Bourbon County, Kentucky
Airy Castle
Aker, Jacob, Farm
Allen-Alexander House
Bayless Quarters
Bourbon County Confederate Monument
Bourbon County Courthouse
Buckner, Walker, House
Cane Ridge Rural Historic District
Champ, Thomas, House
Clay, Dr. Henry, House
Colville Covered Bridge
Cooper's Run Baptist Church
Cooper's Run Rural Historic District
David, William, House
Downtown Paris Historic District
Duncan Avenue Historic District (Additional Documentation)
Duncan Tavern
Eades Tavern
Eales, James, House
Escondida
Garrard, James, House
Glen Oak
Grange, The
Harrod, Ephram, House
Hillside Farm
Hopkins House
Johnston's Inn
Kennedy, Joseph, House
Kennedy, Thomas, House
Kiser Station
Kiser, James, House
Little Rock-Jackstown Road Rural Historic District
Loudoun Hall
Mauck, Rudolph, House
McKee-Vimont Row Houses
McLeod Spring House
Miller's House at Ruddels Mills
Millersburg Historic District
Paris Cemetery Gatehouse
Paris Courthouse Square Historic District
Paris Railroad Depot
Pocket Rural Historic District
Rodgers, Thomas, House
Rymill, Elias, House
Sacred Home
Sandusky House
Shipp, Laban, House
Snow Hill
Spears, Jacob, Distillery
Spears, Jacob, House
Stephens, Joseph L., House
Stoner Creek Rural Historic District
Sugar Grove
Tucker, John, House
West Millersburg Rural Historic District
Widow McDowell House
Williams, Hubbard, House
Woodlawn
Wright, Capt. James, House and Cabin
Bourbon County Hemp/Alexander House
Bourbon County, 1786
Bourbon Whiskey/ Jacob Spears
Cane Ridge Meeting House
Centerville Baptist Church
Colville Covered Bridge
CSA at Paris, 1862
Duncan Tavern
Eades Tavern
Edward Boone (1740-80)
Famous Inventor, 1877-1963
First Christian Church
Frankfort and Cincinnati Railroad
Garrett Davis (1801-1872)
Hopewell
John Edwards, 1748-1837
Johnston's Inn
Kentucky Novelist
Mae Street Kidd (1904-99)
Martin's Station - One mile
Millersburg Military Institute
Ruddell's Mills
Silas Baptist Church 1 mile west
Site of 1792 Church
Site of Fairfield
Townsend Springs Farm
William Holmes McGuffey
In the early 19th century, Bourbon County was a major producer of bourbon whiskey, which became its claim to fame. The county's abundance of limestone-filtered water, high-quality grains, and skilled distillers led to the creation of renowned bourbon brands. The bourbon industry flourished, and Bourbon County became known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World."
During the Civil War, Bourbon County, like many other parts of Kentucky, experienced divisions between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The county was occupied by both sides at various times, and there were skirmishes and conflicts between local militias and opposing forces. Despite this turmoil, the bourbon industry remained a vital part of the county's economy.
In more recent times, Bourbon County has continued to embrace its bourbon legacy while diversifying its agricultural and industrial sectors. The county has seen growth in thoroughbred horse farms, with many prestigious operations located within its borders. The county has also attracted industries such as manufacturing, technology, and logistics.
Today, Bourbon County remains an important center for agriculture, with its scenic landscapes and horse farms contributing to its charm. Its rich history, coupled with its economic development efforts, have made it a thriving community that honors its bourbon heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and progress.
Brief timeline of the history of Bourbon County, Kentucky:
- 1774 - Bourbon County is established as one of the original three counties in Kentucky.
- 1785 - The town of Paris is founded in Bourbon County.
- 1791 - Bourbon County becomes the leading producer of whiskey in the United States.
- 1800 - The first recorded bourbon whiskey is produced in Bourbon County.
- 1821 - The county seat is moved from Paris to Millersburg.
- 1838 - The county seat is moved back to Paris.
- 1862-1865 - Bourbon County supports the Union during the American Civil War.
- 1908 - The first Bourbon County Fair is held in Paris.
- 1937 - The bourbon industry in the county is negatively impacted by Prohibition and the Great Depression.
- 1998 - The first Bourbon Festival takes place in Bardstown, nearby Bourbon County.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bourbon County, Kentucky.