Allen County, Kentucky is located in the south-central part of the state and is bordered by Barren County to the north, Warren County to the east, Monroe and Cumberland Counties to the south, and Simpson County to the west. See Countryaah – Counties in Kentucky. The county seat is Scottsville, which is also its largest city.
The county was formed in 1815 from portions of Warren and Barren Counties and was named for Colonel John Allen, a distinguished Kentucky statesman and soldier who fought in the War of 1812.
Allen County has a total area of 590 square miles, with approximately 90% of this being land while 10% is water. The terrain consists mostly of rolling hills with some flatlands along its rivers. The southern portion of the county is part of Mammoth Cave National Park.
The county’s major rivers are Barren River and Green River which form its borders with Barren County to the north and Warren County to the east respectively. Other waterways include Drakes Creek which flows through Scottsville; Nolin River which forms its border with Monroe County; Little Barren River which forms its border with Cumberland County; and Crocus Creek which flows through Adolphus.
Overall, Allen County offers a variety of landscapes ranging from rolling hills to flatlands along its rivers making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, etc.
Demographics of Allen County, Kentucky
Allen County, Kentucky is home to a population of 19,945 people according to the 2019 U.S. Census estimate. The median age of the population is 40.4 years with 51.2% of the population being female and 48.8% being male.
The racial composition of Allen County is as follows: 83% White, 14% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American and Alaska Native, 1% Asian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and 0.9% some other race with 3.7% being two or more races combined. Additionally, 6.5% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino regardless of their race while 1 in 5 residents are foreign-born citizens from a variety of countries around the world such as Mexico (37%), India (15%), China (10%) and El Salvador (6%).
The county has an average household size of 2 people with a median household income of $41,224 which is slightly lower than the national median household income at $61,937 for 2019 according to U.S Census estimates.
Overall, Allen County is a diverse community that offers a variety of cultural experiences for its residents such as festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate its different cultures and backgrounds including its Hispanic/Latino heritage which makes up nearly 7% of its total population according to U.S Census estimates from 2019.
Places of Interest in Allen County, Kentucky
Allen County, Kentucky is a great destination for those looking to explore the beauty of nature and the culture of the area. With rolling hills and flatlands along the rivers, it is an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking etc. Additionally, there are plenty of places of interest in Allen County for those looking for a more cultural experience.
One such place is the Old Allen County Courthouse which was built in 1872 and is now a museum that showcases artifacts from Allen County’s past. The courthouse also houses a number of historical documents related to the county’s history including records from local businesses and organizations.
The Historic L&N Depot in Scottsville is another popular attraction in Allen County. Originally built in 1889, it served as a passenger station until its closure in 1970. Today it houses a collection of artifacts related to railroad history as well as other exhibits such as local art and photography.
The town of Scottsville also offers plenty of entertainment with its many restaurants and shops located on Main Street which makes it an ideal spot for visitors looking to explore the area’s culture.
For those looking to get away from it all, Tompkinsville Lake State Park offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation with its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views. There are also several trails at the park that provide visitors with great spots for hiking or biking.
Overall, Allen County has something to offer everyone who visits whether they are looking to explore nature or culture or simply relax and enjoy some peace and quiet away from their everyday lives.
Notable People of Allen County, Kentucky
Allen County has a long history of notable people who have made significant contributions to the area and beyond. Among them is Dr. J.B. Grant, a renowned surgeon who worked in Allen County for over forty years and was considered to be one of the best surgeons in the region during his time. He was also involved in numerous charitable organizations and served as president of the local medical society for many years.
Another notable figure from Allen County is John Cottrell, Jr., who served as a Union Army Officer during the Civil War and later became a successful lawyer and judge in the county. He was known for his strong belief in justice and his dedication to helping those in need, especially veterans of war.
The county is also home to several prominent politicians including Ulysses S. Grant III, grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, who served as a representative from Kentucky’s Third Congressional District from 1949-1951; and William Jobe, who represented Allen County’s First Congressional District from 1971-1983 before becoming Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor from 1983-1987.
The county is also home to several prominent actors including Emmy Award winner Patricia Heaton who grew up in Allen County; Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell who graduated from Scottsville High School; and Tony Award winner Barbara Cook who made her Broadway debut while living in Scottsville.
Allen County has produced many great athletes over the years including basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson; NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham; MLB pitcher Johnny Cueto; NBA player Aaron Harrison; and WNBA player Skylar Diggins-Smith among many others. Finally, it is also home to several famous musicians including country music star Kenny Chesney and bluegrass legend Bill Monroe whose roots trace back to this area of Kentucky.