Carlisle County, Kentucky
Carlisle County is located in far western Kentucky within the Jackson Purchase region. With only about 5,000 residents, it is among the state’s least populous counties and has a distinctly rural character.
Bardwell, the county seat, serves as the center of a community where agriculture plays a major role. Local farms produce corn, soybeans, and wheat, contributing to the county’s agricultural economy and landscape.
The county was named after John G. Carlisle, a prominent Kentucky politician. Visitors passing through can explore the historic Carlisle County Courthouse, while the Mississippi River forms the county’s western border. Though small in population, Carlisle County offers a strong sense of community and rural charm.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Carlisle County |
| County Seat | Bardwell |
| Etymology | Named after John Griffin Carlisle, a U.S. Congressman and Speaker of the House |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Bardwell, Arlington, Milburn, Cunningham |
| Interstates and Highways | US-51, KY-80, KY-121 |
| FIPS Code | 21-039 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 199 sq mi (Land: 189 sq mi; Water: 10 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ballard County (North), McCracken County (Northeast), Graves County (East), Hickman County (South), Mississippi County, Missouri (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 36.8612° N, 89.0078° W |
| Major Landmarks | Carlisle County Courthouse, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Carlisle County Fairgrounds |
| Population | Approximately 5,000 |
