Kentucky

6 Towns In Kentucky That Were Frozen In Time

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2024

6 Towns In Kentucky That Were Frozen In Time

Kentucky is a southeastern state bordered by the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountains. The state has played a pivotal role in American history, and much of this history can be explored today in the small towns across the landscape. The Bluegrass State has a rich musical legacy that makes up the fabric of many small towns.

The downtown districts embrace the small Southern town spirit with quaint cafes, smiling faces, and historic architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do, such as fishing, hiking, and paddling. Kentucky is famous for its horse racing culture, primarily in the big metropolis of Louisville, but these six towns were seemingly frozen in time and are among the best towns to visit.

Harrodsburg

Mercer County Judicial Center in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

Harrodsburg is the oldest town in Kentucky and is in the heart of the Bluegrass region. Its most notable point of interest is Old Fort Harrod State Park. The historic park memorializes the first settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and includes a full-scale replica of the fort built in 1774. Other attractions include the Mansion Museum, George Rogers Clark Federal Monument, and the Lincoln Marriage Temple.

The historic downtown is noteworthy for its historic structures, walkable roads, and small-town charm. The Harrodsburg Historical Society on South Chiles Street should be the first stop. Founded in 1908, the center traces the town’s heritage and cultural roots and provides an excellent companion to the downtown sites.

Hodgenville

Hodgenville, at the North Fork of the Nolin River, is famous for being Abraham Lincoln’s home. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace is a National Monument comprised of his Birthplace Unit and the Boyhood Home Unit, among many other historical structures. This unique history is further explored throughout town at the Lincoln Museum and the Statue of Abraham Lincoln, which includes a historical marker.

The community-centric downtown area has lively annual festivals like the Lincoln Jamboree and Lincoln Days. The Lincoln Historic District is a must-see area where you will find town information and tickets for various live events. There is also an abundance of natural attractions, like Salem Lake, for a relaxing day in nature.

Paducah

Paducah is a hallmark water transportation hub known for its many riverboats steaming in and out of the port town. It is also part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for folk and craft arts. The National Quilt Museum opened in 1991, and the annual National Quilt Show is held at the Schroeder Expo Center. The small town also has an incredible array of other cultural attractions.

The Yeiser Art Center, Maiden Alley Cinema and Gallery, and the Carson Center are just a handful of cultural offerings in Paducah. The town’s artistic side is displayed with its public murals throughout. The Mural Art Experience is a fun way to explore the town; online maps with guides are available to learn about each piece. There are 23 exhibits in a tight grouping, perfect for a self-guided walking tour.

Frankfort

Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky and has marvelous government buildings that bring a sense of nostalgia. It is also the home of three famous distilleries: Buffalo Trace, Castle and Key, and Three Boys Farm. Most buildings, like the Old State Capitol Building, are Italianate or Greek Revival architecture from the 19th century. The brick building was constructed in 1829 and was the capital until 1910.

Other prominent downtown structures include the Bibb-Burnley house, where Bibb lettuce was invented, and the Frankfort Union Station. The famed railroad station was in service from the mid-1850s until the 1970s and remains a landmark structure in town. Visitors on a history tour should not miss the Old Mansion, ca. 1797, that served as the governor’s mansion until 1914.

La Grange

Just outside of Louisville, La Grange is known for its train history, including the CSX track that still runs through downtown. The track through the heart of Main Street hauls 23 freight trains a day, which surprises first-time visitors. The historic district offers several quaint inns and cottages for visitors wanting the full experience of this unique town.

The appropriately named Brakeman’s Cottage, built in 1910, provides cozy accommodations for two. Or opt for a quaint bed and breakfast just a short distance from the principal attractions like the Pillow and Paddock or the Bluegrass Country Estate. This is the perfect destination to learn about the significance of the railroad, which helped develop the nation, and for an authentic Southern experience.

London

Original site of the Confederate encampment for the Battle of Camp Wildcat in October, 1861. — The original site of the Confederate encampment was for the Battle of Camp Wildcat in October 1861. Image credit JNix via Shutterstock

London, the Cycling Capital of Kentucky, has scenic trails and beautiful nature scenes. It is also a Certified Tree City, which ensures the sanctity of the canopies that provide much of the natural scenery. The close-knit community gathers for several festivals celebrating this quaint town’s history and culture. The World Chicken Festival is hosted here, includes family-fun entertainment, and celebrates the poultry industry that London is known for.

Outdoor adventures include airplane scenic tours, paddling, and historical live reenactments. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to hike the trail Daniel Boone created in 1775 or hike the Wilderness Road, considered the most essential road in Kentucky. The Battle of Camp Wildcat has original Civil War trenches and hosts a live reenactment every October.

The Bluegrass State is known for many things: American history, horse racing, and natural beauty top the list. However, many small towns that are landmarks of Kentucky have been seemingly frozen in time. The historic structures, sites, and cultural points of interest call up an era gone by and shed new light on this beautiful state.

Historic sites like Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and ports that are the fabric of the early transportation industry can be found here. Iconic government buildings in the oldest town present grandeur and awe. These six towns transport visitors to the past in the best possible way and should top any travel itinerary to Kentucky.

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Kentucky

Kentucky legislature passes bill shrinking JCPS board to 5 members

Published

30 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Press Room

Kentucky legislature passes bill shrinking JCPS board to 5 members

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A revamped bill unveiled late on the final day to pass legislation in the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly with the ability to later override a veto would significantly alter the makeup of Louisville’s public school board.

The new Senate Bill 4 would cut the number of seats on the Jefferson County Board of Education from seven to five. It includes an emergency clause, meaning it would go into effect immediately if passed — Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, who introduced the new bill in the House, said the legislation includes new district maps to be used when voters head to the ballot box this year but added JCPS would be able to redraw its own maps after that.

The bill passed in the House on a 72-21 vote mostly along party lines, with three Republicans (Rep. Vanessa Grossl, R-Georgetown, Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill, and Rep. Kim Holloway, R-Mayfield) joining Democrats in opposition.

It quickly passed 25-7 in the Senate a few minutes later, with Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, and Sen. Robin Webb, R-Grayson, joining Democrats in voting no.

A copy of the bill was not immediately available.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Stephen West, R-Paris, originally aimed to create a principal leadership and mentorship program. But after changes in the House, new provisions were added that would affect the makeup of boards for large school districts, including Jefferson County Public Schools and Fayette County Public Schools.

SB 4 is one of many education bills introduced this session, several of which have specifically targeted JCPS. Senate Bill 1, also passed on April 1, gives more power to JCPS’s superintendent while requiring the board to focus on long-term strategies.

The bills come as JCPS navigates an ongoing financial crisis, with a $188 million shortfall expected in the next budget. Prior to the revisions, the SB 4 would have required two new members with “expertise in finance” to be appointed by the state treasurer, Republican Mark Metcalf. That provision was removed during deliberations between the House and Senate.

In an interview after the votes, board Vice-Chair James Craig told The Courier Journal a five-member board “has made sense to me for a number of reasons.” It’s in line with every other district in the state, he said, and it can be difficult to find qualified candidates who have the bandwidth in their lives to devote enough effort to do the job right.

“I think given the realities of what the legislature could have done, how other districts are governed and the challenges that we’ve faced, Senate Bill 4 reflects a compromise that should be workable,” Craig said. “… But I have significant concerns about Senate Bill 1 and the way it interacts with Senate Bill 4.”

Lawmakers have listened to concerns he and other education advocates have raised, he said, removing some of the “problematic provisions” that had been floated as ones that could be included in SB 1. But the bill takes power from the elected board, he noted, and gives it to an unelected superintendent — in Louisville’s case, he added, someone who is “new to the city of Louisville in the last year.” JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood testified against SB 1 earlier this session in Frankfort.

“In my opinion, voters in the city of Louisville do not want a super-empowered superintendent. They want a democratically elected Board of Education that is accountable to them,” Craig added.

Board members will have a discussion with their attorney about potentially challenging SB 1 in court, he said. A similar bill passed in 2022 was struck down late last year by the state Supreme Court after previously being upheld by the high court.

JCPS leaders and board members have raised concerns about the earlier iteration of SB 4 and the removal of two board positions. Three members of JCPS board — Craig, Chair Corrie Shull and Linda Duncan — are scheduled to be up for reelection in November.

Craig does not plan to run again this year, he added.

“Eight years of intense, uncompensated public service have been fulfilling,” he wrote in a text message. “It is time for me to return to the full time practice of law.”

This story will be updated.

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com. Reach reporter Keely Doll at kdoll@courierjournal.com or follow her on X at @keely_doll.

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Kentucky

Final gargoyle returned to its perch atop rehabbed Kentucky cathedral modeled after Notre Dame

Published

13 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Press Room

Final gargoyle returned to its perch atop rehabbed Kentucky cathedral modeled after Notre Dame

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) — The last stone gargoyle has been returned to its perch as part of a two-year restoration of a Kentucky cathedral with a facade modeled after Notre Dame in Paris.

The rehab project at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption was sorely needed to repair deteriorated stone, metal and glass that adorns the limestone exterior. The project included 32 recreated gargoyles along with repairs of deteriorated finials, arches and balustrades.

The 125-year-old church, in Covington just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, offers the experience of a European gothic cathedral in the Midwest, said the Very Rev. Ryan Maher, the cathedral’s rector. The cathedral has an “intimate connection to what is really the most popular and most well-known cathedral outside of Rome itself,” he said.

“I think it’s very special and very unique,” said Maher, who watched from the sidewalk as the last gargoyle was raised to top of the facade on Monday.

The renovation price tag was nearly $8 million, and most came from donations, Maher said.

Brian Walter, CEO of Trisco Systems, the contractor, said the final gargoyle going in was “a symbol of the accomplishment of all our facade work.”

“That’s a big, monumental occasion for not only people here, but for us. That kind of symbolized the last stone we’re putting in,” Walter said.

Restoration plans grew out of Maher’s discovery in 2018 of a large piece of stone that fell from the exterior.

“We realized at that time that we needed to investigate not only the source of that one piece of stone that had fallen, but to take a look at the overall facade of the cathedral,” Maher said.

Workers will continue with smaller tasks around the facade, including the installation of chimeras that sit on the roofline, but the heavy lifting has been completed, Walter said.

“This is kind of a once or twice in a lifetime project,” Walter said.

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Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear criticizes Gaza ‘genocide’ discourse | The Jerusalem Post

Published

1 day ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear criticizes Gaza ‘genocide’ discourse | The Jerusalem Post

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declined to label Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” in an interview with Politico published Sunday, instead critiquing the question as a litmus test among Democrats.

“That’s becoming one of those new litmus tests that we said we would never do as a party again,” Beshear told Politico’s Dasha Burns after being asked if he agreed with the label. “It’s trying to throw out a word and, ‘Are you going to raise your hand or are you not going to?’”

Beshear is the Democratic governor of a solidly red state and a potential 2028 presidential contender. His remarks come as Democratic candidates increasingly grapple with their stances on Israel amid record-low support for Israel among their base.

While several lawmakers, including Vermont’s Jewish Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, have called Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide,” the label has not gained mainstream support in the Democratic Party. Last October, former Vice President Kamala Harris declined to use the “genocide” label, which Israel had long rejected, but said, “We should all step back and ask this question and be honest about it.”

Some Democrats have embraced the question, with a New York congressional candidate telling the leftist streamer Hasan Piker this week that she is “100%” comfortable with the issue serving as a litmus test in her party.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visits ”The Sunday Briefing” with Peter Doocy at FOX News D.C. Bureau on February 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. (credit: PAUL MORIGI/GETTY IMAGES)

Others have acted as though the litmus test is already in place. In January, for example, California congressional candidate Scott Wiener announced that he believes Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute a genocide after drawing scrutiny for declining to answer the question during a debate.

Beshear critiques Trump, Netanyahu

While Beshear told Burns that Israel “has the right to exist as a democratic country, as a Jewish country,” he added that his feelings about President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct during the war in Gaza and ongoing war in Iran were “a different thing.”

“I believe the United States needs a strong Israel, but not one with decisions being made in the way that Netanyahu is making them,” Beshear said.

Beshear also critiqued President Donald Trump’s response to the crisis in Gaza.

“I believe that it could have been done without a lot of the suffering, but I put a lot of that blame also on Donald Trump,” he said. “If he’d said we are coming in and we are bringing food and aid and you are going to make sure that we’re safe, it would’ve happened.”

Last week, a spokesperson for Beshear told Politico that “AIPAC has never contributed to Governor Beshear and they’re never going to – ever,” a response that dovetailed with a host of other potential Democratic presidential candidates, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who are increasingly distancing themselves from the pro-Israel lobby.

“I think that’s up to each and every Democrat,” Beshear answered when asked whether he thought his fellow Democrats should take money from AIPAC.

“In the end, I think people need to be clear about their stance on these issues,” Beshear said. “And for me, it’s one where I believe that we need a future with an ally in Israel. But we need decision makers there that are not acting the way that Netanyahu is, and we need a president that will push when we are seeing humanitarian crises to actually do something about it.”

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