Bourbon County | |
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![]() Bourbon County Courthouse in Paris | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky | |
![]() Kentucky's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 38°12′N84°13′W / 38.2°N 84.21°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1785 |
Named for | House of Bourbon |
Seat | Paris |
Largest city | Paris |
Area | |
• Total | 292 sq mi (760 km2) |
• Land | 290 sq mi (800 km2) |
• Water | 1.9 sq mi (5 km2) 0.6% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 20,252 |
• Estimate (2023) | 20,134 ![]() |
• Density | 69/sq mi (27/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional district | 6th |
Website | www |
Bourbon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,252. [1] Its county seat is Paris. [2] Bourbon County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is one of Kentucky's nine original counties, and is best known for its historical association with bourbon whiskey.
Bourbon County was established in 1785 from a portion of Fayette County, Virginia, [3] [4] and named after the French House of Bourbon, [5] in gratitude for Louis XVI of France's assistance during the American Revolutionary War.
Bourbon County, Virginia, originally comprised 34 of Kentucky's 120 current counties, including the current Bourbon County. [6] [7] [8] This larger area later became known as Old Bourbon. Bourbon became part of the new state of Kentucky when it was admitted to the Union in 1792.
Whiskey was an early product of the area, and whiskey barrels from the area were marked Old Bourbon when they were shipped downriver from the local port on the Ohio River. [8] [9] As it was made mostly from corn (maize), it had a distinctive flavor, and the name bourbon came to be used to distinguish it from other regional whiskey styles, such as Monongahela, a product of western Pennsylvania, which may have generally been a rye whiskey. The use of the term Old in the phrase Old Bourbon, was likely misconstrued as a reference to the aging of the whiskey rather than part of the name of the geographic area. [8] The port, originally known as Limestone, now Maysville, was in Bourbon County until the borders were redrawn in 1789 when it became part of the Mason County of Virginia, and it is now in Mason County, Kentucky. [8] Thirty-four modern Kentucky counties were once part of the original Bourbon County, including the current county of that name. [7]
Except for a few distilleries that were authorized to produce it for medicinal purposes, the bourbon industry was wiped out in 1919 when Prohibition took effect. Kentucky adopted prohibition a year earlier than the national prohibition. [10] Within the boundaries of Bourbon County as it stands today there were, by some counts, 26 distilleries. All of these were shut down in 1919, and no distilleries resumed operation there until late 2014, a period of 95 years. [11] At present, alcohol production and sales in Kentucky are regulated by a patchwork of laws which the Kentucky Supreme Court called a "maze of obscure statutory language". [12]
The courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1872 and 1901, resulting in the loss of county records. The current courthouse is the county's fourth. [13]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 292 square miles (760 km2), of which 290 square miles (750 km2) is land and 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2) (0.6%) is water. [14]
There are no sizable lakes in the county, although there are several streams. Primary among these is Stoner Creek, on which the county seat is situated. This large stream is a principal tributary of the South Fork of the Licking River.
The county's topography is predominantly gently rolling hills. Due to agricultural development, very little of the county's land area can be characterized as forested, though deciduous trees are a common feature of the landscape.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 7,837 | — | |
1800 | 12,825 | 63.6% | |
1810 | 18,009 | 40.4% | |
1820 | 17,664 | −1.9% | |
1830 | 18,436 | 4.4% | |
1840 | 14,478 | −21.5% | |
1850 | 14,466 | −0.1% | |
1860 | 14,860 | 2.7% | |
1870 | 14,863 | 0.0% | |
1880 | 15,956 | 7.4% | |
1890 | 16,976 | 6.4% | |
1900 | 18,069 | 6.4% | |
1910 | 17,462 | −3.4% | |
1920 | 18,418 | 5.5% | |
1930 | 18,060 | −1.9% | |
1940 | 17,932 | −0.7% | |
1950 | 17,752 | −1.0% | |
1960 | 18,178 | 2.4% | |
1970 | 18,476 | 1.6% | |
1980 | 19,405 | 5.0% | |
1990 | 19,236 | −0.9% | |
2000 | 19,360 | 0.6% | |
2010 | 19,985 | 3.2% | |
2020 | 20,252 | 1.3% | |
2023 (est.) | 20,134 | [15] | −0.6% |
US Decennial Census [16] 1790-1960 [17] 1900–1990 [18] 1990-2000 [19] 2010–2020 [1] |
As to the census of 2010, there were 19,985 people and 8,128 households residing in the county. The population density was 66 per square mile (25/km2). There were 8,349 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile (11/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 90.38% White, 6.94% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. 2.60% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 7,681 households, out of which 32.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.70% were married couples living together, 12.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 24.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.00% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,038, and the median income for a family was $42,294. Males had a median income of $30,989 versus $23,467 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,335. About 12.30% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.10% of those under age 18 and 11.90% of those age 65 or over.
For most of the 20th century Bourbon county was a fairly reliable Democratic county. However, since the dawn of the 21st century it has now become a solidly Republican county.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 6,190 | 64.16% | 3,296 | 34.16% | 162 | 1.68% |
2016 | 5,569 | 63.26% | 2,791 | 31.71% | 443 | 5.03% |
2012 | 4,692 | 59.22% | 3,075 | 38.81% | 156 | 1.97% |
2008 | 4,820 | 57.86% | 3,385 | 40.64% | 125 | 1.50% |
2004 | 4,953 | 60.28% | 3,198 | 38.92% | 66 | 0.80% |
2000 | 3,881 | 54.65% | 3,048 | 42.92% | 173 | 2.44% |
1996 | 2,592 | 41.42% | 3,030 | 48.42% | 636 | 10.16% |
1992 | 2,707 | 39.12% | 2,895 | 41.84% | 1,318 | 19.05% |
1988 | 3,308 | 53.57% | 2,793 | 45.23% | 74 | 1.20% |
1984 | 3,836 | 58.54% | 2,649 | 40.42% | 68 | 1.04% |
1980 | 2,475 | 39.00% | 3,641 | 57.37% | 230 | 3.62% |
1976 | 2,260 | 38.28% | 3,504 | 59.35% | 140 | 2.37% |
1972 | 3,180 | 62.02% | 1,860 | 36.28% | 87 | 1.70% |
1968 | 1,848 | 33.85% | 2,566 | 47.00% | 1,046 | 19.16% |
1964 | 1,222 | 22.99% | 4,068 | 76.52% | 26 | 0.49% |
1960 | 2,379 | 42.98% | 3,156 | 57.02% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 2,475 | 42.75% | 3,263 | 56.36% | 52 | 0.90% |
1952 | 2,229 | 40.02% | 3,339 | 59.95% | 2 | 0.04% |
1948 | 1,610 | 29.64% | 3,562 | 65.57% | 260 | 4.79% |
1944 | 1,957 | 33.72% | 3,828 | 65.97% | 18 | 0.31% |
1940 | 2,673 | 38.57% | 4,254 | 61.38% | 4 | 0.06% |
1936 | 2,471 | 38.83% | 3,872 | 60.84% | 21 | 0.33% |
1932 | 2,820 | 37.09% | 4,759 | 62.59% | 25 | 0.33% |
1928 | 4,512 | 58.34% | 3,218 | 41.61% | 4 | 0.05% |
1924 | 3,691 | 47.06% | 4,034 | 51.43% | 118 | 1.50% |
1920 | 4,029 | 42.30% | 5,452 | 57.24% | 43 | 0.45% |
1916 | 2,167 | 44.04% | 2,715 | 55.18% | 38 | 0.77% |
1912 | 1,744 | 38.32% | 2,362 | 51.90% | 445 | 9.78% |
Bourbon whiskey is a type of barrel-aged American whiskey made primarily from corn (maize). The name derives from the French House of Bourbon, although the precise source of inspiration is uncertain; contenders include Bourbon County, Kentucky, and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, both of which are named after the House of Bourbon. The name bourbon might not have been used until the 1850s, and the association with Bourbon County was not evident until the 1870s.
Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,114. Its county seat is Mount Sterling. With regard to the sale of alcohol, it is classified as a moist county—a county in which alcohol sales are prohibited, but containing a "wet" city where package alcohol sales are allowed, in this case Mount Sterling. Montgomery County is part of the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.
Nicholas County is a county located in the central region of U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,604. Its county seat is Summersville. The county was created in 1818 by the Virginia General Assembly and named for Virginia Governor Wilson Cary Nicholas.
Fayette County is a county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,488. Its county seat is Fayetteville. It is part of the Beckley, WV Metropolitan Statistical Area in Southern West Virginia.
Woodford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,871. Its county seat is Versailles. The area was home to Pisgah Academy. Woodford County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located in the center of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky.
Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,027. Its county seat is Springfield. The county is named for George Washington. Washington County was the first county formed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky when it reached statehood, and the sixteenth county formed. The center of population of Kentucky is located in Washington County, in the city of Willisburg. The county is dry, meaning that the sale of alcohol is prohibited, but it contains the "wet" city of Springfield, where retail alcohol sales are allowed. This classifies the jurisdiction as a moist county. Three wineries operate in the county and are licensed separately to sell to the public. Jacob Beam, founder of Jim Beam whiskey, sold his first barrel of whiskey in Washington County.
Scott County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 57,155. Scott County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its county seat and largest city is Georgetown.
Menifee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,113, making it the fifth-least populous county in Kentucky. Its county seat is Frenchburg. The county is named for Richard Hickman Menefee, U.S. Congressman, although the spelling has changed. It is a prohibition or dry county. Menifee County is part of the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area. It is located in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau.
Mason County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,120. Its county seat is Maysville. The county was created from Bourbon County, Virginia in 1788 and named for George Mason, a Virginia delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention known as the "Father of the Bill of Rights". Mason County comprises the Maysville, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Cincinnati-Wilmington-Maysville, OH-KY-IN Combined Statistical Area.
Magoffin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,637. Its county seat is Salyersville. The county was formed in 1860 from adjacent portions of Floyd, Johnson, and Morgan Counties. It was named for Beriah Magoffin who was Governor of Kentucky (1859–62).
Lincoln County is a county located in south-central Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,275. Its county seat is Stanford. Lincoln County is part of the Danville, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Lewis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,080. Its county seat is Vanceburg.
Jessamine County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 52,991. Its county seat is Nicholasville. The county was founded in December 1798. Jessamine County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is within the Inner Blue Grass region, long a center of farming and blooded stock raising, including thoroughbred horses. The legislature established a commercial wine industry here in the late 18th century.
Fayette County is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Kentucky and is consolidated with the city of Lexington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 322,570, making it the second-most populous county in the commonwealth. Since 1974, its territory, population and government have been shared with Lexington. Fayette County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Daviess County ( "Davis"), is a county in Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 103,312. Its county seat is Owensboro. The county was formed from part of Ohio County on January 14, 1815.
Clark County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,972. Its county seat is Winchester. The county was created in 1792 from Bourbon and Fayette counties and is named for Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark. Clark County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Bath County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,750. The county seat is Owingsville. The county was formed in 1811. Bath County is included in the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.
Bourbon County is a county located in Southeast Kansas. Its county seat and most populous city is Fort Scott. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 14,360. The county was named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, the former home of many early settlers.
Shively is a home rule-class city in Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States, and a suburb of Louisville within the Louisville Metro government. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 15,264, reflecting an increase of 107 (+0.7%) from 15,157 in 2000.
Bardstown is a home rule-class city in Nelson County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 13,567 in the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Nelson County.