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Glasgow, Kentucky

Glasgow is a home rule-class city in Barren County, Kentucky, United States. It is the seat of its county. Glasgow is the principal city of the Glasgow micropolitan area, which comprises Barren and Metcalfe counties. The population was 15,014 at the 2020 U.S. census.

The city is well known for its annual Scottish Highland Games. In 2007, Barren County was named the number one rural place to live by The Progressive Farmer magazine.

Geography
Glasgow is located in central Barren County at 37.00028°N, -85.92028°W (37.000375, -85.920229). U.S. Route 31E and U.S. Route 68 intersect north of the city, and the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway passes south of downtown, with access from four exits. Bowling Green is 32 mi to the west, Mammoth Cave National Park is 21 mi to the northwest, Elizabethtown is 55 mi to the north, Columbia is 37 mi to the east, and Scottsville is 24 mi to the southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Glasgow has a total area of 40.2 sqkm, of which 40.0 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.53%, is water.

History
The city of Glasgow was established by the Kentucky state assembly in 1799. The same year, the community was selected as the seat of a new county, owing to its central location, its large spring, native John Gorin's donation of 50 acre for public buildings, and its being named for the Scottish hometown of the father of William Logan, one of the two commissioners charged with selecting the county seat. A post office was established in 1803, and the town received its city rights in 1809.

Former U.S. President George Washington had a half-brother named Augustine Washington Jr. who was the husband of Anne Aylett Washington and had a daughter named Elizabeth Washington. Elizabeth Washington married Alexander Eliot Spotswood and were given a home and land from George Washington (Elizabeth's uncle) in Glasgow. The home, called "Spotswood" after its first owner, Alexander Spotswood, is located at 309 N Race Street.
 * George Washington in Glasgow

All across Glasgow are historic homes that can date back to the early 1800s. The most popular part of town with these homes is South Green Street; this street has many historic houses that have many different architectural styles including Colonial, Federal, and Victorian.
 * Historic homes

The Civil War affected many smaller towns like Glasgow. There are many places that were part of the Underground Railroad in Glasgow, such as Big Spring Bottom for keeping horses and the Spotswood House on North Race Street for hiding enslaved people. Other places include the Old Glasgow Seminary Home on East Main Street; this house has several rooms dug out in the earth with tunnels running into them for keeping the enslaved people hidden and safe.
 * Civil War

Western Kentucky University was originally in Glasgow when it was established in 1875, but 10 years later it moved to its present-day location in Bowling Green and serves as WKU's main campus. Since 1998, WKU has operated a regional campus in Glasgow.
 * Western Kentucky University

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 14,208 people, 5,994 households, and 3,619 families residing in the city. The population density was 960.0 PD/sqmi. There were 6,710 housing units, at an average density of 453.38 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.1% White, 8.0% Black, 0.1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 5,994 households, of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 15.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 34.6% 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 2.23, and the average family size was 2.85.

The age distribution was 22.0% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,083, and the median income for a family was $36,677. Males had a median income of $31,123 versus $20,964 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,697. About 14.1% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.2% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Glasgow is governed by a mayor and city council.

Mayors of Glasgow:

 * Henry Royse - January 2023 – present
 * Harold Armstrong - January 2019 – December 2022
 * Dick Doty - January 2015 - December 2018
 * Rhonda Riherd Trautman - January 2011 - December 2014
 * Darrell G. Pickett - January 2003 - December 2010
 * Charles B. Honeycutt - January 1986 - December 2002
 * Luska Twyman - September 1968 - December 1985
 * Robert A. Lessenberry - January 1966 - September 1968
 * Lynn Mayfield - January 1962 - December 1965
 * William H. Grissom - January 1958 - December 1961
 * W. Earl Walbert - January 1954 - December 1957
 * Leslie Moran - January 1950 - December 1953
 * Sewell C. Harlin - January 1946 - December 1949
 * Winn Davis - January 1936 - December 1945
 * J. E. Clayton - January 1926 - December 1935
 * Brice T. Leech - January 1922 - December 1925

In the mid-1990s, Glasgow began its own cable system for television and internet access. The municipal service had saved its residents $32 million over proprietary providers through 2011.

In November 2008, the city voted Yes on Proposition 8, making it legal for restaurants to sell liquor by the drink to the public; package sales were still prohibited. Another vote in 2016 legalized liquor sales throughout all of Barren County, and also legalized package sales and liquor by the drink in taverns.

In April 2010, the city council voted for a citywide smoking ban in all indoor public places. The ban began officially on June 22, 2010.

Education
Glasgow public schools are part of the Glasgow Independent Schools. The district has two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Chad Muhlenkamp is the Superintendent of Schools. The city system's schools include South Green Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, Glasgow Middle School, and Glasgow High School.

The Barren County School System also has schools inside the Glasgow city limits, including Barren County High School, Trojan Academy, Red Cross Elementary School, North Jackson Elementary and Barren County Middle School.

Glasgow has a public library, the Mary Wood Weldon Memorial 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, Glasgow has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Economy
Major employers in Glasgow include LSC Communications (formerly R. R. Donnelley, now closed), Akebono Brake Industry, Walmart, Nemak, and ACK Controls (a joint venture of Chuo Spring and Dura Automotive Systems). Other employers include South Central Rural Telephone Cooperative and Glasgow Independent Schools.

Transportation
Glasgow Transit provides bus service in the city on weekdays.

Notable people

 * Walter Arnold Baker (1937–2010) : Associate Justice, Kentucky Supreme Court, Assistant General Counsel for International Affairs in the Department of Defense, Member of Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives, Lieutenant Colonel, Kentucky Air National Guard
 * Johnny Bell (born 1965), former Majority Whip in House of Representatives of Kentucky
 * Jesse Bishop (1933–1979), convicted murderer executed in Nevada by gas chamber
 * Willa Brown (1906–1992), first black woman to run for Congress (1946), and first black woman to receive a commercial pilot's license in the United States
 * Richard E. Bush (1924–2004), Master Gunnery Sergeant, Medal of Honor recipient for service during World War II
 * Kelly Craft (née Guilfoil; born 1962), Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and United States Ambassador to Canada
 * Nettie Depp (1874–1932), founder of first public four-year high school in Barren County (at Glasgow's former Liberty College), and first woman public official elected in Barren County (public school superintendent 1913–17)
 * Russell E. Dougherty (1920–2007), 4-star General and former commander of the US Air Force Strategic Air Command
 * Denny Doyle (born 1944), former Major League Baseball player
 * Julian Goodman (1922–2012), former president of NBC
 * Jim Gray (born 1953), Mayor of Lexington
 * James G. Hardy (1795–1856), former lieutenant governor of Kentucky
 * Dave Harris (born 1971), host of syndicated radio show Retro Rewind and songwriter
 * Salty Holmes (1910–1970), singer and actor
 * Darrin Horn (born 1972), former Western Kentucky University men's basketball coach, former University of South Carolina coach
 * Courtney Johnson (1939–1996), banjo player, member of New Grass Revival
 * Several members of The Kentucky Headhunters, award-winning country rock band
 * Arthur Krock (1886–1974), journalist
 * Preston Leslie (1819–1907), former governor of Kentucky
 * Louie Nunn (1924–2004), former governor of Kentucky
 * Steve Nunn (born 1952), former state representative; son of Louie Nunn; pleaded guilty to murdering his former fiancée
 * Diane Sawyer (born 1945), journalist and host of ABC World News
 * John T. Scott (1831–1891), Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court
 * Luska Twyman (1913–1988), mayor of Glasgow and first black mayor in Kentucky
 * Billy Vaughn (1919–1991), musician and band leader

title: Glasgow, Kentucky


text:
Hiseville, Kentucky

Hiseville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Barren County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 246 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Glasgow Micropolitan Statistical Area. Hiseville was a city until it disincorporated in 2004.

Geography
Hiseville is located at 37.1°N, -85.815°W (37.100131, -85.815107).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 0.7 sqmi, all of it land.

History
A post office was established in the community in 1867, when it was named in honor of Congressman Elijah Hise. It was known previously as Goosehorn.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 224 people, 94 households, and 67 families residing in the city. The population density was 302.7 PD/sqmi. There were 100 housing units at an average density of 135.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.11% White, 0.45% African American, and 0.45% from two or more races.

There were 94 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% 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 2.87.

In the city the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,167, and the median income for a family was $28,750. Males had a median income of $21,563 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,267. About 12.5% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 23.8% of those 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * Luska Twyman, born in Hiseville, was the first African American mayor of Glasgow, Kentucky
 * Louie B. Nunn, former governor of Kentucky was born north of Hiseville, KY.
 * Henry Skaggs, famed Kentucky longhunter and pioneer, lived here from 1801. His gravesite is in the Hiseville-Park community.

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

title: Hiseville, Kentucky


text:
Park City, Kentucky

Park City is a home rule-class city in Barren County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 614 at the 2020 census. It is the entrance to nearby Mammoth Cave National Park and to Diamond Caverns, a privately owned cave attraction. Exit 48 off I-65 is the only direct access exit to the Mammoth Cave National Park.

Park City is part of the Glasgow micropolitan area.

History
In the early 19th century, the site of the present city was the junction of the Louisville and Nashville Pike with spur roads to Glasgow and Bardstown. By 1827, a stagecoach relay station had developed into a settlement with a post office named Three Forks. The postmaster William Bell owned a 1500 acre plantation nearby, with a prominent tavern, which led to the community also being known as Bell's Station. In 1859, the mainline of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad reached the plantation, and in 1863 the Glasgow spur was completed. The community was then known as Glasgow Junction after the L&N Depot, which also served as the junction between the mainline and the Mammoth Cave Railroad. There was a close relationship between Mammoth Cave and Diamond Cave (Diamond Caverns) for years. Books and cave brochures would describe both caves. Beginning in 1880, the Mammoth Cave Railroad tracks were laid just west of Diamond Cave. When the line finally opened in 1886, Diamond was one of the primary stops on the railroad. Excursions were available to see Diamond and Mammoth Caves on the same day, and still return to Glasgow Junction in time to catch through trains to Louisville or Nashville. Mammoth Cave Railroad stops also served two nearby caves opened by Larkin Proctor, Long Cave, commercialized as Grand Avenue Caverns, and Proctor Cave. The city was platted and formally incorporated under that name in 1871.

In 1938, the name was changed to Park City to avoid confusion with Glasgow.

Part of the former Mammoth Cave Railroad was converted into a 9-mile hike and bike trail. The start of this trail can be accessed from Park City.

Geography
Park City is located in western Barren County at 37.09417°N, -86.04833°W (37.094181, -86.048309). U.S. Route 31W passes through the center of the city, and Interstate 65 cuts through the northwest corner, with access via Exit 48 (Kentucky Route 255/Mammoth Cave Parkway). The CSX Transportation rail line (former L&N) also passes through the center of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 km2, of which 0.01 sqkm, or 0.25%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 517 people, 237 households, and 142 families residing in the city. The population density was 303.5 PD/sqmi. There were 263 housing units at an average density of 154.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.23% White, 6.38% African American, 0.19% from other races, and 0.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 237 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 37.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,313, and the median income for a family was $36,042. Males had a median income of $26,364 versus $17,778 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,888. About 13.1% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and 25.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Park City Elementary is the city's local institution, part of the Barren County Schools system. Secondary students attend Barren County Middle School (Grades 6–8), Trojan Academy (9th Grade), and Barren County High School (Grades 10–12) in Glasgow.

title: Park City, Kentucky


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Owingsville, Kentucky

Owingsville is a home rule-class city in Bath County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,530 during the year 2010 U.S. Census. It is the county seat and is located roughly at the county's center, at the junction of US 60 and Kentucky 36. It is part of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area.

History
In 1795, Colonel Thomas Dye Owings was sent from Maryland to Kentucky by his father to operate some of the first iron furnaces in the region. Within 15 years, Owings had amassed a good deal of wealth and land. Along with Colonel Richard H. Menefee, Owings founded the community that took his name, Owingsville.

Owings and Menefee each owned significant parcels of land in what would become Owingsville. To select whose name the community would take, the two men wagered that the man who built the finer home the quickest would be the namesake of the town. For the sum of $60,000, Owings won the contest. Owingsville was then founded in 1811.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.2 km2, of which 0.06 sqkm, or 0.93%, is water.

Demographics
In the census of 2000, there were 1,488 people, 659 households, and 419 families in the city. The population density was 683.7 PD/sqmi. There were 720 housing units at an average density of 330.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.23% White, 3.97% African American, 0.13% Native American, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 659 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.2% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 25.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,897, and the median income for a family was $34,167. Males had a median income of $30,893 versus $20,208 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,156. 26.6% of the population and 23.3% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 41.1% of those under the age of 18 and 18.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education
Owingsville has a public library, the Bath County Memorial Library.

Arts and culture
Every year the county celebrates with the May Day Pageant, where high school seniors can compete for the title of "Miss Bath County". The pageant tradition started in 1954 and is a beloved tradition of the community.

Notable natives

 * George Nicholas Bascom, U.S. Army officer whose arrest of Chief Cochise started the Apache Wars
 * John Bell Hood, Confederate general
 * Andrew Trumbo (1797–1871), United States Representative from Kentucky

title: Owingsville, Kentucky


text:
Salt Lick, Kentucky

Salt Lick is a home rule-class city in Bath County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 303 at the 2010 U.S. Census.

History
The community at the present site of Salt Lick was originally named Vail when the first post office was established in 1882. The town was laid out and renamed in 1884; the post office followed suit four years later after the city was formally incorporated.

Geography
Salt Lick is located at the intersection of US 60 and KY 211 beside the Licking River. It is part of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.0 km2, of which 0.02 sqkm, or 1.15%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 342 people, 130 households, and 89 families residing in the city. The population density was 437.6 PD/sqmi. There were 157 housing units at an average density of 200.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.12% White, 0.58% Native American, and 0.29% from two or more races.

There were 130 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.1% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,042, and the median income for a family was $27,159. Males had a median income of $35,313 versus $24,643 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,584. About 16.1% of families and 26.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.4% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over. As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 342 people, 130 households, and 89 families residing in the city. The population density was 437.6 PD/sqmi. There were 157 housing units at an average density of 200.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.12% White, 0.58% Native American, and 0.29% from two or more races.

There were 130 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.1% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,042, and the median income for a family was $27,159. Males had a median income of $35,313 versus $24,643 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,584. About 16.1% of families and 26.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.4% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Salt Lick, Kentucky


text:
Sharpsburg, Kentucky

Sharpsburg is a home rule-class city in Bath County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 323 as of the 2010 U.S. census. It is part of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area.

History
Revolutionary War veteran Moses Sharp settled in the area in 1780 and laid out the town of Bloomfield on his land in 1814. After his death in 1820, the town received its first post office; since "Bloomfield" was preempted by another community, the postmaster named his station after Sharp, and the town was established and incorporated under this new name.

Geography
Sharpsburg is located near the western corner of Bath County along Kentucky Route 11. It is 11 mi north of Mount Sterling and 20 mi southwest of Flemingsburg. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.2 sqmi, all of it land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 295 people, 149 households, and 77 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,559.6 PD/sqmi. There were 154 housing units at an average density of 814.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 76.61% White, 20.00% African American, 1.69% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.69% of the population.

There were 149 households, out of which 16.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.6% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.3% were non-families. 46.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.9% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $16,000, and the median income for a family was $23,750. Males had a median income of $22,188 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,452. About 26.7% of families and 32.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 35.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
Sharpsburg has a public library, a branch of the Bath County Memorial Library.

Notable people

 * Henry Tureman Allen, WWI general
 * Henry S. Lane, governor of Indiana

title: Sharpsburg, Kentucky


text:
Middlesboro, Kentucky

Middlesboro is a home rule-class city in Bell County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 10,334 at the 2010 U.S. census, while its micropolitan area had a population of 69,060.

It is located 1 mile west of the Cumberland Gap and is the largest city in southeastern Kentucky. It is located entirely between Pine Mountain and the Cumberland Mountains in the Middlesboro Basin, an enormous meteorite crater (one of three known astroblemes in the state).

Name
Originally funded by English businessmen, the town opened its first post office on September 14, 1888, under the name Middlesborough, presumably in honor of the English town of - at the time - the same name. The city was formally incorporated under that spelling on March 14 two years later, but the post office switched to "Middlesboro" in 1894 and that spelling has since been adopted by the city itself, the city's school district, the Kentucky Land Office, and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

Early history
The area was originally inhabited by American Indians such as the Shawnee. The first European known to have visited the area was Gabriel Arthur in 1674. He was later followed by Thomas Walker in 1750 and Daniel Boone in 1769.

Pittsburgh of the South
John Turner of Virginia established the settlement of Yellow Creek nearby in 1810, but the town did not begin to develop until the Scottish-born and Canadian-raised engineer and entrepreneur Alexander Arthur took an interest in the Yellow Creek Valley. Having settled in Knoxville, Tennessee, he arranged development projects in the area as part of the post-war New South. Taking an interest in the iron deposits around the Cumberland Gap around 1886, Arthur was able to convince some of the wealthy scions of Gilded-Age Asheville, North Carolina, to talk to their families about funding a "Pittsburgh of the South", but sufficient financing was not forthcoming. He then traveled to England, where he was able to find interested backers for his "Magic City" of 250,000 residents enjoying running water, electricity, a large sporting commons, and electric trams in the middle of Appalachia. Simultaneously, he funded and began construction on the Powell's Valley Railroad, with the aim of connecting the Cumberland Gap region to Knoxville.

By 1888, the new town was platted and named "Middlesborough", presumably after the English town, either after a local contest selected it as the best entry or after the hometown of the brothers who owned the local English Hotel. The Middlesboro Country Club was founded as part of Arthur's original development. Its nine-hole course is one of the oldest in the United States and it claims to be the oldest continuously played course in the country. Pianist Ben Harney is also claimed to have originated ragtime music in Middlesboro, where he played in local saloons in the early 1890s. Boosters from Middlesborough petitioned to host the 1892 World's Fair. Just south of the Cumberland Gap in the area of the present-day Lincoln Memorial University, a $1-million Four Seasons Hotel was built in 1892 with 500 rooms, a 200-room spa, and a sanitarium.

Arthur's project failed by 1893. The Cumberland Gap had turned out to be too steep for locomotives and, in order to connect Middlesboro to the Tennessee line, an expensive tunnel needed to be constructed from 1888 to 1889, ultimately necessitating the dissolution of the Powell Valley Railroad and its recapitalization as the Knoxville, Cumberland Gap, & Louisville. Rebuilding from a devastating fire in 1890 used up more capital and time and the poor quality of local ore meant that revenue from Arthur's steel mills was insufficient to weather the Panic of 1893 on Wall Street. Arthur's development of the area finished, the post office was renamed the following year after the already-prevalent local spelling "Middlesboro". The Knoxville, Cumberland Pass, & Louisville was bought out by the L&N in 1896. The local newspaper, the Middlesboro Daily News, was established in 1911.

Despite being the largest city in the county, the development of Middlesboro came too late to avoid Pineville's being the seat of the local courthouse. The two cities have remained friendly rivals since Middlesboro's founding.

Little Las Vegas
Middlesboro installed the first electric street cars west of Washington, D.C., to help locals and tourists visiting the city which became known as "Little Las Vegas" in the 1930s. By this time, Middlesboro was full of slot machines, saloons, and brothels. During this period, shootouts in the streets were part of daily life. The town, under rule of the infamous Ball brothers, was featured in newspapers across the country as one of the deadliest, wildest cities in the United States.

Athens of the Mountains
By the 1950s, Middlesboro had a population of roughly 15,000 residents. Their strong support for the arts led to the city being called "the Athens of the Mountains". It was one of the few cities in the Eastern Coal Fields to boast a grand opera house and it hosted one of the finest school districts in the state. The first shopping mall was built in the city during the 1960s. The city was named an "All Kentucky City" in 1964, '65, '66, '67, and '69, a huge honor for such a small city. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park was also established during this time.

During the 1970s, the area's coal industry revived and the city prospered again. A grand centennial celebration was held in 1990 that included a ball, air show, and beauty pageant, as well as the dedication of a new city park. The Cumberland Gap Tunnel was opened in 1996.

Present-day

Currently, Middlesboro is investing in downtown revitalization to help create new business and give the city a better image. In 2004, Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc. (DDM), was formed to promote and lead the revamping of the historic downtown area. Since its inception, Discover Downtown Middlesboro has helped numerous businesses receive a facelift and has restored the historic Fountain Square in downtown. The organization also helps to create awareness of the city's grand and regal past. Numerous large-scaled sepia murals are placed throughout downtown, paying homage to the founder of Middlesboro, his wife, and other historic points in the history of Middlesboro. DDM also hosts numerous events for the community and the tri-state area that are free to the public, one of the most popular includes the Downtown Ducky Dash and Block Party. DDM oversees all projects that take place within the downtown area and has plans to create brick stamped crosswalks at Fountain Square. Ultimately, they plan to make the historic downtown area more pedestrian-friendly with more benches, bike racks, planters, and streetscape improvements in the works. Recently, the organization has applied for nearly $1 million in grant money for the purpose of preservation and development of the general downtown district. Currently, DDM has invested in a Preservation Plan, which should be unveiled in September 2013. This plan, once complete, will outline the plans for the revitalization of downtown Middlesboro, help create a brand for the downtown area, as well help lay a foundation to preserve the rich architectural details in the downtown historic district.

In June 2011 a severe flash flood damaged many homes and businesses in Middlesboro. Following a rainfall of 8.5 in in 48 hours, the waterways could not cope with the deluge. Two area residents perished in the flood, and dozens were left homeless. The downtown area was one of the hardest hit areas in the city. At one point during the rain event, enough water was present throughout the entire downtown area that vehicles were completely submerged. For many hours after the flood, travel in and around the city was very difficult due to large amounts of standing water in the basin that Middlesboro is built in. A few days afterwards, Governor Steve Beshear toured the area and formally declared it a disaster, permitting state funds to be used in rebuilding.

In April 2012, Middlesboro became the first city in the United States to have a community-wide organic garden, which features 60 raised-bed gardens that will be used to grow food for people in the community. Some beds are even disability accessible. The beds will be given out on a first come, first served basis. The food that is grown in the beds will help to reduce costs for families in need, and can be donated to people in need or sold to local restaurants. The community organic garden was made possible through the City of Middlesboro, Bell County Health Department, and several donors and volunteers. Middlesboro is currently working to become one of the first cities in Kentucky to be a certified Trail Town. The Mayor, along with the City Council, showed support and took initiative in becoming a certified Trail Town. This feat will be a collaboration between the Bell County Tourism Commission, Bell County Adventure Tourism, Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Bell County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Middlesboro.

Middlesboro was featured on the History Channel's television series How the States Got Their Shapes in the episode "Forces of Nature". The city also featured in one of the BBC's Wonders of the Solar System episodes. ABC's Good Morning America honored the Middlesboro-Bell County Library for participating in the "52 Weeks of Giving" program on May 27, 2013.

On September 15, 2015, Middlesboro held an election to allow alcohol production and retail in the city limits. Previously, all of Bell County had been dry except for the special circumstance of a state park in Pineville, Kentucky. Allowing alcohol in the city would make Bell County a Moist County. The vote passed 1,298-yes to 1,179-no. With such a close vote, tension arose around the topic of alcohol allowance in the small community.

Beginning in the summer of 2015, Discover Downtown Middlesboro is the recipient of a grant from the Levitt Foundation of California. This grant provides funding for a series of 10 outdoor music concerts each summer. The concert venue is a formerly abandoned lot near the main intersection of town at 20th & Cumberland Ave. Middlesboro is one of 15 cities across the nation to be chosen for the Levitt AMP series.

Geography
Middlesboro is located at 36.61028°N, -83.72333°W (36.610146, -83.723230). The city sits just inside the Cumberland Gap, along U.S. Route 25E, and is located inside of a meteorite crater.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.6 sqmi, all but 0.09 sqmi of which is land. U.S. 25E provides four-lane connection to Interstate 75 at Corbin, 45 miles to the northwest. With the recently completed renovations on U.S. 25E, travelers now have four-lane connection to Interstate 81 at Morristown, Tennessee, 45 miles to the south.

Climate
Middlesboro experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct four seasons. Average high is 87 °F in July, the warmest month, with the average lows of 24 °F occurring in January, the coolest month. The highest recorded temperature was 112 °F in July 1930. The lowest recorded temperature was -18 °F in January 1985. Average annual precipitation is 42.8 in, with the wettest month being March, averaging 5.25 in.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,384 people, 4,443 households, and 2,927 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,359.1 PD/sqmi. There were 4,955 housing units at an average density of 648.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.84% White, 4.90% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 4,443 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $19,565, and the median income for a family was $25,016. Males had a median income of $23,285 versus $19,040 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,189. About 24.4% of families and 28.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.2% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
The city's main thoroughfare is U.S. 25E. The U.S. 25E Tunnel (a.k.a. the Cumberland Gap Tunnel) is a .87 mi tunnel that travels underneath the famous Cumberland Gap. The northern terminus is located in Middlesboro and the southern terminus is in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Middlesboro is one of the few cities in Kentucky that was not built on or near a significant waterway, so it is not reachable by water. The only major body of water near the city is Fern Lake, a small lake that sits on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. A man-made canal flows through the heart of the city. The canal channels Yellow Creek from the western part of the city through downtown and then heads north, northeast out of the city. The Middlesboro Canal was built by a large number of immigrants soon after the city was founded. The canal is home to numerous populations and species of ducks, all of which are considered to be honorary citizens of the city, despite the traffic headaches they may cause. Traffic and pedestrians must yield the right of way to the ducks at all times and anyone caught harming the ducks could face fines or jail time. Due to Middlesboro being known around the region for the large duck population, the canal serves as the "raceway" for the Downtown Ducky Dash rubber duck race held annually in August by Discover Downtown Middlesboro.

Middleboro's main thoroughfare is named Cumberland Avenue, which runs through Middlesboro's historic downtown district. Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc. (DDM) is a non-profit downtown revitalization effort charged with the restoration of the downtown area. DDM has been around since 2004 and since then, has restored Middlesboro's famed Fountain Square, completed many historical murals in town, started and formed a farmer's market, updated signage in the downtown area, and received grants for new plantings for the numerous planters that line Cumberland Avenue. Many of the streets which run parallel to Cumberland Avenue (east-west) are named for peerages and locales in Britain, while perpendicular (north-south) streets are named numerically. U.S. 25E is also known as 12th street, with higher numbers found as one moves west.

Airport
Middlesboro is served by the Middlesboro-Bell County Airport, which is a single runway, general aviation airport and is the second oldest airport still in use in Kentucky, ranking behind Bowman Field in Louisville.. The airport was established in 1944, however, the first recorded flight into the city was in 1912. It serves as the home for 26 aircraft and more than 18,000 operations annually. The Middlesboro-Bell County Airport was also the home of the famed P-38 Lightning, Glacier Girl. The aircraft was restored on site at the airport, where she made her first maiden flight in October 2002. The airport has recently undergone a major renovation, including the addition of a brand new terminal that features public restrooms, lounge, kitchen, and a radio room that can be used for up-to-date weather information. Other renovations/additions include a jet fuel tank, which will allow more air traffic to use the facility. In the near future, the airport plans to widen and expand the current runway and taxiway, plus add new hangars for aircraft, new runway lighting, and an Aircraft Weather Observation System (AWOS). The closest major airport to Middlesboro is the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is 75.5 mi away.

Education
Middlesboro has a public library, a branch of the Bell County Public Library District.

Economy
Middlesboro is home to Middlesboro Mall, the only enclosed shopping mall in the area. The area also features Middlesboro Crossing, a recently constructed strip mall on the north end of the city.

Sports
Middlesboro was home to several minor league baseball teams between 1913 and 1963. The Middlesboro Athletics were members of the Class D Mountain States League (1949–1954). Earlier, the Middlesboro Colonels played in the, Appalachian League (1913–1914). After the Athletics, Middlesboro returned to the Appalachian League with the Middlesboro Senators (1961–1962) and Middlesboro Cubsox (1963). Middlesboro was an affiliate of the Washington Senators (1961–1962) and both the Chicago Cubs & Chicago White Sox (1963). The teams played at Hilltop Speedway Park.

Notable people

 * Joseph Bosworth, Businessman, lawyer, and politician
 * Lela E. Buis, writer
 * Gerry Bussell, defensive back for the Denver Broncos
 * David Grant Colson, U.S. Representative in 19th Century
 * Ben Harney, ragtime pianist
 * Matt Jones, host of Kentucky Sports Radio
 * Lee Majors, actor, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy was raised in the town as a child
 * Leonard F. Mason, Medal of Honor recipient
 * Henry Harrison Mayes, evangelist, known for religious signs and markers along US highways
 * William McElwee Miller, American missionary to Persia and author
 * Julie Parrish, actress, The Doberman Gang
 * Trish Suhr, comedian and actress
 * Georgia Turner, singer of the "Rising Sun Blues"
 * Vann "Piano Man" Walls, rhythm-and-blues pianist
 * Leo Wardrup, Navy officer and Virginia state legislator
 * John White, U.S. Representative and former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

title: Middlesboro, Kentucky


text:
Pineville, Kentucky

Pineville is a home rule-class city in Bell County, Kentucky, United States. It is the seat of its county. The population was 1,732 as of the 2010 census. It is located on a small strip of land between the Cumberland River and Pine Mountain.

History
Pineville is one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky, located at the crossing of the Cumberland River by the Wilderness Road. It was established as Cumberland Ford in 1781 and formed part of Governor Isaac Shelby's land tracts. When Bell County was formed in 1867, Cumberland Ford was formally laid off; local landowner J.J. Gibson's 1869 land grant permitted it to be selected as the county seat, but the courthouse was not completed until 1871. The settlement was renamed "Pineville" in 1870 and formally incorporated in 1873.

One of the earliest branches of the Sojourner Truth Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was formed in Pineville in 1906 with 15 members - at the time, it was affiliated with the white women's branch of the Kentucky WCTU.

Its riverside location has made it subject to flooding, including a devastating incident on April 4, 1977, in which a floodwall built in 1952 was overwhelmed and 200 houses were destroyed or damaged. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers upgraded the floodwall in 1988.

The economy is dependent on the coal mining industry, local family owned businesses and on tourism. Many enjoy visiting Pine Mountain State Resort Park, where the popular attraction "Chained Rock" is located. Thanks to works done by the community organization Main Street Pineville, the town is working on revitalizing downtown Pineville to its historical roots.

Every Memorial Day weekend (from Wednesday to Sunday) the town of Pineville welcomes all to the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, named for the Mountain Laurel flower which grows wild on Pine Mountain. The first Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival was presented in 1931 at the suggestion of Annie Walker Burns, a descendant of Dr. Thomas Walker, the first European to enter Kentucky and who, along with a party of explorers, visited the present site of Pineville in 1750. Burns was captivated by the history and beauty surrounding Pineville and appealed to Governor Flem D. Sampson of Barbourville to initiate some type of event to honor Dr. Walker. She gained the support of other influential Bell Countians, and the 1931 Festival was staged at Clear Creek Springs on June 4.

Geography
Pineville is located in northern Bell County at 36.76194°N, -83.695°W (36.7620301, −83.6949176), along the Cumberland River, directly north of its water gap through Pine Mountain. U.S. Route 25E passes through the city, intersecting Kentucky Route 66 in downtown. U.S. Route 119 has its southern terminus at US 25E near the southern border of the city. By US 25E, it is 12 mi south to Middlesboro and the north entrance of the Cumberland Gap tunnel, and it is 33 mi northwest to Corbin and Interstate 75. US 119 leads 30 mi northeast to Harlan.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pineville covers a total land area of 4.5 km2, of which 4.3 sqkm is land and 0.3 sqkm, or 5.54%, is water.

Education
The city is served by Pineville Independent Schools. Schools located within the district include:
 * Pineville High School
 * Pineville Middle School
 * Pineville Elementary School

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College maintains a campus in Pineville, serving as the only post-secondary education institution in the city. However Clear Creek Baptist Bible College is located in Pineville's zip code and is located south of the city.

Pineville has a public library, a branch of the Bell County Public Library District.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,093 people, 871 households, and 518 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,452.1 PD/sqmi. There were 961 housing units at an average density of about 667 per square mile (257.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the city was 92.74% White, 4.30% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population.

There were 871 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.6% were married couples living together, 20.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.5% were non-families. 38.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $12,435, and the median income for a family was $20,625. Males had a median income of $24,125 versus $23,229 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,692. About 37.1% of families and 44.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 58.8% of those under age 18 and 30.0% of those age 65 or over.

The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival
The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival began in 1931 and has been held annually except for during WWII (1942–1947). Mountain Laurel is a shrub with large clusters of small pale pink flowers that grows wild in the mountains of Appalachia. The Mountain Laurel Festival is deeply rooted in southern tradition, mountain heritage and held dear to all natives of Pineville. The 85th Festival was held during May 20–24, 2015.

The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival includes a Concert, carnival, Appalachian crafts, local talent, a Gala Parade and a beauty pageant. Senior girls from local High Schools compete for the title of the Mountain Laurel Princess. Queen Candidates, young women chosen to represent their respective Universities in Kentucky are welcomed into the homes of Pineville citizens in the truest form of Southern Hospitality. Throughout the weekend, the women are judged secretly based on the standards of a Southern Lady.

On Saturday after the Parade, a Coronation begins in the Laurel Cove, a natural amphitheater in the Pine Mountain State Park. Each Queen candidate must curtsy before the Governor as the audience dressed in their absolute best, many wearing hats normally reserved for the Kentucky Derby claps and 'ahhs' at the magnificent dresses. Then with a precession of the miniature and high school Courts, the Queen is named. She is then crowned by the Governor of Kentucky with a tiara made of live, delicate, pink Mountain Laurels. That night a 'Grand March' occurs in true southern fashion, the Queens and their escorts elegantly dance together after recognizing their new Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen.

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

Notable people

 * Dale Ann Bradley, Grammy-nominated singer/musician
 * George Blowers, banker
 * John Hoskins, rear admiral in the United States Navy
 * Rodney McMullen, businessman; CEO of The Kroger Company
 * Reid Patterson, swimmer
 * Joseph Chilton Pearce, author and lecturer
 * Shanda Sharer, murder victim

title: Pineville, Kentucky


text:
Burlington, Kentucky

Burlington is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Boone County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 17,318 at the 2020 census.

History
Burlington was incorporated in 1824. However, today Burlington is unincorporated due to the annulment of the city charter in 1923. It is one of the two county seats in Kentucky that are unincorporated.

The county seat of Boone County, Burlington, was initially established on 74 acres, donated by John Craig and Robert Johnson, at the headwaters of the Allen's Fork. It went through various name changes, originally known as Craig's Camp after John Craig, then renamed Wilmington in 1800, and is now known as Burlington, a function of the request of the U.S. Post Office in 1816. Court was initially held in a log courthouse built in 1801, the same year the town was platted. In the initial layout of the town, the streets circled the central "Publick Square." It was this original town plan and square, designed by county surveyor Moses Scott, that would later contribute to the listing of Burlington as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The Burlington Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Geography
Burlington is located in north-central Boone County. Kentucky Route 18 (Burlington Pike) runs through the center of the CDP, leading east 6 mi to Florence and west 7 mi to the Ohio River at Belleview. Downtown Cincinnati is 16 mi to the northeast, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is directly to the northeast of Burlington.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Burlington has a total area of 22.9 km2, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Burlington has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. Record temperatures for Burlington are unknown as well as averages, because it does not have a weather station; information comes from nearby counties.

Demographics
According to the 2020 American Community Survey, there were an estimated total of 6,361 households, with an average household size of 2.78. The median household income was $86, 651. The percentage of the population below the poverty level was estimated to be 5.6%. The racial makeup of Burlington using the statistics on identifying with a race alone or in combination with one or more races was 94.9% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 1.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% Asian, and 1.3% identified as some other race. The percentage of the population that identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.9%.

In comparison, at the 2000 census there were 10,779 people in 3,799 households, including 2,887 families, in the CDP. The population density was 1,276.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,083 housing units at an average density of 483.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of Burlington in 2006 was 93.9% White, 1.89% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.94% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.73%.

Of the 3,799 households 42.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.3% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 19.0% of households were one person and 3.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.19.

The age distribution was 30.1% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 36.3% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.7% 65 or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.3 males.

The median household income was $56,815 and the median family income was $63,387. Males had a median income of $41,083 versus $28,288 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,806. About 2.3% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Burlington has a public library, a branch of the Boone County Public Library.

Burlington is also home to four public schools in the Boone County Schools district, Burlington Elementary School, Charles H. Kelly Elementary School, Stephens Elementary School, and Camp Ernst Middle School.

Attractions

 * Dinsmore Homestead - A living history museum of the prominent Dinsmore family antebellum farm. The 700 acres of the homestead were purchased in 1839 and the main house was built in 1842. The Greek Revival style main house and 30 acres were donated by Martha Breasted in 1988 to the Dinsmore Homestead Foundation to develop the living history museum, displaying the well-preserved site of five generations of Dinsmores and the history of the home's enslaved peoples and laborers.
 * Old Boone County Courthouse – Built in 1889, designed by the McDonald brothers in a Renaissance Revival style and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Burlington Historic District. Having undergone various repairs and updates, it continues to operate as a public space and is still used for a few county operations.

Notable people

 * Mamie Claflin (1867–1929), American temperance and suffrage leader

title: Burlington, Kentucky


text:
Florence, Kentucky

Florence is a city in Boone County, Kentucky, United States, part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. The population was 31,946 at the 2020 census, making it the second-largest city in Northern Kentucky, the eighth-largest city in Kentucky and the state's largest that is not a county seat. Like all but the state's two largest cities, Florence is a home rule-class city under Kentucky state law.

History
The Florence area was originally known as Crossroads, because of the convergence of several roads from Burlington and Union at Ridge Road (now U.S. 25). By 1821, the area was known as Maddentown for Thomas Madden, a Covington attorney who owned a farm on the Burlington Pike. When Madden moved away, the area became known as Connersville in 1828 for Jacob Conner, a settler who assumed responsibility for the growing town. The town was finally renamed Florence because there was another Connersville in Harrison County. The name presumably is for Florence, Italy, but the specific etymology is unclear. It was incorporated on January 27, 1830, and grew quickly after the completion of the Covington-Lexington Turnpike in 1836. Florence was also known as Stringtown at some point earlier than 1900.

Geography
Florence is located in eastern Boone County. U.S. Routes 25, 42, and 127 pass through the center of Florence, leading northeast in a concurrency 11 mi to downtown Cincinnati. Interstates 75 and 71 pass through the western part of Florence, with access from exits 178 through 182.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.8 km2, of which 26.7 sqkm is land and 0.1 km2, or 0.43%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 23,551 people, 9,640 households, and 6,073 families residing in the city. The population density was 2385.6 /sqmi. There were 10,322 housing units at an average density of 1045.6 /sqmi. Today the racial makeup of the city is 79.9% White, 7.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.6% of the population.

There were 9,640 households, of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.03.

23.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,348, and the median income for a family was $52,160. Males had a median income of $36,677 versus $26,323 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,588. About 8.1% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.

In terms of population, Florence gained 2.2% over one year and gained 14.2% over the course of the decade. As of April 2020, the city's population was 31,946 citizens. It is the seventh largest city in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky metropolitan area.

Economy
Major employers in Florence include St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Boone County Schools, Robert Bosch, SWECO, Meritor, Eagle Manufacturing, Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and the City of Florence. Major employers in unincorporated areas with Florence addresses include Celanese, Citigroup, Crane Composites, DRS, Duro Bag Mfg, Givaudan, Kellogg's, Mubea, RR Donnelley, Schwan's, Staples, and Taylor & Francis. Companies based in Florence include Kona Ice.

Arts and culture
Florence is well known in surrounding cities for a water tower visible from I-71/I-75 that reads "Florence Y'all". Built in 1974, the tower originally advertised the up-and-coming Florence Mall, as part of an agreement with the mall developers who donated the land for the tower. But because the mall was not built yet, the tower violated highway regulations, and the city was forced to change it within a short deadline. Rather than repaint the entire tower, they simply painted over the two vertical lines of the "M" to create a "Y". The intent was to change it back when the mall was built, but the local residents liked the tower's new proclamation, so the city decided to leave it as it was.

Sports
The city is home to the Florence Y'alls independent minor league baseball team. The Y'alls have played at Thomas More Stadium in Florence since the venue's completion in 2004.

Education
Florence is served by Boone County Schools. Gateway Community and Technical College has a campus located south of town.

Florence has a public library, a branch of the Boone County Public Library.

Notable people

 * Shaun Alexander, former NFL player
 * Curtis Gates Lloyd, mycologist
 * Kenny Price, country music singer
 * Delano E. Williamson, Indiana Attorney General

title: Florence, Kentucky


text:
Oakbrook, Kentucky

Oakbrook is a census-designated place (CDP) in Boone County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 9,268 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Oakbrook is located in eastern Boone County and is bordered by the city of Florence to the east and south, and by the unincorporated Burlington (the county seat) to the west. Kentucky Route 18 (Burlington Pike) forms the northern edge of the Oakbrook CDP. Interstate 75/71 is 0.5 mi east of Oakbrook, and downtown Cincinnati is 12 mi to the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.2 km2, of which 0.01 sqkm, or 0.14%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,726 people, 2,926 households, and 2,206 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,368.8 PD/sqmi. There were 3,030 housing units at an average density of 929.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.81% White, 1.84% African American, 0.10% Native American, 2.10% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.

There were 2,926 households, out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.2% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $62,023, and the median income for a family was $72,083. Males had a median income of $51,202 versus $32,446 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $27,575. About 1.2% of families and 1.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.5% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Oakbrook, Kentucky


text:
Union, Kentucky

 Union  is a home-rule-class city in Boone County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 7,416. The area was rural until residential growth in the 1990s and 2000s. Union is located 17 mi southwest of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.2 sqmi, all of it land.

The city of Union has a defined city boundary, which does not include all of the addresses defined as Union by the United States Postal Service. Some nearby communities, including Triple Crown Country Club, Cool Springs and Brigadoon, have Union addresses but are not part of the incorporated city and are in unincorporated Boone County.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 5,379 people, 1,661 households, and 1,471 families residing in the city. The population density was 894.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,739 housing units at an average density of 271.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.3% White, 1.2% African American, 0.0% Native American, 5.7% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 850 households, out of which 62.9% included children under the age of 18. 85.3% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 7.8% were non-families. 5.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.40 and the average family size was 3.55.

In the city, the population age ranges included 37.6% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 2.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $85,454, and the median income for a family was $85,859 (2009 estimates indicate a rise to $97,083 and $98,672, respectively). Males had a median income of $61,531 versus $34,861 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,626. About 1.4% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Administration of city functions is separated into departments by ordinance, and each of these departments is placed under the supervision of one of the city commissioners unless the city has created the position of city administrative officer.

Emergency medical treatment and transportation, fire suppression, rescue, and many other emergency and non-emergency services in the city are provided by the Union Fire Protection District, operating under Fire Chief Aaron Gruelle.

Law enforcement in the city is performed by the Boone County Sheriff's Office, which employs nearly 200 sworn deputies and 80 deputies assigned to Patrol and Traffic Divisions and is led by Sheriff Michael A Helmig.

On July 8, 2022, Union Mayor Larry Solomon was joined by Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore and officials from Cincinnati Children's Hospital to break ground on Union Promenade, a $150 million Live/Work/Place concept co-developed by T.J. Ackermann of Thomas J. Ackermann Company, Inc., and Ralph Meierjohan of Meierjohan Building Group.

Neighborhoods

 * Ballyshannon
 * Cedarwood
 * Hampshire Estates
 * Harmony
 * Hawks Landing
 * Hempsteade
 * Indian Hill
 * Ivy Pond
 * Lassing Green
 * Orleans
 * Orleans North
 * Russwill
 * Sycamore
 * Whispering Trail
 * Union Bluff
 * Union Station
 * Triple Crown
 * Traemore
 * Arbor Springs
 * Westbrook
 * Cool Springs

Schools and libraries
The City of Union is home to six public schools, all part of Boone County Schools:

Elementary School:

 * Longbranch Elementary
 * New Haven Elementary
 * Shirley Mann Elementary

Middle School:

 * Ballyshannon Middle School
 * Gray Middle School

High School:
 * Cooper High School
 * Larry A. Ryle High School

Union has a public library, Scheben Branch, which is an installation of the Boone County Public Library system.

Roadways and freeways
The city of Union is served by two US Highways (US 42 and US 127) and three Kentucky Routes (237, 536, and 2953). Concurrent Interstates 71/75 connect the city directly to Cincinnati (northbound) and Lexington/Louisville (southbound).

Airports
Air travel is provided by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. It is less than 20 miles away via Interstates 71/75 and Interstate 275.

Notable people

 * Steve Flesch (golfer)
 * Josh Hutcherson (actor)
 * Paul Marcotte (businessman and politician)
 * Tanner Morgan (football player)

title: Union, Kentucky


text:
Millersburg, Kentucky

Millersburg is a home rule-class city in Bourbon County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 792 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lexington–Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Millersburg was founded in 1817, and was named for John Miller. The post office was referred to as "Millersburgh" until 1889.

Millersburg Military Institute operated from 1893 to 2014.

Geography
Millersburg is located in northeastern Bourbon County reaching to the Nicholas County border. U.S. Route 68 (Main Street) passes through the center of Millersburg.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Millersburg has a total area of 1.1 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 842 people, 356 households, and 248 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,432.5 PD/sqmi. There were 390 housing units at an average density of 1,126.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.66% White, 3.44% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.59% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.19% of the population.

There were 356 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 26.7% 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 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,500, and the median income for a family was $32,692. Males had a median income of $29,861 versus $18,333 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,906. About 12.4% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.0% of those under the age of 18 and 11.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Blanton Collier, American football coach born in Millersburg
 * Jim Kelly, martial artist of the 1970s, born in Millersburg. He co-starred with Bruce Lee in the film Enter the Dragon.
 * Mae Street Kidd (1909–1999), State Representative 1968–1984, representing Louisville's 41st state legislative district; born in Millersburg
 * David McDonald, judge, born in Millersburg
 * Alma Bridwell White, founder of the Pillar of Fire Church and Ku Klux Klan advocate

title: Millersburg, Kentucky


text:
North Middletown, Kentucky

North Middletown is a home rule-class city in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 643 as of the 2010 census. North Middletown is part of the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
North Middletown was incorporated in 1818; the prefix "North" was intended to avoid repetition with similarly named Middletown, Kentucky. A post office called North Middletown has been in operation since 1819.

Geography
North Middletown is located in southeastern Bourbon County. U.S. Route 460 (Main Street) passes through the center of town, leading northwest 10 mi to Paris, the county seat, and 12 mi southeast to Mount Sterling.

According to the United States Census Bureau, North Middletown has a total area of 0.86 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 562 people, 217 households, and 156 families living in the city. The population density was 1,918.8 PD/sqmi. There were 234 housing units at an average density of 798.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.98% White, 1.60% African American, 0.18% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.71% of the population.

There were 217 households, out of which 36.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,038, and the median income for a family was $37,000. Males had a median income of $31,042 versus $21,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,606. About 11.8% of families and 14.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 35.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Middletown, Kentucky


text:
Paris, Kentucky

Paris is a home rule-class city in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and the county seat. It lies 18 mi northeast of Lexington on the Stoner Fork of the Licking River. It is part of the Lexington–Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2020, it had a population of 10,171.

History
Joseph Houston settled a station in the area in 1776, but was forced to relocate due to prior land grants. In 1786, Lawrence Protzman purchased the area of present-day Paris from its owners, platted 250 acre for a town, and offered land for public buildings in exchange for the Virginia legislature making the settlement the seat of the newly formed Bourbon County. In 1789, the town was formally established as Hopewell after Hopewell, New Jersey, his hometown. The next year, it was renamed Paris after the French capital to match its county and honor the French assistance during the American Revolution.

Among the early settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries were French refugees who had fled the excesses of their own revolution. One Frenchman was noted in a 19th-century state history as having come from Calcutta, via Bengal, and settled here as a schoolteacher.

The post office was briefly known as Bourbontown or Bourbonton in the early 19th century, but there is no evidence that this name was ever formally applied to the town itself. It was incorporated as Paris in 1839 and again in 1890.

African American students attended Paris Colored High School. Paris is the "sister city" of Lamotte-Beuvron in France.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.5 km2, of which 15.4 sqkm is land and 0.1 sqkm, or 0.52%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,183 people, 3,857 households, and 2,487 families residing in the city. The population density was 1351.2 /sqmi. There were 4,222 housing units at an average density of 621.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.23% White, 12.71% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 1.35% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.62% of the population.

There were 3,857 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% 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 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% 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 82.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,872, and the median income for a family was $37,358. Males had a median income of $29,275 versus $21,285 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,645. About 17.5% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.2% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Between 2006 and 2008, fifteen buildings were renovated in the downtown.

Artistic and cultural sites and events include:
 * Downtown Paris ARTWALK, an artistic event.
 * Nannine Clay Wallis Arboretum, a 4 acre arboretum where many trees were planted in the 1850s when the house was built.
 * The Hopewell Museum, a Beaux Arts structure built in 1909 which served as the area's first post office.
 * Duncan Tavern, a stone structure built in 1788, which houses a genealogical collection.
 * The Vardens Building, a Victorian architecture building which contained a surgeon and dental office, and a ballroom, and is now a retail space.
 * The Shinner Building, built in 1891, listed by Ripley's Believe It or Not! as the world's tallest three-story structure.

Paris has a public library, the Paris-Bourbon County Library.

Education
Local schools in includes, Paris High School (in the Paris Independent Schools district), and Bourbon County High School (in the Bourbon County Schools district).

Notable people

 * William Patterson Alexander (1805–1884), missionary in Hawaii
 * Bill Arnsparger (1926–2015), football coach, head coach of New York Giants
 * Pauline Redmond Coggs (1912 – 2005), social worker, civil rights activist
 * Blanton Collier (1906–1983), NFL coach of 1964 champion Cleveland Browns
 * Joseph Duncan (1794–1844), sixth Governor of Illinois
 * John Price Durbin (1800–1876), Chaplain of the Senate, President of Dickinson College
 * William Lee D. Ewing (1795–1846), fifth Governor of Illinois
 * Lemuel T. Fisher, newspaper publisher
 * John Fox, Jr. (1862–1919), author of The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come and The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
 * Silvana Gallardo, actress and acting coach, was living in Paris at the time of her death
 * James G. Jones (1814–1872), first mayor of Evansville, Indiana, Indiana Attorney General
 * Mary Rootes Thornton McAboy (1815–1892), poet
 * Garrett Morgan (1877–1963), invented tri-state traffic signal and emergency breathing device
 * Bernie Haynes Robynson (1900–2001), printmaker, illustrator born in Paris, Kentucky; and part of the Harlem Renaissance movement
 * George Snyder, silversmith, clockmaker, and inventor of modern bait-casting fishing reel
 * Robert Trimble, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
 * Jim Tucker (1932–2020), basketball player, attended Paris Western High School
 * Francis Marion Wood (1878–1943), educator and school administrator, worked in Paris
 * John R. Baylor (1822–1894), Indian agent, publisher and editor, politician, senior officer of the CSA, and 1st Governor of Arizona Territory

title: Paris, Kentucky


text:
Ashland, Kentucky

Ashland is a home rule-class city in Boyd County, Kentucky, United States. The largest city in Boyd County, Ashland is located upon a southern bank of the Ohio River at the state border with Ohio and near West Virginia. The population was 21,625 at the 2020 census. Ashland is a principal city of the Huntington–Ashland metropolitan area, referred to locally as the "Tri-State area", home to 376,155 residents as of 2020. Ashland serves as an important economic and medical center for northeastern Kentucky.

History
Ashland dates back to the migration of the Poage family from the Shenandoah Valley via the Cumberland Gap in 1786. They erected a homestead along the Ohio River and named it Poage's Landing. Also called Poage Settlement, the community that developed around it remained an extended-family affair until the mid-19th century. In 1854, the city name was changed to Ashland, after Henry Clay's Lexington estate and to reflect the city's growing industrial base. The city's early industrial growth was a result of the Ohio Valley's pig iron industry and, particularly, the 1854 charter of the Kentucky Iron, Coal, and Manufacturing Company by the Kentucky General Assembly. The city was formally incorporated by the General Assembly two years later in 1856. Major industrial employers in the first half of the 20th century included Armco, Ashland Oil and Refining Company, the C&O Railroad, Allied Chemical & Dye Company's Semet Solvay, and Mansbach Steel.

Geography
Ashland lies within the ecoregion of the Western Allegheny Plateau.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.9 km2, of which 27.8 km2 is land and 0.1 km2, or 0.30%, is water.

Cityscape
Ashland's central business district extends from 12th Street to 18th Street, and from Carter Avenue to Greenup Avenue. It includes many historically preserved and notable buildings, such as the Paramount Arts Center and the Ashland Bank Building, which serves as a reminder of what Ashland leaders hoped the city would become.

Climate
Ashland is in the humid subtropical climate zone, and distinctly experiences all four seasons, with vivid fall foliage and occasional snow in winter. The average high is 88 °F in July, the warmest month, with the average lows of 19 °F occurring in January, the coolest month. The highest recorded temperature was 105 °F in July 1954. The lowest recorded temperature was −25 °F in January 1994. Average annual precipitation is 42.8 in, with the wettest month being July, averaging 4.7 in.

Demographics
As of 2021, there were 21,476 people, 8,859 households, and 6,192 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,984.4 PD/sqmi. There were 10,763 housing units at an average density of 971.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.3% White, 1.6% African American, 0.6% Asian, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% from two or more races. The most common ancestries were American 25.2%, English 12.2%, Irish 8.2%, and German 1.2%.

There were 9,675 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 33.1% 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 2.23 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,414. Males had a median income of $35,362 versus $23,994 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,101. About 23% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.3% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
American Rolling Mill Co. (ARMCO) opened its steel mill, Ashland Works, in 1922. The facility grew to cover 700 acres along the Ohio River. It set world records in production, and eventually employed about 7,000 people. Local scrap drives were held during World War II to support production at the plant.

ARMCO Steel partnered with Kawasaki Steel Corporation in 1994. AK Steel eventually purchased Armco Steel Inc. At one time, Armco employed over 4,000 people at its West Works, Foundry, and Coke Plant. AK Steel employed under 1,000 after the closing of the Foundry and Coke Plant and the downsizing of its West Works. AK shut down completely in 2019.

Annual cultural events and fairs

 * Festival of Trees
 * Poage Landing Days
 * Summer Motion
 * Winter Wonderland of Lights
 * Firkin Fest craft beer festival
 * My Old Kentucky Herf (Largest Cigar Festival in KY, OH and WV)

Historical structures and museums
The Paramount Arts Center, an Art Deco style movie theater built in 1930, is located on Winchester Avenue. The converted theater serves as an important venue for the arts in eastern Kentucky and the neighboring sections of Ohio and West Virginia. It is well noted for its Festival of Trees event during the winter season. The Paramount is also devoted to teaching children the importance of the arts. Summer classes are offered for school-age children.

Also along Winchester Avenue is the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center. Among its numerous exhibits, one about Country Music Heritage pays tribute to the music artists from along U.S. Route 23 in Kentucky. Two locals, The Judds from Ashland, and Billy Ray Cyrus from nearby Flatwoods, are included.

The Pendleton Art Center, formed in 2005, is located within the downtown. The works produced include paintings, stained glass, carved gourds, and wood carvings by local artists. They are displayed at the Pendleton the first Friday and Saturday of every month and at other times by appointment.

The Jesse Stuart Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the literary legacy of Jesse Stuart and other Appalachian writers, was at one time located within an earshot of the Pendleton Arts Center. Jesse Stuart, a well-known 20th-century author, was from nearby Greenup, Kentucky.

Parks and recreation

Ashland boasts a 47 acre Central Park.

In July 1976, a new10 acre park at the former Clyffeside Park was envisioned. Named after Commissioner Johnny Oliverio, it features several baseball diamonds, and is located along Winchester Avenue near 39th Street.

In 2004, the AK Steel Sports Park was constructed along Blackburn Avenue in South Ashland. The sports-oriented park features several baseball diamonds, soccer fields and an incomplete skate park.

Local government
Ashland is governed by a City Manager form of government. The government switched from a council-manager to a city commissioner-manager form of government in 1950. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the city who reports to a Board of Commissioners. Department heads ranging from the Police to Public Works report to the City Manager. The City Manager is currently Michael Graese.

The Mayor of Ashland is elected for a four-year term and is not term-limited. The mayor presides over City Commission meetings, is a voting member of the City Commission and represents the city at major functions. The current mayor is Matt Perkins.

Ashland's current City Commission members are Mayor Matt Perkins and Commissioners Josh Blanton, Amanda Clark, Marty Gute and Cheryl Wooten Spriggs.

In 1925, a new city hall was erected at the corner of 17th Street and Greenup Avenue.

Federal representation
The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates the Federal Correctional Institution, Ashland in Summit, unincorporated Boyd County, 5 mi southwest of central Ashland.

The United States Postal Service operates the Ashland Post Office and the Unity Contract Station.

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky maintains courtroom and office facilities in the Carl D. Perkins United States Courthouse & Federal Building in downtown Ashland.

Education
All public schools within city limits are operated by the Ashland Independent School District. Public schools outside of city limits are operated by the Boyd County School District and the Fairview Independent School District. Some portions of the city limits are in the Boyd and Fairview school districts.

Ashland has five public elementary schools, Hager Elementary, Oakview Elementary, Crabbe Elementary School, Poage Elementary and Charles Russell Elementary. Hatcher Elementary closed its doors in Spring 2010. Its students and much of its resources were consolidated with the other elementary schools in Fall 2010. The former Hatcher Elementary building now serves as the Ashland Independent Schools Central Office.

There is one public middle school, Ashland Middle School, formerly known as George M. Verity Middle School and Putnam Junior High School. The campus is home to Putnam Stadium which serves as the home field for Ashland Tomcats high school and middle school football.

One public high school serves the city of Ashland: Paul G. Blazer High School, named after philanthropist and founder of Ashland Inc., Paul G. Blazer. The high school is home to the Ashland Tomcats and Kittens athletic teams. The Ashland Tomcats football program has achieved 11 state championships. The Ashland Tomcats (boys') basketball program has accomplished 1 national championship, 4 state championships, 32 regional championships, and 55 district championships. The Ashland Tomcats and Kittens (girls') soccer teams play at the Ashland Soccer Complex at the high school. The school's marching band competes in the AAA class of the Kentucky Music Educators Association(KMEA). The marching band is commonly called "The Pride of Blazer" for its excellent performance in many KMEA marching band competitions.

Westwood, an unincorporated community just outside the Ashland city limits, is served by the Fairview Independent School District. The district operates Fairview High School, grades 6–12, and Fairview Elementary School, grades K-5.

The Boyd County Public Schools serves the rural part of Ashland and the remainder of Boyd County. It has four elementary schools, those being Ponderosa Elementary, Cannonsburg Elementary, Catlettsburg Elementary and Summit Elementary. Boyd County Middle School serves grades 6–8, while Boyd County High School serves grades 9–12.

The two private schools serving the Ashland area are the Holy Family School and the Rose Hill Christian School. Holy Family is affiliated with Holy Family Catholic Church and currently offers K–12 education. Rose Hill is affiliated with the Rose Hill Baptist Church and also offers K–12.

Post-secondary educational opportunities include Ashland Community and Technical College, which has multiple campuses within the city. Morehead State University also has a satellite campus located in Ashland.

The main branch of the Boyd County Public Library is located in Ashland.

Newspapers
Ashland is home to two newspapers: The Independent and The Greater Ashland Beacon.

The Daily Independent is a five-day morning daily newspaper which covers the city and the surrounding metropolitan area. In addition, it offers national, state and regional news/sports coverage via reprints of Associated Press and CNHI wire reports and columns. The newspaper is often called "The Independent" or the "Ashland Daily Independent" by locals, as these were its former names. One of the paper's claims to fame is the first printings of a supposed image of Jesus in the clouds of Korea in 1951.

Ashland's other newspaper is The Greater Ashland Beacon. It is a free weekly circular published in full color every Tuesday. "The Beacon", as it is known by locals, is "hyper-local," meaning it is exclusively dedicated to covering the community. Highlights include, but are not limited to, local events, sports results, outdoor recreation and personal interest articles and columns penned by freelance Ashland-area journalists and quasi-celebrities.

Television
Ashland residents receive their network television primarily from stations in Huntington and Charleston, West Virginia. In addition, WKYT, the CBS affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky, is shown on cable TV in Ashland when its programming is different from Charleston's CBS affiliate WOWK. There are also two television stations licensed to Ashland itself. Those are:

Air
Located just northwest of the city in Worthington is the Ashland Regional Airport. This airport is used for general aviation. The then-named Ashland-Boyd County Airport opened in 1953 and featured a 5600 ft. runway with a 3000 ft. clearance.

Tri-State Airport, located in nearby Huntington, West Virginia, provides commercial aviation services for the city.

Rail
Amtrak serves Ashland with the three-days-a-week Cardinal, connecting New York City, Washington, Charlottesville, VA, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Westbound trains are scheduled to stop Sunday, Wednesday, Friday in the late evening. Eastbound the stops are early morning Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. The Amtrak station is located at the Ashland Transportation Center, formerly the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway freight depot, located on 15th Street near the Ohio River. It does not have an Amtrak ticket counter or QuikTrak ticket machine, but E-tickets can be obtained from either Amtrak's website or mobile app.

The former C&O passenger depot, at 11th Street and Carter Avenue, had been completed in 1925 but abandoned in the 1970s in favor of a downsized depot in nearby Catlettsburg. The rail lines to the building have since been removed. Today the building itself serves as the downtown branch of PNC Bank. Passenger rail service was moved from Catlettsburg to the Ashland Transportation Center in March 1998.

Bus

Greyhound Lines is the main provider of intercity bus transportation out of Ashland. It operates out of the Ashland Transportation Center, along with the Ashland Bus System that provides five local bus routes. Mor'Trans, Licking Valley Community Action, Sandy Valley Transportation Services and Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency provide connections to Ashland from surrounding counties.

Roads
Ashland is served by US 23 and US 60, several state routes, and is in close proximity to US 52 and Interstate 64. The state routes include:
 * KY 5 never enters the city limits of Ashland, however does serve a sizable area surrounding the city.
 * KY 168 crosses through the south Ashland region and is referred to as Blackburn Avenue and South Belmont Street.
 * KY 766 Connects US 60 and 13th Street with KY 5
 * KY 1012 is known as Boy Scout Road.
 * KY 1134

Law enforcement
In the late 19th century, what is now the Ashland Police Department was organized when the town was still known as Poage's Landing. The first executive officer was a town marshal, who was soon replaced by a professional police department.

The city of Ashland currently has 49 sworn officers, three civilian employees who function as administrative support and six parapolice who handle tasks that do not require the services of a sworn officer.

Healthcare
UK King's Daughters, formerly known as King's Daughters Medical Center, is the fourth largest hospital in Kentucky The 465-bed facility, which was purchased by the University of Kentucky in December 2022, is the city's largest employer at over 4,000 employees. It offers numerous inpatient and outpatient services for the region.

In addition to UK King's Daughters, another hospital, the Ashland Tuberculosis Hospital, was located on a hill above U.S. Route 60 in the Western Hills section of the city and opened in 1950. It featured 100 beds and served 18 eastern Kentucky counties. It has long since been closed due to the discovery of antibiotics that successfully treat tuberculosis, eliminating its necessity. The facility has since been used as a state office building and is now owned by Safe Harbor, a secure domestic violence shelter and advocacy center.

Notable people

 * Allison Anders, filmmaker and director
 * Claria Horn Boom, U.S. federal judge
 * Billy Ray Cyrus, country music singer, born and raised in Flatwoods, Kentucky, just outside Ashland
 * Trace Cyrus, musician
 * Mark Fosson, musician/songwriter
 * Leigh French, actress
 * Jillian Hall, WWE Diva
 * Mabel Hite, vaudeville and musical comedy performer
 * Chris Jennings, running back for NFL's Cleveland Browns
 * The Judds, country music duo of mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna
 * Steve Kazee, Broadway and film actor
 * Sonny Landham, actor and former Kentucky gubernatorial candidate
 * Michele Mahone, entertainment reporter, NINE Network, Australia
 * Venus Ramey, first red-haired Miss America in 1944
 * Charlie Reliford, Major League Baseball umpire
 * Julie Reeves, country music singer
 * Jay Rhodemyre, former NFL center
 * Charles Manson, leader of the Manson Family, killer
 * Don Robinson, former Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Robert Smedley, professional wrestler for World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment as Bobby Blaze
 * Jean Bell Thomas, proprietress of American Folk Song Festival in Ashland area 1930 - 1972
 * Alberta Vaughn, actress
 * Brandon Webb, pitcher for Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner
 * Keith Whitley, country music singer
 * Chuck Woolery, game show host

In popular culture

 * Ashland, Kentucky is mentioned at the beginning of Part 4 Chapter 2 in On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
 * Ashland, Kentucky is mentioned as the location of the Rebel-Georgian Coalition camp in the NBC television series Revolution Episode 1.17 "The Longest Day" first aired May 13, 2013.

title: Ashland, Kentucky