Athens, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Athens, Kentucky
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 Athens, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| Counties | Fayette |
| Elevation | 863 ft (263 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2742270 |
Athens (locally /ˈeɪθənz/ AY-thənz) is a small village in Fayette County, Kentucky, in the United States. It's located east of Interstate 75.
This community was first settled in 1786 and called Cross Plains. In 1826, it officially became Athens. It even had its own post office until 1906. Fires in the mid-1800s changed the town's main business area.
Contents
Exploring Athens, Kentucky
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Athens Historic District
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| Location | SE Fayette County, Kentucky |
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| Architectural style | Italianate, Greek Revival, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000971 |
| Added to NRHP | 1979 |
Athens is a historic place in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region. It's known for its old buildings. Many of these buildings are part of the Athens Historic District.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area with buildings that are important to history. The Athens Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means its buildings are officially recognized for their historical value.
The district features different styles of architecture. You can see buildings with Italianate, Greek Revival, and Late Victorian designs. These styles show how buildings looked in the 1800s.
Athens' Early Days
In 1775, a fort was built by Daniel Boone near where Athens is today. The community started as Cross Plains in 1783. It was renamed Athens in 1825 by the Kentucky General Assembly.
In the early 1800s, Athens was a busy place. It had factories that made wool, bags, and rope. It was a thriving center for manufacturing.
Fires and Changes
By 1860, many of Athens' factories were gone. They had been destroyed by fires. A local historian, Robert Peter, wrote about these events. He explained that several big fires hit the town.
For example, in 1853-1854, a large fire swept through Main Street. It destroyed a hotel, stores, a shoemaker's shop, and homes. These fires changed the town's main business area. They show how large Athens was before these events.
Historic Buildings Still Standing
Even after the fires, several old buildings remain in Athens. They tell the story of the town's past.
The Dr. Parker House
The Dr. Parker House is a two-story building. It was built between 1780 and 1820. It's made of log and wood. Next to it is another log building, possibly the oldest in Athens, built in the 1780s. It's now covered with wood siding.
Other Notable Buildings
The Marshall Tavern is a brick building from around 1840. It used to be an inn for travelers. The Aubrey Inn, built around 1800, stands at the corner of Main and Cleveland Road. Across from the tavern is a building that was once Flannery's store.
Today, most of these historic buildings are homes. Only a few still serve as businesses. They stand as reminders of Athens' rich history.
