 2.91% African American, and 0.49% from two or more races.

There were 93 households, out of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.5% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 28.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,250, and the median income for a family was $43,125. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $33,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,837. About 3.3% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 23.7% of those 65 or over.

title: Mackville, Kentucky


text:
Springfield, Kentucky

Springfield is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Washington County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 2,846 at the 2020 census.

History
Springfield was established in 1793 and probably named for springs in the area.

The home of Senator John Pope, Richard Berry Jr. House and the Mordecai Lincoln House are historic houses in Springfield listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Springfield, noted by filmmakers as Hollywood South, is the site of Kentucky's first and only movie sound stage. The Springfield Bonded Film Complex came about as a part of the burgeoning film industry in Kentucky, ushered in by the state's film tax credit. This tax credit has the distinction as the most generous in the nation.

Geography
Springfield is located approximately 15 miles east of Bardstown, 10 miles north of Lebanon, and 17 miles west of Danville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,634 people, 1,166 households, and 711 families residing in the city. The population density was 1048.5 /sqmi. There were 1,239 housing units at an average density of 493.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 74.68% White, 22.40% African American, 0.53% Asian, 0.80% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.

There were 1,166 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 37.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.88.

21.8% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,430, and the median income for a family was $35,143. Males had a median income of $29,917 versus $21,865 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,793. About 12.3% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 22.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Springfield has a lending library, the Washington County Public Library.

Notable people

 * Lemuel Boulware, General Electric's vice president of labor and community relations from 1956 until 1961, whose policy of bargaining became known as "Boulwarism"
 * Paul Derringer, MLB pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs
 * Shipwreck Kelly, NFL halfback for the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers
 * Nancy Hanks Lincoln, mother of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln
 * Thomas Lincoln, father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln
 * Georgia Davis Powers, Kentucky state legislator and civil rights activist
 * Elizabeth Madox Roberts, poet and novelist
 * Phil Simms, NFL quarterback, MVP of Super Bowl XXI, television commentator
 * Gabriel Caldwell Wharton Unionist, lawyer, and soldier in the 10th Kentucky during the War of Rebellion 1861-1865.

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, Springfield has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

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

title: Springfield, Kentucky


text:
Willisburg, Kentucky

Willisburg is a home rule-class city in Washington County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 304 at the 2000 census. The center of population of Kentucky is located in Willisburg.

History
Willisburg was founded in 1838, and was named for Captain Henry Willis, a Revolutionary War veteran. The city expanded in the 1870s as a crossroads community at the intersection of two turnpikes. Willisburg incorporated in 1965.

Geography
Willisburg is concentrated along Kentucky Route 433 (Main Street), mostly in the vicinity of its intersection with Kentucky Route 53, west of Harrodsburg and northeast of Springfield. Willisburg Lake, an impoundment of Lick Creek built by the city in the late 1960s, lies just to the northwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 304 people, 109 households, and 68 families residing in the city. The population density was 570.4 PD/sqmi. There were 119 housing units at an average density of 223.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.76% White, 5.92% African American, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.33% of the population.

There were 109 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.2% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 18.8% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 133.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $35,833. Males had a median income of $22,188 versus $17,656 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,129. About 1.6% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 18.4% of those 65 or over.

title: Willisburg, Kentucky


text:
Monticello, Kentucky

Monticello is a city in Wayne County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. The population was 6,188 at the time of the 2010 U.S. census.

Monticello claims to be "The Houseboat Capital of the World" as there are numerous houseboat manufacturers in the city. The city is located along Lake Cumberland. Its economy is built on serving the recreational and tourist traffic to the lake.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.1 sqmi, all land.

Monticello is located near the center of Wayne County, along Elk Creek, a tributary of Beaver Creek, which flows westward into Lake Cumberland. State highways 92, 90, and 167, were constructed to intersect at the county seat.

History
Horse-hollow-cabin-ky1.jpg (1784–1868). The cabin was originally located in Horse Hollow on the Little South Fork River. Monticello was designated as the county seat when the Wayne County was formed in 1800. The first Wayne County Clerk, Micah Taul, named the town after Thomas Jefferson's plantation and home, who was elected President of the United States that year. Joshua Jones, a surveyor and Revolutionary War veteran, laid out the town on thirteen acres owned by William Beard. By 1810, the population numbered twenty-seven.
 * alt=Log cabin in downtown Monticello, Kentucky, built in the early 19th century by "Raccoon" John Smith (1784–1868). The cabin was originally located in Horse Hollow on the Little South Fork River.]]

In the late 1800s, oil was discovered in Wayne County, creating an economic boost. Drilling began in these local oil fields in the 1880s and was renewed in 1921, and 1922.

Electricity was introduced to the city in 1905. City water was installed in 1929. Manufacturing dominated the economy from the late 1950s and 1960s until the late 20th and early 21st century.

In 1973, Belden Corporation (wire and cable) employed 300 people; Gamble Brothers (wood products) employed 161 people; Waterbury Garment (clothing) employed 271 people; and Monticello Manufacturing (clothing) employed 240 people. Each of these companies has left Monticello.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,981 people, 2,508 households, and 1,635 families residing in the city. The population density was 984.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,730 housing units at an average density of 449.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.63% White, 2.42% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 1.34% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.96% of the population.

There were 2,508 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $17,423, and the median income for a family was $24,460. Males had a median income of $28,638 versus $19,259 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,855. About 29.2% of families and 34.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.9% of those under age 18 and 35.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
As of June 30, 2013 it is served by Wayne County Schools.

The first recorded school in Wayne County was opened about 1800 by Robert Ferrill, a well-educated wheelwright who had a few good books. Monticello's first school was opened in 1807 by Rodes Garth, who taught "Roman history, the Scriptures, orthography, and pronunciation." In 1819, Yale graduate John S. Frisbie began a school with Michael Huffaker as the first teacher of record. The Monticello Academy was established in 1830 with John Lankford as the headmaster, followed by Professor Mullins, and later William Burton.

In 1843, under the guidance of Commissioners Micajah Phillips, John Rousseau, Martin Beaty, and Francis Goddard, the county voted and ratified to organize into common school districts.

The first examiners for receiving a teaching certificate were physician Jonathan S. Frisbie, lawyer John Lankford, and teacher Littleton Beard.

By 1842 there were 16 school houses in Wayne County, three listed within several miles of Monticello.

Teachers at these schools before the Civil War include Amanda McGee, William and Thomas Simpson, Joseph Ballou, and Marcellus Baugh.

In these early schools, textbooks were scarce, but included Dilworth's Spelling Book, Murray's English Reader and English Grammar, Noble Butler's Goodrich Readers and Grammar, and the McGuffey's Readers.

The first school superintendent of Wayne County was Robert McBeath, a "member of a family noted for their intellectual qualities." His son, Tom McBeath, moved on to be President of Florida State University.

In 1866, following the Civil War, the Kendrick Academy opened in Monticello with Milton Elliott as principal. Teachers in Monticello in the 1860s and 70s include Marion Huffaker, Marshall Stone, and Ala Shearer. Ones in the 1880s and 90s include Lucy and Amanda Taylor, Sallie and Eula Kendrick, Emma Kelley, Fount Cooper, William Sandusky, Tobias Huffaker, and Mollie Denny, who became the Wayne county superintendent. In 1872, the Kendrick Academy closed due to a fire.

In 1879, a girls' school was opened by Roxie Buchanan, followed by William Bradshaw, and in 1885 W.T. Chaffin opened Classical High School with teachers T. Leigh Thompson, T. C. Job, and Georgia Brock; and in about 1890 added kindergarten and primary schools with teachers Ms. Oakley and Graves. Successive principals at the school up until the close of the nineteenth century were W. T. Chafin, T. Leigh Thompson, Professor H. C. Jones, Hayden Grubbs, Professor Chafin again, and finally Mr. Ballard.

From 1905 until 2013 Monticello had Monticello Independent Schools, its own school district independent of the surrounding Wayne County Schools.

Vocational education
Wayne County Vocational School has served students of Wayne County since 1971. The school has had many name changes over the years and is currently named Wayne County Area Technology Center (ATC). Wayne County ATC is managed by the Office of Career and Technical Education. The school serves secondary students enrolled in Wayne County High School. Programs include Health Science, Welding, Carpentry, Machine Tool, Automotive, 3D Printing Technology, Industrial Maintenance and Business.

State government representatives
Max Wise of Campbellsville, Kentucky is the current Kentucky State Senator, representing District 16 which includes Wayne, Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Russell, and Taylor counties. The District 52 Kentucky House of Representatives seat is held by Ken Upchurch of Monticello. District 52 includes Wayne County, McCreary County, and part of Pulaski County.

Notable people

 * Dick Burnett (1883–1977), folk musician
 * Mark Cole, member Virginia House of Delegates
 * Shelby Moore Cullom (1829–1914), United States Senator, Congressman, and the 17th Governor of Illinois from 1877 to 1883.
 * Kevin Denney, country music artist
 * Sara Beth Gregory, member Kentucky House of Representatives, Kentucky Senate, and Circuit Judge
 * Walter Dee Huddleston (1926–2018), U.S. Senator from Kentucky
 * Martin Massengale (born 1933), President of the University of Nebraska system from 1989 to 1994
 * Louise Slaughter (1929–2018), U.S. Congresswoman from New York
 * Ken Upchurch (born 1969), member Kentucky House of Representatives
 * Thomas Hansford Williams (1828–1886), former Attorney General of California

title: Monticello, Kentucky


text:
Clay, Kentucky

Clay is a home rule-class city in Webster County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,031 at the 2020 census. Settled in 1837, the city is named for the statesman Henry Clay. In 2022, it became a wet city after a petition put the measure on the ballot.

History
A post office was established in 1837 when the community was called Ashland, for Henry Clay's Lexington estate. It was renamed Clay in 1854. The city incorporated as "Claysville" in 1860, though the name was shortened to "Clay" in 1872.

Geography
Clay is located at 37.47797°N, -87.82092°W. The city is concentrated around the intersection of Kentucky Route 109 and Kentucky Route 132, northwest of Providence. The city of Wheatcroft lies just to the west along KY 109.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.9 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,179 people, 485 households, and 333 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,300.9 PD/sqmi. There were 541 housing units at an average density of 596.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.15% White, 0.25% African American, 0.17% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, and 0.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.

There were 485 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,625, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $30,729 versus $16,538 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,545. About 10.7% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

The city was featured in The Statler Brothers' song "How are Things in Clay, Kentucky?" (1980). The song was later covered by Wilson Fairchild, the country duo composed of Wil and Langdon Reid, sons of The Statler Brothers' two actual brothers, Harold and Don Reid.

Education
The Webster County School District operates the public schools that serve Clay.

Clay Elementary School serves students Pre-School-6. In the late 1990s, a new gym and cafeteria were built for the school.

Webster County High School (in Dixon) serves high school students, while the Middle School is attached to the High School

title: Clay, Kentucky


text:
Dixon, Kentucky

Dixon is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Webster County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 933 at the 2020 census. Dixon is located at the junction of US 41A and KY 132. It was established with a courthouse and post office in 1860 when the county was formed.

History
Revolutionary War veteran William Jenkins in 1794 established a stagecoach inn five miles (8 km) north of the town's present site on the old Indian trail between Nashville and St. Louis.

The town was incorporated on February 6, 1861, and was named after Archibald Dixon, lieutenant governor of the state from 1844 to 1848 and U.S. Senator from 1852 to 1855). The notorious Harpe brothers, murderous outlaws, terrorized the area in the late 18th century.

The downtown area has several historic homes and was the site of a number of Civil War skirmishes.

Geography
Dixon is located at 37.51009°N, -87.69854°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.0 sqmi, of which, 0.9 sqmi of it is land and 1.04% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 632 people, 241 households, and 159 families residing in the city. The population density was 665.3 PD/sqmi. There were 269 housing units at an average density of 283.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.94% White, 2.85% African American, 0.16% Asian, 0.95% from other races, and 1.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.27% of the population.

There were 241 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% 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 20.4% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,500, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $33,491 versus $19,063 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,411. About 5.2% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Webster County School District operates public schools.

Dixon Elementary School serves students from grades PreSchool-6. Before the 2014–15 school year, the Elementary School served students from grades PreSchool-8 until the Middle School was opened. Webster County Middle School serves students from grades 7 and 8. Webster County High School serves 680 students from grades 9 to 12. The High School, Middle School, and Elementary School are connected by and share a cafeteria known as the Webster County Annex.

Dixon has a lending library, a branch of the Webster County Public Library.

Popular culture
Dixon is home to sisters Amy Slaton-Halterman and Tammy Slaton-Willingham, who star in the TLC show 1000-lb Sisters.

title: Dixon, Kentucky


text:
Providence, Kentucky

Providence is a home rule-class city in Webster County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 3,193 at the time of the 2010 United States Census, making the most populous community in the county.

History
In 1820, Richard B. Savage arrived from Virginia with his wife and his elder sister Mary (Savage) Settler, and opened a general store on the site of the present city. The community that grew up was known as Savageville, until the post office was established in 1828, when it was renamed "Providence". Though sometimes said to honor the Rhode Island city of that name, local history records that an old trader who had been helped by nearby farmers suggested the name to honor divine Providence. On February 18, 1840, the town had a population of 150; there were three physicians, five stores, two hotels, a school, a Baptist church, a Masonic lodge, and three tobacco stemmeries. Located in the heart of the state's Black Patch tobacco-growing region, Providence eventually became the 3rd-largest stemming market in all of America.

Providence was incorporated in 1860, when Webster County was formed. The onset of the Civil War slowed the economic growth, though no major battles took place. The State of Kentucky never left the Union, but inhabitants in Western Kentucky were still largely sympathetic to pro-Confederate troops. A Confederate reconnaissance and foraging party led by then Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest passed through Webster County between November and December 1861, and Forrest reported that he had been welcomed by the inhabitants. Limited guerrilla warfare also took place near the city in 1862.

Commercial coal mining began in 1888, and by 1930 Providence residents numbered 4,742. In the 1930s, depressed conditions in the coal fields resulted in a loss of population that continued through the 1960s. Providence's economy remains tied to coal and agriculture.

In 1993, the Providence Commercial Historic District was created to recognize the historic buildings in the downtown area.

Geography
Providence is located at 37.39833°N, -87.75694°W (37.398389, -87.757077) The city is concentrated around the intersection of Kentucky Route 109 and Kentucky Route 120, approximately 17 mi northwest of Madisonville. The Tradewater River flows just west of the city, and the Webster-Hopkins county line lies just to the southeast. U.S. Route 41A passes through the eastern part of Providence.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 3,611 people, 1,487 households, and 1,029 families residing in the city. The population density was 587.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,754 housing units at an average density of 285.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 81.92% White, 16.53% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.86% of the population.

There were 1,487 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age distribution was 24.4% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,400, and the median income for a family was $31,125. Males had a median income of $28,716 versus $23,438 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,209. About 19.4% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.7% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Providence is located in Webster County, Kentucky, part of the Illinois Coal Basin. Coal mining is a major source of income for Webster County and the surrounding counties.

Education
The Webster County School District operates the public schools that serve Providence.

In 2007 the Providence Independent School System merged with the Webster County School System, closing the high school and renaming Broadway Elementary, Providence Elementary. The elementary school serves students Pre-School-6. In 2014, a middle school was built adjacent to Webster County High School.

Providence has a lending library, a branch of the Webster County Public Library.

Arts and culture
Every year in June Providence hosts the annual Coal Festival in celebration of the coal mines and miners that have long been a part of the city's history. It features games, rides, beauty contests and live entertainment.

Notable people
Roger Campbell was a member of the 1960 US Figure Skating World Team. He was a casualty of Sabena Flight 548, which crashed in 1961 en route to the World Championships in Prague. He is buried in Providence's Big Hill Cemetery.

Melvin T Mason was a 1984 candidate for President of the United States, running on the Socialist Workers Party ticket.

title: Providence, Kentucky


text:
Sebree, Kentucky

Sebree is a home rule-class city in Webster County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,603 at the 2010 census.

History
Sebree was founded as a railroad town in 1868, just ahead of the arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in October. The town founders, William Scott and Col. E.G. Sebree, intended to name it Springdale after nearby natural springs, but the name was preëmpted by another community in Mason County. The post office was initially named McBride, but renamed for Col. Sebree (the first president of the St. Bernard Mining Company) in 1870 for his assistance in bringing the railroad to this part of the state.

The L&N depot was on the eastern side of the track and furnished with day and night operators. At one time, Sebree was home to some 40 businesses, hotels, shops and stores. The first nondenominational church was erected in 1870. It was quickly followed by Methodist, Catholic, and Baptist churches. The town was also home to Sebree Springs, a summer resort and park operated by G.L. Dial. Telephone service arrived in 1895, and several tobacco factories were also built.

The historic Sebree Deposit Bank (c. 1890) is still in operation with a refurbished interior including a marble floor. Another historic site in the area is the Queen Anne McMullin-Warren House (c. 1901).

Geography
Sebree is located at 37.60806°N, -87.52944°W (37.608104, -87.529356). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,558 people, 573 households, and 374 families residing in the city. The population density was 959.5 PD/sqmi. There were 627 housing units at an average density of 386.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.77% White, 0.64% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 5.01% from other races, and 0.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.30% of the population.

There were 573 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% 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 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,663, and the median income for a family was $35,221. Males had a median income of $21,379 versus $18,438 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,339. About 17.4% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.9% of those under age 18 and 12.4% 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, Sebree has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Media
The Sebree Banner is a weekly newspaper and one of the media outlets of CPC Newspaper Group. The masthead states that it is Webster County's Oldest Newspaper. As per Harris Industrial Directory published in 1995, the paper was established in 1885, the paper has four employees, has sales under $500K, and is privately owned. The newspaper is archived in Google newspapers.

Education
Webster County School District operates public schools, including Sebree Elementary, Webster County Middle School and Webster County High School.

title: Sebree, Kentucky


text:
Slaughters, Kentucky

Slaughters is a home rule-class city in Webster County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 238 at the 2000 census. Slaughters lies just west of US 41 and 9.5 mi east of Dixon.

CSX Transportation runs through Slaughters and operates a siding track that is named after the city.

History
According to local tradition, it was named for Gustavus Slaughter who won the right to name the town and post office after winning a game of cards in 1855.

The post office was established as Slaughtersville on January 29, 1856, with Henry A. Prater, postmaster. Slaughter himself served as postmaster from 1860 to 1865 and was succeeded by Stiman.

Though the post office was renamed Slaughters in 1915, the town remained Slaughtersville from its incorporation in 1861 until 1967 when the Board on Geographic Names reversed an earlier decision and conformed to common usage and the present name of the post office.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 238 people, 93 households, and 70 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,049.7 PD/sqmi. There were 104 housing units at an average density of 458.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.58% White and 0.42% Asian.

There were 93 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $47,917. Males had a median income of $38,125 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,337. About 7.1% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 26.7% of those 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Chris Knight, country singer and songwriter

title: Slaughters, Kentucky


text:
Wheatcroft, Kentucky

Wheatcroft is a home rule-class city in Webster County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 173 at the 2000 census.

History
Wheatcroft was named for Irving Horace Wheatcroft, an Englishman, who in 1899 laid out and founded the city on land acquired from Elijah Cullen. He opened one or more area coal mines, and built the Kentucky Western Railway from nearby Blackford to Dixon. The Wheatcroft post office was established on September 10, 1900, with A.S. Logsdon as postmaster. The city incorporated in 1902.

Geography
Wheatcroft is located at 37.48889°N, -87.86333°W (37.489016, -87.863276). The city lies along Kentucky Route 109 northwest of Clay and southeast of the Webster-Union county line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 173 people, 68 households, and 49 families residing in the city. The population density was 698.5 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 339.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 63 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% 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 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 121.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,917, and the median income for a family was $29,583. Males had a median income of $27,000 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,643. About 17.0% of families and 18.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 20.0% of those 65 or over.

title: Wheatcroft, Kentucky


text:
Williamsburg, Kentucky

Williamsburg is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Whitley County, on the southeastern border of Kentucky, United States. The population was 5,326 at the 2020 census. Developed along the Cumberland River, the city was founded in 1818 and named after William Whitley.

History
Williamsburg was first known by early European-American settlers as the Spring Ford, after a nearby ford crossing the Cumberland River. On April 19, 1818, the first meeting of the Whitley County Court was held at Samuel Cox's dwelling. This first court appointed local officials as well as constables to work with the county militia. The town was known simply as Whitley Courthouse. In 1882 the city was renamed as Williamsburgh, and the spelling was changed in 1890 to the current Williamsburg.

The town's initial growth was fueled by three freshwater springs in the area. Settlers were attracted to this water source. They later developed coal mining and lumber industries, based on natural resources of the area.

Construction of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) to the town in 1883 stimulated new growth. It connected the town to far-flung markets and attracted new residents and trade. Shortly thereafter in 1886 the town elected W. H. Parker as its first mayor.

This first city government enacted a number of new ordinances including:

 * Prohibiting "Bawdy Houses" (brothels)
 * Prohibiting Gambling
 * Prohibiting Fornication
 * Prohibiting Rolling Hoops on Sidewalks
 * Prohibiting Barbering on Sundays
 * Prohibiting Unattended Cattle on Main Street

The Williamsburg school system was established in 1909; the town residents voted to consolidate the multiple single-room schools in the area into a unified school district. The first consolidated school building was destroyed by fire in 1926. It was rebuilt for the school administration. Later the structure was adapted as the Anderson Building, which is used in the early 21st century by the University of the Cumberlands. The school district moved to its current location in 1983.

The county courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1931. It was rebuilt at the time. Forty years later, it underwent a major renovation to bring it up to standards of 1971. In 2011 the newly constructed Whitley County Judicial Center was completed adjacent to the old courthouse, and the courts moved to the new building.

Geography
Williamsburg is located within the Eastern Mountain Coal Fields and the Appalachian Plateau regions. The oldest parts of the city lie in a bend of the Cumberland River just downstream of where the Clear Fork flows into it east of the city. The University of the Cumberlands occupies the heights within the river bend. The I-75 corridor runs past the west side of the city with exits 11 and 15 providing access. I-75 leads north 103 mi (166 km) to Lexington and south 70 mi (113 km) to Knoxville, Tennessee. U.S. Route 25W runs to the east of downtown from south to north, leading north 21 mi (34 km) to Corbin and south 13 mi (21 km) to Jellico, Tennessee. Kentucky Route 92 runs through the city from west to east, leading east 35 mi (56 km) to Fourmile and west 20 mi (32 km) to Pine Knot. The city has a single active rail line running north to south, with a single branch that goes east to the Gatliff Mine.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 sqmi, of which 4.7 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (2.10%) is water.

Percent of U.S. within 600 mi of Williamsburg:
 * Population: 52%
 * Personal Income: 50%
 * Retail Sales: 49%
 * Manufacturing Employment: 57%

Points of interest
Williamsburg is home to the Kentucky Splash Waterpark (located within the Hal Rogers Family Entertainment Center). The $5 million facility also houses a go-cart course, a miniature golf course, and a five-station batting cage. The park opened on Memorial Day weekend 2001 and is the largest family entertainment center in Kentucky with a capacity of up to 3,000 guests.

Williamsburg is located 18 mi away Cumberland Falls State Resort Park within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park is the home of Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the Little Niagara, the Niagara of the South or the Great Falls and is the only venue in the Western Hemisphere where a moonbow or lunar rainbow is regularly visible on a clear night with a full moon. On average the falls, which flow over a resistant sandstone bed, are 68 feet (21 m) high and 125 feet (38 m) wide, with an average water flow of 3600 cuft per second (100 m3/s).Trails winding downstream from the park on either side of the river lead to the smaller Angel Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. Angel Falls is located 1.5 mi from the park on the McCreary County side and Dog Slaughter Falls is located 3.5 mi from the park on the Whitley County side. The Below the Falls section of the river includes a five-mile (8 km) long class 2–3 run that is ideal for families and beginner stage white water rafters and kayakers.

Williamsburg is located 20 minutes away from the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, a major tributary of the Cumberland River system and a class 3–4 whitewater canoeing and kayaking stream. The Big South Fork is also home to Yahoo Falls, which stand 113 feet (34.8 m) high. Further along, the trail leads to the Yahoo Arch.

Williamsburg is also home to one of the top bluegrass festivals in the state of Kentucky (the Sally Gap Bluegrass Festival). Other events are the Jeep Jamboree (an off-road sporting event), and the Border Bowl, an annual event for two teams of high school footballers representing Kentucky and Tennessee.

Religion
As of the 2000 census Whitley County, Kentucky of which Williamsburg is the county seat consisted of 22,645 Evangelical Christians, 1,741 Mainline Christians, 130 Catholics, and 11,394 individuals who are not members of the 188 groups included in the Churches & Church Membership Data. As of the same date 69.4% of individuals in Whitley County were members of the Southern Baptist Convention. Williamsburg boasts 21 religious institutions or one religious institution per 243 citizens, and as of the year 2000 the region that contains the town has been designated the second densest region of the bible belt. University of the Cumberlands, located in the town, is a private Christian college affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, a member of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Economy
Top Employers:
 * 1) Firestone Industrial Products
 * 2) Whitley County School System
 * 3) Williamsburg Plastics
 * 4) University of The Cumberlands
 * 5) Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries (SEKRI)
 * 6) Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)
 * 7) Walmart
 * 8) Kentucky Consular Center

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,143 people, 1,928 households, and 1,127 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,102.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,118 housing units at an average density of 454.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.46% White, 1.73% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 1.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.66% of the population.

There were 1,928 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.5% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.5% under the age of 18, 24.9% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $18,114, and the median income for a family was $25,996. Males had a median income of $31,905 versus $17,339 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,224. About 29.3% of the population and 35.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 49.0% of those under the age of 18 and 15.1% of those ages 65 and older.

K-12
Two public school districts serve the city:
 * Whitley County Schools
 * The county school district serves the county outside of the city of Williamsburg, however, its central campus is only a mile outside the city limits.
 * Whitley County High School (Grades 9–12)
 * Whitley County Middle School (Grades 7–8)
 * Whitley Central Intermediate School (Grades 3–6)
 * Whitley County Central Primary School (Grades Pre-K-2)
 * Williamsburg Independent Schools
 * Serves the city of Williamsburg with a single K-12 school.
 * Williamsburg Independent School District

In addition, Corbin Education Center serves as an alternative school for students in the Corbin, Williamsburg, and Whitley County school districts.

Colleges and universities

The campus of the University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) is located on College Hill adjacent to the downtown area of Williamsburg. UC is a private liberal arts college, with an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students. Its sports teams participate in the NAIA. The school is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention (the Kentucky affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention).

Library
Williamsburg has a lending library, the Whitley County Public Library.

Newspapers

 * News Journal – Weekly
 * The Times-Tribune – Twice weekly
 * The Patriot – College newspaper (University of the Cumberlands)

Radio

 * WCCR-LP 94.5 FM (low power) – College radio (University of the Cumberlands)
 * WNLW-LP 95.1 FM (low power) - Christian radio, 3ABN Radio network affiliate
 * WEKX 102.7 FM – Classic Rock
 * WEZJ 104.3 FM – Country
 * WEKC 710 AM – Gospel
 * WEZJ 1440 AM – Country

Notable people

 * Bert T. Combs, 50th Kentucky governor and University of the Cumberlands alumni
 * Patricia Neal, stage and screen actress, born in nearby Packard Coal Camp; lived in Williamsburg's Gatliff House at one point.
 * Joe C. Paul, United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient
 * Eugene Edward Siler, Jr., United States federal appellate judge
 * Nick Wilson, winner of Survivor: David vs. Goliath

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, Williamsburg has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

title: Williamsburg, Kentucky


text:
Campton, Kentucky

Campton is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Wolfe County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 441 at the 2010 census.

History
Campton was a camp town with a small creek, Swift Creek (named after Jonathan Swift of the legend of Swift's silver mine), running through the town. Swift supposedly buried treasure in the area which has never been recovered.

Geography
Campton is located at 37.73469°N, -83.54843°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, of which 1.1 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (3.57%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 424 people, 196 households, and 117 families residing in the city. The population density was 393.4 PD/sqmi. There were 229 housing units at an average density of 212.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.76% White, and 0.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.71% of the population.

There were 196 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 37.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% 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 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $17,778, and the median income for a family was $21,528. Males had a median income of $24,375 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,167. About 31.8% of families and 34.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 47.4% of those under age 18 and 23.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Campton has a lending library, the Wolfe County Public Library.

Arts and culture
The annual Swift Silver Mine Festival is held on Labor Day weekend each year. It includes a parade and vendors in the downtown area.

Notable people

 * Folk artist Edgar Tolson; Ralph Rinzler of the Smithsonian Institution was impressed by Tolson's figures, and included them in the 1971 Festival of American Folklife.
 * Folk artist Randy Spencer; Well known folk artist and creator of Kentucky Walking Sticks.
 * Tyler Booth, Country singer, grew up near the city Campton, Kentucky, population 424, on a farm where he begin playing guitar and writing songs from an early age. Booth signed a major record deal with Sony Music Nashville in early 2020. His voice and song writing talents were discovered while attending college at Morehead State University his freshman year.

title: Campton, Kentucky


text:
Midway, Kentucky

Midway is a home rule-class city in Woodford County, Kentucky, in the United States. Its population was 1,741 at the time of the year 2020 U.S. census. It is part of the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The town sits just off Interstate 64 and among several major thoroughbred breeding operations, such as Three Chimneys Farm and former Gov. Brereton Jones’ Airdrie Stud. In 2003, faced with a declining downtown, the city began major streetscape renovation project as part of Main Street Kentucky. New period structures and lighting brought new life to the town. It is known for its distinctive shops and restaurants. An active business association holds events every month of the year, and the city is a starting point or waypoint for several road races that wind through the surrounding countryside.

History
Before its European exploration, the area around Midway was inhabited by the Mound Builders. Two large and several smaller American Indian mounds have been identified on nearby farms.

The present city began as a small settlement known as Stevenson's at the time of its first post office in 1832. On January 31, 1835, the local farmer John Francisco sold his 216.375 acre farm to the Lexington and Ohio Railroad for $6,491.25. The railroad then used the land to establish Kentucky's first railroad town, naming it Middleway for its location relative to Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky. (The town is also equidistant between Versailles and Georgetown.) The major streets of Midway were named in honor of the railroad's original officials. It was renamed Midway in 1837.

Midway Historic District comprises much of downtown Midway, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Distilling Bourbon in Midway
Midway has a very rich history of distilling Bourbon for nearly a 100-year period from 1865 to 1959. The Distillery was located at the corner of Gratz Street and Dudley Street, nestled in the bend of the Lee's Branch of the North Elkhorn Creek. There were several owners over the years, with the Distillery operating under various business names. Buford, Guthrie & Co. 1865–67, A. Buford Distillery 1867–68, Keller Distillery 1868–77, 1878–89, S.J. Greenbaum Distillery 1890–1911, Belle of Anderson Distillery 1912–14, Midway Distilling Co. 1915–24, Destroyed by fire in 1924 and closed from then till 1933, rebuilt and operated as the Woodford County Distilling Company 1933–40, Park & Tilford Distillery 1941–53, Schenley Products Distillery 1954–59. Early in the 1960s, Schenley Products donated the property, building and equipment to the Midway Woman's College. Notable national brand names produced include, Belle of Bourbon, Belle of Lexington, Belle of Anderson, Glenarme, Arlington, Jessamine, and Woodford. Two buildings still remain, currently known as Kentucky Cannabis Company, previously a distilling building and The Midway Loft Apartments, previously an aging warehouse. A large Distillery warehouse fire occurred on August 4, 1908, where over 47,000 barrels of bourbon where destroyed. The Lee's Branch was on fire for over one mile, and several Midway residents were scorched dipping tin cups into the Lee's Branch for Bourbon and Water. Martin Street next to the Lee's Branch was nicknamed “Tin Cup Alley”. The Midway Fire Department was recognized for saving the City and the Female Orphan's School.

In 1920, during a robbery of the distillery, Benjamin Rodgers and Homer Nave were killed. Richard W. James, was arrested for the killings. He admitted to the robbery but denied shooting the men, and claimed that the facility's superintendent of bottling, Samuel Seay, had a deal with James and others to share the proceeds of the stolen liquor. James was convicted of murder, but one member of the jury refused to vote for his execution on religious grounds. On March 13, 1921, a mob took James from the county jail in Versailles, Kentucky and lynched him from a tree near Margaret College, about a half-mile from Versailles. No one from the mob was indicted and, when Gov. Edwin P. Morrow removed the sheriff from his post, local voters elected his wife to replace him.

Geography
Midway is located in the northern section of Woodford County in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, an area with farms that produce tobacco, corn, soybeans, cattle, and horses.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,620 people, 623 households, and 409 families residing in the city. The population density was 1484.3 /sqmi. There were 672 housing units at an average density of 615.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.81% White, 7.72% African American, 0.31% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.

There were 623 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.96.

21.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,909, and the median income for a family was $60,326. Males had a median income of $35,795 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,528. About 2.0% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.6% of those under age 18 and 14.2% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

 * Francisco's Farm Arts Festival The focus of the mid-May event is the outdoor exhibition of juried fine art and fine craft, giving the opportunity to meet and purchase art from the creators themselves. It is located at the campus of Midway University, 512 E. Stephens St., Midway.
 * Midway Fall Festival has been named one of Kentucky's top 20 festivals. The festival features crafts, food and other items from more than 200 vendors; demonstrators; entertainment, and children's activities.
 * Midway Independence Day Celebration is called "Sparks in the Park," at Walter Bradley Park, the city park on Dudley Street.

Current schools

 * Northside Elementary serves Kindergarten o 5th grade (founded 1992)
 * Midway University, a private institution that went coed in 2016 (founded 1847 as the Kentucky Female Orphan School)

Defunct schools

 * Midway Elementary (closed 1992, succeeded by Northside Elementary)
 * Midway High School (closed 1964, succeeded by Woodford County High School)

Public library
Midway has a lending library, a branch of the Woodford County Public Library.

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, Midway has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Notable people

 * Noah Mullins, American football player.
 * Abraham Perry, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner
 * Sam Shepard, playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director
 * Davey Whitney, College basketball coach
 * Steve Zahn, actor

title: Midway, Kentucky


text:
Versailles, Kentucky

Versailles is a home rule-class city in Woodford County, Kentucky, United States. It lies 13 mi by road west of Lexington and is part of the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area. Versailles has a population of 9,316 according to 2017 census estimates. It is the county seat of Woodford County. The city's name is pronounced, an anglicization different from the French pronunciation of the royal city of the same name near Paris.

History
Versailles was founded on June 23, 1792, on 80 acre of land owned by Hezekiah Briscoe, who was, at the time, only a child. His guardian, Marquis Calmes, named the town after Versailles, France, in honor of General Lafayette, a family friend and hero of the American Revolution. Located in what became known as the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, where farmers also raised thoroughbred horses and other high-quality livestock, the city was officially incorporated on February 13, 1837. It was briefly occupied during the American Civil War by both Confederate and Union forces.

In 1870, black residents of Versailles took part in a demonstration against police violence after a white officer struck a black man with his pistol. Demonstrators formed armed pickets and guarded roads in and out of Versailles. Two of the leaders were subsequently lynched by a local militia company.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.8 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,511 people, 3,160 households, and 2,110 families residing in the city. The population density was 2668.7 /sqmi. There were 3,330 housing units at an average density of 1183.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.18% White, 0.67% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.34% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.29% of the population.

There were 3,160 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.89.

23.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was US $35,052, and the median income for a family was $41,567. Males had a median income of $31,056 versus $24,488 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,489. About 11.1% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
In the Inner Bluegrass Region, the area is a center for horse breeding and training, and for thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses and saddlebred pleasure horses.

Thoroughbred farms include Woodburn Stud, Lane's End Farm, and WinStar Farm.

Located in Versailles is Woodford Reserve Distillery, a station on the Bourbon Trail, and the Bluegrass Railroad and Museum.

Film industry
Most of the small-town scenes in the movie Elizabethtown (2005) were filmed in Versailles. It was also the setting of the movie Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005). The cemetery scene in the film Secretariat (2010), about one of Kentucky's major race and stud horses, was filmed at Pisgah Pike Church. The Flim-Flam Man (1967) was filmed at several locations near Versailles. The opening sequence was filmed at Paynes Depot, and a car chase was filmed on Clifton Road.

Education
Versailles has a lending library, a branch of the Woodford County Public Library.

Notable people

 * Jack Blackburn, professional boxer and trainer of Joe Louis
 * Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn, U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator
 * Ben Chandler, Kentucky Attorney General and U.S. Congressman
 * Happy Chandler, Kentucky governor, U.S. senator and Commissioner of Baseball
 * Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky governor
 * John Conlee, country music singer
 * John J. Crittenden, Kentucky governor, U.S. Congressman, senator, attorney general
 * George Cruikshank, historian and editor of the Birmingham Ledger
 * Randall L. Gibson (1832–1892), politician born here, elected as US Representative and senator from Louisiana, serving from 1875 to 1892
 * Field Harris (1895–1967), USMC general who served during World War II and the Korean War
 * Virginia Cary Hudson (1894–1954), American writer
 * Drake Jackson, American football player in the NFL
 * Shaun King, activist; leader of Black Lives Matter
 * Robert K. Massie (1929–2019), American journalist and historian
 * Simon Parmet (1897–1969), temporary resident, composer and conductor
 * Noel F. Parrish USAF general
 * Edward Platt, actor who played "The Chief" in Get Smart
 * Stephen S. Sawyer, artist and writer
 * Charles Scott, brigadier general during the American Revolution and fourth governor of Kentucky
 * William Shatner, actor and Saddlebred owner
 * Sturgill Simpson, singer and songwriter
 * Kenny Troutt, owner of Excel Communications and Winstar Farm (part-time resident)
 * Henry Ward, Kentucky Commissioner of Highways and Commissioner of State Parks
 * Ernest E. West, raised in a Versailles orphanage, became a US Army soldier and was awarded the Medal of Honor

title: Versailles, Kentucky


text:
Church Point, Louisiana

Church Point (Pointe-à-l'Église ) is a town in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 4,560 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area. Church Point is known as the Buggy Capital of the World as it used to be host to the annual Buggy Festival which has since gone defunct.

History
In the late 18th century, French settlers from Nova Scotia (Acadie) Canada, created clearings by burning the underbrush, leaving what they called a brûlé, or "burn", much as the Native Americans in the area had created a "burn" to promote new grass to attract bison and other grazing and browsing animals.

One of these clearings was created on a slough off Bayou Mermentau, near where the slough came to a point. This new clearing became known as Plaquemine Brûlé in 1843 when Etienne d'Aigle III, a descendant of immigrants from Quebec, became the first settler in the area, which at that time was in the middle of Opelousas Parish (later St. Landry Parish), which stretched from the Atchafalaya River to the Sabine River.

Plaquemine is an Atakapa word for the native Louisiana persimmon. The French term Plaquemine Brûlé is translated into English as "Burnt Persimmon" - a result of the burning of the brush and other woody growth, which apparently contained persimmon trees, during the widening of a slough off Bayou Mermentau to accommodate barge travel for local farmers.

As more families were attracted to the area, Jesuit missionaries fulfilled their spiritual needs by establishing a chapel in 1848 on land donated by the d'Aigle brothers Etienne (III) and Joseph ("José"). The church was known as La Chapelle de la pointe de Plaquemine Brûlé (in English, "The Church at the point of Burnt Persimmon"). The English term was later shortened to "Church Point" to refer to the spire on top of the church which could be seen, and traversed to, for miles in this frontier area, and translated back into French as La Pointe de l'Eglise.

"Plaquemine Brûlé was considered part of the frontier for the next several decades, as there were no railroads and the swampy terrain made overland travel difficult. Early pioneers to the area requested land grants along the bayou only large enough to satisfy their families' immediate needs. Many families raised cattle, which roamed freely on the open range of the prairie." [2]

The town's first school was established in 1856, providing encouragement for the community to grow further. The first post office for the town of "Church Point" was established in the area on September 29, 1873, marking the settlement's first official recognition as a community. Thirteen years later, residents of the town voted with those of surrounding communities to form a new parish known as Acadia.

Geography
Church Point is located at 30.40472°N, -92.21694°W (30.404592, -92.216893).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 7.5 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,179 people, 1,823 households, and 1,064 families residing in the town.

Economy
As Interstate 10 and Interstate 49 are less than 15 mi from town, many of the people who live in Church Point work in larger surrounding communities. Many of those who work in the area are farmers, growing rice, soybeans, corn, milo, sugarcane or crawfish.

Church Point is home to Church Point Wholesale, a grocery distributor that transports goods in the southern United States. Also, Richard’s Cajun Foods, who has called Church Point its home since 1981, creates a variety of smoked meats and pre-packaged Cajun meat mixes that is in stores around the United States. Since 2021, Cajun Family Traditions, owned by the original Richard’s Cajun Foods owners, also has ties to the Cajun meat industry and delivers their foods regionally at this time.

Arts and culture
Since 1981, the Acadia St. Landry Medical Foundation, which supports the Acadia St. Landry Hospital, has organized an annual Buggy Festival held in Church Point on the first weekend in June. The town was chosen because residents had used buggies as their main means of transportation until the early 1950s, earning Church Point the nickname "Buggy Capital of the world" in 1927. In its first 25 years, the festival earned over $440,000 in profits, which were distributed among the hospital, the parks department of the city of Church Point, and various civic organizations. Two scholarships are also awarded annually. The festival, which includes a Sunday parade, gives visitors the opportunity to explore various horse-drawn vehicles. Cajun musicians perform throughout the weekend, while Cajun cuisine is featured. The festival also often includes a French speaking contest and a Cajun French accordion contest. Each year the town holds a Courir de Mardi Gras.

In 1987 Church Point established a relationship with Church Point, Nova Scotia, bringing about a revival of interest in its French culture. The town now proudly calls itself the "Cajun Music Capital of the World", based on "having the greatest number of professional Cajun musicians of any place on earth". A different Cajun musician is honored each year on Cajun Day, the second Sunday in November.

Among the many professional musicians, Church Point is also the origin of the multi-media recording artist, musician, and composer Fabian Thibodeaux (professionally known as "Isadar") and his oldest brother, organist Dexter Thibodeaux. Isadar's award-winning music covers a wide range of genres and styles including Pop, Dance, Adult Contemporary, Solo Piano, New Age, Classical, and Jazz. He has also produced Cajun music in the past and comes from a family with a rich musical lineage reaching back two generations of Church Point residents.

Iry LeJeune Born in Church Point, October 28, 1929. One of the most popular Cajun musicians in the mid to late 1940s into the early 1950s.

Boozoo Chavis Born in Church Point, October 23, 1930. Accordion player, singer, songwriter and bandleader. Boozoo Chavis was one of the pioneers of zydeco music.

Rosie Ledet Born Mary Roszela Bellard, in Church Point, October 25, 1971. An American Creole, Zydeco Accordion player and singer. She is currently playing with her band, The Zydeco Playboys.

Government
Church Point is organized under the Louisiana Lawrason Act and is governed by an elected mayor and five members of the Board of Aldermen. These officials are responsible for implementing and carrying out laws for the advancement of interest, welfare, health, comfort, safety, and convenience of the community and its citizens. Elections are held every four years, with candidates taking office on the first day of July following the election and remaining in power for the next four years. The current mayor of Church Point is: Aldermen include: Chief of Police of Church Point is: Non-elected leadership positions include:
 * Ryan "Spanky" Meche (R), a local businessowner and entrepreneur
 * Gene Malbrough (D) - District 1
 * Joy Daigle (R) - District 2
 * Patrick "Pat" O'Pry (I) - District 3
 * Dale Wimberley (R) - District 4
 * Jerome Landry - District 5 (interim)
 * Dale Thibodeaux (NP), former police officer for the Church Point Police Department and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department.
 * Raymond Ledoux - Fire Chief, Church Point Volunteer Fire Department
 * Anthony Jones - Street Commissioner, Church Point Street Department
 * Keith LeJeune - Wastewater Superintendent, Church Point Wastewater Department
 * Johnathon Murphy - Superintendent, Church Point Water Works Department
 * Tyrone Wheeler - Parks Director, Church Point Parks & Recreations Department
 * Patrick Duplechin - Recreations Director, Church Point Parks & Recreations Department

Education
Public Private
 * Church Point High School (9-12)
 * Church Point Middle School (6-8)
 * Church Point Elementary (PK-5)
 * Our Mother of Peace Elementary (PK4-8)

Athletics
The town of Church Point has one high school, which fields these sports:

Church Point High School (Not including club sports)
 * Men's Football    (Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman)
 * Men's Baseball    (Varsity)
 * Men's Basketball  (Varsity)
 * Men's Wrestling   (Varsity)
 * Men's Powerlifting (Varsity)
 * Women's Softball  (Varsity)
 * Women's Basketball (Varsity)
 * Women's Volleyball (Varsity, Junior Varsity)
 * Men's and Women's Track and Field

NFL Wide Receiver Mark Carrier was born in Church Point, October 28, 1965. Mark was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the third round of the 1987 NFL Draft, 57th overall. He was a 3 sport athlete at Church Point High School, playing football, basketball and track. Carrier went on to play college football at Nicholls State University.

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns baseball assistant head coach and former Nicholls Colonels baseball head coach Seth Thibodeaux is originally from Church Point. He was the head coach at Nicholls from 2011 until 2021 and began his tenure at Louisiana in 2022. He has an overall career record of 229-220-1 and has reached the Southland Conference baseball tournament four times in his head coaching job.

The Town of Church Point also hosts recreational softball and baseball during the spring time as well as FNA, Football N' America, a youth flag football league created by Drew Brees during the summer and fall. Church Point's FNA is one of the first leagues to be played in a small town.

title: Church Point, Louisiana


text:
Crowley, Louisiana

Crowley (Local pronunciation: ) is a city in, and the parish seat of, Acadia Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. At the 2020 United States census, Crowley had a population of 11,710. Crowley is the principal city of the Crowley micropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Acadia Parish. It is also part of the larger Lafayette–Acadiana combined statistical area.

History
Crowley was founded in 1886 by C.C. Duson and W.W. Duson. Incorporated in 1887, W.W. Duson, General Manager of Southwest Louisiana Land Company, plotted and developed Crowley. W.W. Duson's daughter, Maime Duson, married Percy Lee Lawrence, who founded the First National Bank of Crowley. The 7-story building was once the tallest building between Houston and New Orleans. They lived with their three children, P.L. Jr., Pattee, and Jack at 219 East 2nd Street. The house was burned down in a fire a few years later.

The town was named after Pat Crowley, an Irish railroad owner who brought the railroad depot to W.W. Duson's land. Descendants of founder W.W. Duson continue to live in Crowley.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.85 sqmi, all land.

Louisiana Highway 13 passes through the city with Kaplan, which is located in Vermilion Parish, being located 19 miles southeast and Eunice, located in both Acadia and St. Landry parishes, is located 20 miles north. The city of Rayne is located 9 miles east of Crowley via U.S. Highway 90 and I-10. The city of Jennings is located 17 miles west via U.S. Highway 90 and I-10.

Demographics
At the 2020 United States census, there were 11,710 people, 4,807 households, and 2,934 families residing in the city. At the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 4,807 households.

In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 58.5% non-Hispanic or Latino white, 34.8% Black or African American, <0.0% Asian, 0.4% some other race, 1.9% two or more races, and 4.4% Hispanic and Latin American of any race. At the 2000 U.S. census, the racial and ethic makeup was 67.83% White American, 30.98% Black or African American, 0.15% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.29% Asian, 0.01% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.51% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latin Americans were 1.10% of the population.

There were 4,807 households, and 33.5% were married couples living together, 18.5% male households with no female present, and 41.8% female households with no male present. The average family size was 3.34.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 5.4% aged 5 and under, 72.4% aged 18 and older, and 17.2% aged 65 and older. The median age was 37.7 years, up from 35 years at the 2000 United States census.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,972. Family households had a median income of $31,168, married couples had a median income of $50,066, and non-family households had a median income of $19,138. An estimated 37.1% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Arts and culture
Crowley is noted for its annual International Rice Festival. Crowley has the nickname of "Rice Capital of the World", because at one time it was a major center for rice harvesting and milling. Today, Crowley still has a number of rice mills and rice is the main crop of many local farmers.

Education
The Crowley High School "Fighting Gents" were State Division 3A champions in the 1989 football season and had an 8–2 regular season.

Crowley is also the home of Notre Dame High School. Notre Dame is an Acadia Parish-wide Catholic high school whose football program has won six state championships and numerous District Champion titles, in addition to numerous state championships in other sports, such as men's baseball, women's softball, men's tennis, men's track & field, and women's volleyball.

Notable people

 * John Breaux, member of United States Senate and House of Representatives
 * Jack Brooks, member of the United States House of Representatives from Texas from 1953 to 1995 and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 1989 to 1995, born in Crowley
 * Pimp C, deceased record producer and rapper
 * Tommy Casanova, Three-time all American LSU football 1969,70,71. A four-time All-Pro Cincinnati Bengals defensive back/punt returner from 1972 to 1977, former Louisiana State Senator.
 * Bill Cleveland, Crowley real estate developer and member of both houses of Louisiana state legislature from 1944 to 1964; defeated for third term in state Senate in 1964 by Edwin Edwards
 * Denis Reggie, regarded as the world's preeminent wedding photographer and pioneer of the quiet documentary style known as wedding photojournalism.
 * Edwin Edwards, former governor of Louisiana, U.S. representative, and state senator
 * Jim Gueno, Green Bay Packers linebacker from 1976 to 1980
 * Winsor Harmon, soap opera actor born on the day of the John F. Kennedy assassination
 * Eric Hetzel, former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox
 * Chris John, former Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives and the Louisiana House of Representatives
 * Edward "Kidd" Jordan, jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator
 * Victoria Reggie Kennedy, native of Crowley, second wife of Senator Edward M. Kennedy
 * Rose Wilder Lane, author
 * J. D. "Jay" Miller, composer, musician, recording engineer
 * Phil Phillips, American singer and songwriter
 * Orlando Thomas, Minnesota Vikings defensive back from 1995 to 2001
 * Clifford Joseph "Pee Wee" Trahan, recorded songs under the names Johnny Rebel, Pee Wee Trahan, Jericho Jones, Filthy McNasty, Johnny Blaine and Tommy Todd
 * Godfrey Zaunbrecher, American football player

title: Crowley, Louisiana


text:
Estherwood, Louisiana

Estherwood is a village in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 889 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The Estherwood area had two earlier names, Tortue, after the Indian chief, and Coulée Trief or Trive. The Coulée Trief name involves Jean-Baptiste Trief, a mysterious person believed to have been one of Jean Lafitte's pirates, who built a cabin on the coulee, about 6 mi west of Crowley, Louisiana, about 1816. He was described as a "tall, dark, sinister-looking" man who wore large earrings like pirates once did.

There are several stories about how Estherwood got its name. A likely one is that it is the combination of two names: Wood, for a Dr. Wood who was once prominent in the area, and Esther, for the wife of a railroad executive. Another is the wood part may come from the fact that the trains stopped for fuel wood here.

Jacob Kollitz and A. D. LeBlanc established stores near the Trief cabin in the early 1890s, and a little settlement began to grow around them. Kollitz also operated the 15-room Estherwood Hotel for a time, but it was closed in 1907.

The settlement began to grow just after the turn of the century with the Miller-Morris Canal, one of the first large rice irrigation systems, which helped establish the rice industry in the area, followed in 1900 by the opening of the Eureka rice mill at Estherwood.

By the spring of 1900, there were more than 30 residences in the town, new streets were being graded, and sidewalks were being put down. A chapel was finished there in 1910 and ministered as a mission of St. John the Evangelist Church in Mermentau. Estherwood was incorporated as a village on March 12, 1901, and Henry Feitel was elected its first mayor.

Geography
Estherwood is located at 30.18417°N, -92.46333°W (30.184177, -92.463376).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 4.8 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 807 people, 291 households, and 215 families residing in the village. The population density was 432.1 PD/sqmi. There were 314 housing units at an average density of 168.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.06% White, 4.71% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.12% Asian, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.25% of the population.

There were 291 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.5% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $29,444, and the median income for a family was $33,125. Males had a median income of $24,821 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,211. About 13.6% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 44.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Estherwood, Louisiana


text:
Iota, Louisiana

Iota is a town in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. The population was 1,304 in 2020. Iota is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The history of Iota is identified with Pointe-aux-Loups (French for Wolf Point), one of the oldest place names in southwest Louisiana, and the location of mineral springs that attracted many visitors beginning about 1858. The older settlement was located on Bayou des Cannes about two miles west of the present Town of Iota. A post office named Cartville, for the first postmaster Samuel Cart, was established in the vicinity of Pointe-aux-Loups in 1884. Ten years later, a railroad branch line from Midland to Eunice bypassed Cartville by a mile or so to the east. The railroad company built a depot at a point on the line nearest to the Cartville and Pointe-aux-Loups settlements, naming it Iota. The Cartville post office was changed to Iota in 1900.

C.C. Duson is credited with being the founder of Iota. It was he who promoted the construction of the Southern Pacific rail line to Eunice, the new town that he founded in St. Landry Parish. At the same time, 1894, Duson acquired the land on which Iota now stands, a 160-acre tract which had been homesteaded by Archille Doucet in 1835. Duson divided the land into town lots and sold them. Duson was the prime mover in the establishment of the Acadia Canal Company in the vicinity of Iota, and president of the town's first rice mill in 1901—two businesses said to have been responsible for Iota's early economic development.

Iota and its people continued to prosper throughout the 20th century, with agriculture and petroleum as the primary sectors of the local economy. During this time, rice and later crawfish developed as the main cash crops of the area.

In the 1990s, it was discovered that Iota has an unusually high number of people carrying Tay-Sachs, a rare genetic disorder.

Iota was represented in the novel No Place Louisiana by Martin Pousson, published in 2002.

Iota is the home of American Legion Post No. 371 and many veterans of foreign wars.

Geography
Iota is located at 30.32861°N, -92.49306°W (30.328500, −92.493123).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.3 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,304 people, 648 households, and 409 families residing in the town.

Arts and culture
The annual Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival attracts thousands of tourists and visitors, offering authentic Cajun food, music and crafts. In contrast to the elaborate costumes and parades of urban Carnival krewes, in Iota and nearby rural communities like Tee Mamou and LeJeune Cove, Cajuns celebrate Courir de Mardi Gras. Disguised with masks, costumes, and conical hats called capuchons, the townspeople travel through the surrounding countryside, making merry while begging for money and gumbo ingredients. The gumbo is the centerpiece of a communal supper and dance, where the Mardi Gras riders sing the Chanson de Mardi Gras, an old Cajun French drinking and begging song, and then take off their masks to reveal, ostensibly for the first time that day, the identity of each rider.

Education
Acadia Parish School Board serves Iota, operating Iota High School. St. Francis Catholic School is also located in the district.

title: Iota, Louisiana


text:
Mermentau, Louisiana

Mermentau is a village in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 661 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
In the last quarter of the 18th century, there was an Atakapa chief named Nementou. On April 16, 1784, he sold land on Bayou Plaquemine Brule to Antoin Blanc for $100. Nementou is later mentioned as chief of a village on a river with the same name. Eventually, through a clerical error, Nementou became Mementou and this was then corrupted into Mermentau through confusion with the French word mer, which means "sea".

The Mermentau area was once reputedly a refuge for smugglers. It was a crossing point for brave travelers on the Old Spanish Trail, but had such a bad reputation that until the Louisiana Purchase no one would go there to see how many people there were.

John Landreth was a surveyor who was sent from Washington, D.C., in 1818 to look for timber in Acadiana that could be harvested for the use of building Navy ships. He kept a journal and had this to say: ''"...these places, particularly the Mermentau and Calcasieu are the harbours and Dens of the most abandoned wretches of the human race... smugglers and Pirates who go about the coast of the Gulph (sic) of vessels of a small draught of water and rob and plunder without distinction every vessel of every nation they meet and are able to conquer and put to death every soul they find on board without respect of persons age or sex and then their unlawful plunder they carry all through the country and sell at a very low rate and find plenty of purchasers." ''

Early settlement
During the Civil War and the years immediately after it there were widespread reports of bushwhackers, robbers, and other fugitives hiding in the Mermentau woods and tales of hidden treasures in the area. According to one of the stories, a man named Frank Quebedeaux once found an iron pot filled with coins. The cache had been hidden between four copal trees that had grown close together.

One of the earliest known settlers was John Webb, an English seaman who came in 1827. It is said that Webb was a member of the crew of Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship at the famous Battle of Trafalgar (Oct. l, 1805) in which the British defeated French and Spanish fleets but during which Nelson was killed. Webb lived in an area that came to be known as Webb's Cove, near the junction of the Mermentau River and Bayou Queue de Tortue. Cornelius Duson McNaughton, who was running from the law in Quebec, joined Webb there about 1837.

Jean Castex, a native of France, came to Mermentau around 1856. He opened a mercantile business in 1859 and later became one of Acadia Parish's leading merchants. He was also a cotton and rice farmer and built what may have been the first cotton gin in the parish in 1860. A sawmill was also built at the town about that time. The Mermentau post office was established on September 2, 1859.

Victorin Maignaud, another native of France, came to Mermentau in 1866 and opened a dry goods store. Maignaud operated the river ferry for some 40 years, was postmaster for 17 years, and eventually owned a store, hotel, sawmill, and rice mill.

Timber from the Mermentau area provided much of the building material and fencing used by the prairie settlers. The lumber was hauled by oxcart to places as far away as Opelousas.

On May 18, 1872, the Opelousas Courier reported:   ''"For the last two weeks the streets of our town have been almost daily crowded with carts and wagons loaded with pieux, boards, and shingles coming from Pointe-aux-Loups and Mermento (sic). Never has there been such a crowd at one time, and so successively we counted eleven ox-wagons in one expedition in one day this week. Eight feet pieux are worth $12 per 100; six feet pieux, $6, and shingles, $6 per 1,000." ''

Jesuit priests from Grand Coteau began to visit Mermentau in the 1860s. In 1871, Father Joseph Anthonioz had begun to gather lumber to build a chapel there, but it was never finished. The first church was built in 1882, next to the Maignaud Cemetery on what is now Hwy. 90. It burned down in 1886.

In 1891, a temporary chapel was built at another location. Property for the church in its present location was donated in 1889 by Jean Castex and Mrs. Marie U. Duhon, widow of Aurelien Duhon. A larger church was built there, but in August 1900 it was blown off its foundation by a storm and damaged beyond use. It was finally rebuilt in 1908.

Later years
The Louisiana Western Railroad reached Mermentau in 1880. In February of that year only 4 mi of roadbed remained to be graded between Lafayette and Mermentau. Some 150 convicts were at work on the stretch near Bayou Blanc. By the end of July the road was completed from Mermentau westward to the Texas line.

By the end of August 1880, the railroad line from New Orleans to Houston was open for freight business. Passenger trains with sleepers attached were running a regular schedule from New Orleans to Houston by the end of September.

The trains, however, did not solve all transportation problems for the area. Produce, lumber, and cattle had to be transported to the rail line. Capt. George W. Caldwell began carrying freight on the Mermentau about 1890, eventually owning a fleet of small boats and 24 barges. The barges hauled rice, oil, cattle, cotton, wood, and general freight. Capt Caldwell also operated a commissary on the river front and issued metal tokens in denominations of 5,10, 25 and 50 cents and $1. These became known as "Mermentau Money".

During the 1890s, the 96-ton Olive operated as a popular passenger and freight hauler on the Mermentau River, making round trips every other day from Mermentau to Lake Arthur. People from Crowley and elsewhere would take the train to Mermentau, then board the Olive for a weekend trip to Lake Arthur. The boat was described as "a splendid sternwheel packet". The Louisiana Press Association members and their wives, meeting in Crowley in 1894, were entertained on one such excursion. Fares were 50 cents one-way or 75 cents for a round-trip ticket.

Mermentau achieved legal village status on November 11, 1899.

Today
Today, arrow points can be found here and there at the places where the Atakapa Indians once lived. Mermentau is especially known for where Captain James Campbell, pirate Jean Laffite's most trusted lieutenant, stashed $9,000 in gold coins.

Geography
Mermentau is located at 30.18778°N, -92.58278°W (30.187845, -92.582786).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 6.0 sqkm, of which 5.5 sqkm is land and 0.4 sqkm (7.39%) is water.

Situated along the Mermentau River, Mermentau supplies freshwater for the Mermentau Basin. The basin contains about 450000 acre of wetlands, consisting of 190000 acre of fresh marsh, 135000 acre of intermediate marsh, and 101000 acre of brackish marsh. A total of 104380 acre of marsh has converted to open water since 1932, a loss of 19 percent of the historical wetlands in the basin.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 721 people, 277 households, and 204 families residing in the village. The population density was 337.9 PD/sqmi. There were 344 housing units at an average density of 161.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 85.99% White, 12.48% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.42% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 277 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.0% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $26,786, and the median income for a family was $31,250. Males had a median income of $32,917 versus $13,977 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,408. About 25.0% of families and 26.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.3% of those under age 18 and 39.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Acadia Parish School Board serves Mermentau.

title: Mermentau, Louisiana


text:
Morse, Louisiana

Morse is a village in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 812 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Laid out in 1898 on land owned by J. M. Crabtree, Morse was settled by farmers from Illinois and Iowa and incorporated as a village in 1906. The Southern Pacific Railroad had built a line here in 1895 connecting Midland and Gueydan and named it Morse Station after the railroad's New Orleans-based passenger agent, Col. Samuel Finley Breese Morse, a cousin of the inventor of the telegraph. Morse had promoted immigration efforts targeting the area.

Geography
Morse is located at 30.12167°N, -92.49861°W (30.121628, -92.498500).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.6 sqkm, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 759 people, 279 households, and 201 families residing in the village. The population density was 541.9 PD/sqmi. There were 313 housing units at an average density of 223.5 /mi2. The racial makeup of the village was 98.29% White, 1.05% African American, 0.26% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.40% of the population.

There were 279 households, out of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 23.7% 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 2.72 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.8% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,922, and the median income for a family was $28,750. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $16,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,346. About 20.8% of families and 22.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.6% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Morse, Louisiana