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Dry Ridge, Kentucky
City
Location of Dry Ridge in Grant County, Kentucky.
Location of Dry Ridge in Grant County, Kentucky.
Country United States
State Kentucky
County Grant
Area
 • Total 5.08 sq mi (13.16 km2)
 • Land 5.05 sq mi (13.07 km2)
 • Water 0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2)
Elevation
961 ft (293 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,102
 • Estimate 
(2022)
2,138
 • Density 416.49/sq mi (160.81/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
41035
Area code(s) 859
FIPS code 21-22582
GNIS feature ID 2403510

Dry Ridge is a small city in Grant County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is a "home rule-class city," which means it has the power to manage its own local affairs. In 2020, about 2,102 people lived there.

For many years, from around 1910 to 1960, Dry Ridge was famous for its special mineral water wells. People believed this water had healing powers, and it was a big part of the city's economy.

Where is Dry Ridge Located?

Dry Ridge is in the northern part of Grant County. It is just north of Williamstown, which is the main city of the county.

A major highway, Interstate 75, goes right through Dry Ridge. This highway makes it easy to travel to bigger cities. You can drive north about 35 miles (56 km) to Cincinnati, or south about 49 miles (79 km) to Lexington. U.S. Route 25 also runs through the middle of Dry Ridge.

The city covers an area of about 5.08 square miles (13.16 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.

What is the History of Dry Ridge?

The area where Dry Ridge is today was first settled around 1792. It was known as "Campbell's Station." There was a spring nearby that people thought had special healing water.

A post office opened in Dry Ridge in 1815. The city got its name from a ridge where travelers would stop for water before continuing their journeys. This ridge was surrounded by inns.

Becoming a City and the Mineral Water Boom

Dry Ridge officially became a city in 1909. This was the last city in Grant County to be incorporated. In the same year, a company looking for creamery resources found mineral water. People quickly believed this water had medicinal qualities.

During the early 1900s, Dry Ridge became famous for its "Kentucky Carlsbad Mineral Water." A company bottled this water, and the Carlsbad Hotel was built in 1911. People from all over the eastern United States came to Dry Ridge to drink this special water. Even though it was called a "spring," the water actually came from a well. Sadly, the Carlsbad Hotel was destroyed by a fire in 1927.

In 1937, Dry Ridge got a modern water distribution system. This system brought water from Williamstown's lake to the city.

How Has Dry Ridge's Population Grown?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1910 143
1920 129 −9.8%
1930 97 −24.8%
1940 257 164.9%
1950 640 149.0%
1960 802 25.3%
1970 1,100 37.2%
1980 1,250 13.6%
1990 1,601 28.1%
2000 1,995 24.6%
2010 2,191 9.8%
2020 2,102 −4.1%
2022 (est.) 2,138 −2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

Dry Ridge has grown quite a bit over the years. In 1910, only 143 people lived there. By 2000, the population had grown to 1,995 people. In 2020, there were 2,102 residents.

The city has a mix of families and individuals. Many households have children under 18 living with them. The average age of people in Dry Ridge is around 31 years old.

What About Education in Dry Ridge?

Students in Dry Ridge attend schools within the Grant County school system. Both Grant County Middle School and Grant County High School are located right in Dry Ridge.

Who are Some Famous People from Dry Ridge?

Dry Ridge has been home to some notable people:

  • Lulu Vere Childers: An important African-American music educator.
  • Skeeter Davis: A famous country-pop singer, whose real name was Mary Frances Penick. She lived from 1931 to 2004.

What is the Climate Like in Dry Ridge?

Dry Ridge has a climate known as a humid subtropical climate. This means the summers are usually hot and humid. The winters are generally mild to cool, not too cold.

See also

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