Bourbon County, Kentucky
Bourbon County is one of the most flavorful counties in Kentucky, located in the central part of the state, northeast of Lexington. Around 20,000 residents call the county home, with Paris serving as the county seat.
Yes, it was named after the Bourbon family of France, and yes, bourbon whiskey has deep roots here. But despite the famous name, there’s much more to Bourbon County than whiskey.
The county is also known for its thoroughbred horse farms and beautiful stone fences. If you’re visiting in June, be sure to check out the Bourbon County Fair in Paris. It has been a local tradition since 1836, making it one of the county’s long-standing community events.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Bourbon County |
| County Seat | Paris |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Paris, North Middletown, Millersburg, Little Rock |
| Interstates and Highways | US-68, US-460, KY-627 |
| Etymology | Named after the French Bourbon dynasty, in appreciation for French assistance during the American Revolutionary War |
| FIPS Code | 21-017 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 292 sq mi (Land: 290 sq mi; Water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Harrison County (Northwest), Nicholas County (Northeast), Bath County (East), Montgomery County (Southeast), Clark County (South), Fayette County (Southwest), Scott County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 38.2102° N, 84.2317° W |
| Major Landmarks | Claiborne Farm, Cane Ridge Meeting House, Colville Covered Bridge |
| Population | Approximately 20,000 |
