We can all agree: The small towns in Kentucky are the heartbeat of our state. There is something special about these communities that keeps residents loving and living life within its borders. Some have been recognized in previous articles, but there are plenty more that deserve mention. After all, some of the coolest small towns in Kentucky are gems even many locals don’t know about. Looking for more small-town splendor to explore? Here are 13 special small towns in Kentucky with populations between 1,000 and 2,800:

1. Stearns
Stearns, KY, USA
Anthony/Flickr
Stearns is home to the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, the Blue Heron Interpretive Center, McCreary Country Museum, Barthell Coal Camp, and some of the Daniel Boone National Forest. It has a population of 1,416 with lots of scenic beauty and friendly people. All this loveliness is jam-packed into its four square miles of landscape.

Get an aerial view of this lovely town:

2. Pineville
Pineville, KY 40977, USA
w. marsh/Flickr
In 1781, Pineville was known as Cumberland Ford, and it is one of the oldest established towns in Kentucky. The name officially became Pineville in 1870. It has a population of 1,845, which is kept safe by a chain that is said to "hold the mountain back." Decades ago, a huge boulder that hung over the town was deemed a threat. A chain was attached to prevent the boulder from crushing the town, just in case it ever broke free. You can still visit this unusual landmark at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, which can be found at 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977.
3. Lewisport
Lewisport, KY 42351, USA
Google Maps
Today this community has a population of 1,189, but back in the 1830s, it was known as Little Yellow Banks, as Owensboro was initially called Yellow Banks. The first settler tried to name the town Prentisport, after himself, James Prentis. Next, he chose to name the town after Dr. John Lewis, which was approved and came to pass in 1839. Lewisport remains quaint and lovely, and there's plenty to do in the surrounding area.
4. Jamestown
Jamestown, KY, USA
USACE/Flickr
Established in 1826, Jamestown was initially known as Jacksonville, after General Andrew Jackson. The name was changed due to an anti-Jacksonian party conspiracy and became Jamestown. Today it is a peaceful, yet thriving small town with a population of 1,792. With fairly mild winters, this area in Russell County is a pretty cozy place to call home.
5. Irvington
Irvington, KY 40146, USA
Jan Davies Ruthig/Flickr
The land tracts used for Irvington were purchased in 1887, and the L&N railroad was built and running through by 1888. Today this historic railroad town in Breckinridge County has a population of 1,190. Its name actually derives from its railroad roots... the chief engineer of the railroad called Irvington, NY his home.

Get a bird’s eye view of charming Irvington:

6. Harlan
Harlan, KY, USA
w. marsh/Flickr
This community is a long-standing part of the coal country in Kentucky. It has a population of 1,693, and many here are or were miners, or can claim a miner lineage. It was known as Bloody Harlan due to an incident in May 1931, when the battle between union and non-union miners boiled over. The miners went on strike and the authorities moved in. Four were killed. Afterward, some unconventional tactics were taken to break the strike. Today, the town serves as the seat of Harlan County.

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7. Guthrie
Guthrie, KY 42234, USA
Lorilee Rager/Flickr
The small town of Guthrie has a population of 1,435 and has been a city since the 1800s. In the 1840s, Guthrie was home to the Pondy Woods stagecoach stop, and was possibly referred to as "State Line". This was due to its close proximity to the TN state line. The name was changed to Guthrie after James Guthrie, President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1867. The town was incorporated in 1876. This tiny town is the home of famous creatives like Robert Penn Warren and Ed Holland.
8. Falmouth
Falmouth, KY, USA
w. marsh/Flickr
The community of Falmouth was settled around 1780, and was possibly called Forks of Licking, due to where the rivers met. The name was later changed to Falmouth, by John Waller, after his former home in Falmouth, Virginia. The town currently has a population of 2,154. As charming as the town is, it is unfortunately remembered for natural disasters like tornadoes and floods.
9. Edmonton
Edmonton, KY 42129, USA
Google Maps
This is a peaceful community with a population of 1,575. Edmonton is the Metcalfe County seat in the southern part of the state. The people are friendly and it makes for a quiet little getaway. At nearly four square miles in size, it's easy to see why this pretty landscape charmed early surveyors circa 1800.

Get a closer look at beautiful Edmonton:

10. Cloverport
Cloverport, KY 40111, USA
Reiko S./TripAdvisor
This small town with a population of 1,157 was once deemed Joe’s Landing, as it was founded by a gent named Joe Huston in 1798. It was renamed in 1828 and a ferry was opened along a portion of Clover Creek and the Ohio River. It was the site of an L&N railroad shop and passenger service until 1958.
11. Cadiz
Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
Miraculix_Austria/TripAdvisor
With a population of 2,609, Cadiz is a little larger than some towns on this list, but it has earned its place. Highway 68 leads you through this town of stone walls, rows of trees, and tobacco barns with brightly colored quilt patterns painted on the front and sides. It is part of Kentucky’s history and offers visitors both natural beauty and the beauty of live Bluegrass Music and the Lakeland Jamboree or Jim’s Music Store. It is also known to serve up some fine country ham.
12. Buffalo
Buffalo, KY 42716, USA
Shannon McGee/Flickr
With a population of 2,298, Buffalo is a quiet place to consider home in Kentucky. The rolling hills and thick forests have farms and a small-town community feel. This is not the place for you if you like the big city, but for a little serenity, it is perfect.
13. Augusta
Augusta, KY 41002, USA
cdshock/Flickr
With a population of 1,189, this is one of the small-town treasures in Kentucky. It was founded in the 1790s by Captain Phillip Buckner via a Revolutionary War land grant. He named the town after his home, Augusta in Virginia. It is home to one of the longest-running ferry services along the Ohio River, which was founded in the 1790s as well. Today, Augusta is considered to be one of the most picturesque spots in Kentucky.

If you grew up in one of the coolest small towns in Kentucky, you know just how special life can be. The history of these communities runs deep, as does the comradely. What small towns do you think deserve recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Longing for more adventure in The Bluegrass State? Fortunately, there are enough small towns to make an entire road trip.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Kentucky

Nikki Rhoades | September 27, 2020

What are the most unique towns in Kentucky?

The most unique small towns in Kentucky include:

  • Paducah
  • Maysville

The Bluegrass State is full of interesting places worth visiting. Paducah, Kentucky is a lovely and charming place. It features things like the National Quilt Museum and summertime concerts. Maysville is also a cute little stop that belongs on any KY bucket list. This pretty place is overflowing with old-school charm, which is appropriate given its fairy impressive timeline.

What are the oldest communities in Kentucky?

The oldest communities in Kentucky include:

  • Harrodsburg

Kentucky was the fifteenth state to be admitted to the Union, earning that honor in 1792. Many of its oldest settlements date back to circa that era. Harrodsburg, its oldest town, actually dates back to 1774!

What is the most scenic town in Kentucky?

The most scenic town in Kentucky is something you'll have to ask the locals about.

Careful! This is a trick question. Kentucky is full of charm and beauty, and its communities are all splendid in wonderfully different ways. Some towns are modern, others are quaint, and some are historic... but they likely share similar splendor. Ask locals for suggestions if you're serious about exploring Kentucky towns. It's worth seeing our state through the eyes of a Kentucky native!

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