Paris, Kentucky
Population: 9,183
Located in Bourbon County
Paris, seat of Bourbon County, was first settled in 1776. After first being known as Hopewell, the town’s name was soon changed to Paris in appreciation for French aid during the Revolutionary War. Established in 1785, the county was likewise named Bourbon, after the French ruling house. Early settlers “tamed” the land by eliminating competing Native Americans and buffalo. Today, there is little trace of either but for the roads built on their long-forgotten tracks. It is likely that Main Street, Paris, was once a buffalo trace. One of the early buildings of the settlement still stands today. Duncan Tavern, an imposing three-story structure built in 1788, reputedly hosted such guests as Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton, and Samuel Adams. Duncan Tavern is now the state headquarters for the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the home of one of the finest genealogical libraries in the state. John Fox, Jr., for whom the library is named, is buried in the Paris Cemetery and carries the distinction of being the first American author to sell more than a million copies of his book. A log courthouse, built around the same time as Duncan Tavern, was one of three Bourbon County courthouses destroyed by fire. Today’s courthouse, the fourth to stand on that site, was completed in 1905. The majestic stone courthouse is said to be one of the most beautiful in the state. The interior of the magnificent dome features murals that depict the four seasons of farming in Bourbon County as they were a hundred years ago. Another intriguing historical site is the Cane Ridge Meeting House, built in 1791. It was the site of the largest camp meeting revival on the frontier, in 1801, with well over 25,000 in attendance. The Hopewell Museum on Pleasant Street was originally constructed in 1909 as a post office. It offers visitors an overview of the county’s heritage, as well as changing exhibits of art and artifacts. The Colville Covered Bridge, built in 1877, is another must-see. The last covered bridge in the county, it is located north of Paris on the Colville Road. From Paris, go northeast on Highway 68, left onto 1940 (to Ruddles Mill), right onto 1893, and left onto Colville Road. Downtown Paris looks much the same as it did over 100 years ago, with many intact Victorian storefronts. Recent improvements such as brick-lined sidewalks, antique-looking light poles, and façade updates have enhanced the timeless charm of downtown Paris.
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