Woodford County, Kentucky
General Information
Woodford County Kentucky is located in eastern Kentucky in the United States, and has a population of approximately 24,000. It is in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, making it home to a wide variety of prairie grasses and animals, as well as one of the more populous counties in Kentucky.
Woodford County | Service Areas | |
---|---|---|
Midway | Milner | Wallace |
Versailles | Pinckard | Troy |
Millville | Huntertown | Keene |
Nonesuch | Mundy’s Landing | Jackson Town |
Mortonsville | Pisgah | Clover Bottom |
History
Woodford County Kentucky was originally part of Virginia’s Fayette County in the 1780s. When the state of Kentucky was formed, the county was renamed for William Woodford, a general in the Revolutionary War who had died in British captivity. Gradually, Woodford County was further divided, with Scott County and Franklin County taking land in the 1790s. Woodford County is the last of the original nine counties that had banded together to form the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1792, providing it with a rich history.
Attractions
Woodford County hosts Labrot & Graham Distillery, the oldest bourbon whiskey distillery in the country. The distillery offers tours seven days a week, except for major holidays, and provides classes on how to mix cocktails made with their signature whiskey. Tastings are also available by reservation. For more family-friendly fun, the Life Adventure Center and the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary host outdoor programs, challenge courses, and trails that are available year-round.
Notable Residents
With notable names like William Shatner and Chad Pennington, Woodford County has its share of celebrities. Brigadier General Charles Scott, of Revolutionary War fame, and country singer John Conlee have also called Woodford County home.
Landmarks
The Bluegrass Railroad Museum, built off of the original railroad track that crossed Kentucky in the 1880s, is a well-known landmark in the county. Since its opening in the 1970s, the museum has amassed an impressive collection of trains, train cars, and memorabilia. Additionally, there are 83 historic properties and buildings that have been listed on the National Register, with the Labrot & Graham Distillery being listed as a National Historic Landmark. Many of these properties and landmarks allow visitors and provide tours that show the rich history of the county.