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Estill County, Kentucky facts for kids

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Estill County
U.S. county
Estill County courthouse in Irvine
Estill County courthouse in Irvine
Map of Kentucky highlighting Estill County
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Map of the United States highlighting Kentucky
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Kentucky
Founded 1808
Named for James Estill
Seat Irvine
Largest city Irvine
Area
 • Total 256 sq mi (660 km2)
 • Land 253 sq mi (660 km2)
 • Water 2.5 sq mi (6 km2)  1.0%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 14,163
 • Estimate 
(2023)
 13,936 Decrease
 • Density 55.32/sq mi (21.36/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 6th
Morel Mushroom commonly found in Estill County in the spring
Morel Mushrooms are commonly found in Estill County in the spring. The Mountain Mushroom Festival in Irvine celebrates them.

Estill County is a county located in the state of Kentucky, USA. In 2020, about 14,163 people lived there. Its main town, or county seat, is Irvine.

The county was created in 1808. It was named after Captain James Estill. He was a Kentucky soldier who died in a battle during the American Revolutionary War. In Estill County, the city of Irvine allows the sale of alcohol. However, other parts of the county outside Irvine do not.

Estill County has two towns often called "twin cities." These are Irvine and Ravenna. Both towns are located along the Kentucky River. Ravenna is home to a former train facility. This facility is now used to restore old trains. Ravenna also hosts the annual Ravenna Railroad Festival. Irvine holds the yearly Mountain Mushroom Festival. This festival celebrates the many Morel Mushrooms found in the area.

History of Estill County

Estill County became Kentucky's 50th county in 1808. Land from Clark and Madison counties was used to form it. Early European settlers came to this area. They often traveled through Boonesborough.

Estill County was one of the first places in the United States to have early factories. Iron mining and smelting began here in 1810. The iron industry grew strong in Estill County for many years. You can still see the old ruins of iron furnaces today. These include the Estill furnace, the Cottage furnace, and the Fitchburg Furnace. The Fitchburg furnace was very impressive. It stood 81 feet tall. It was the largest charcoal furnace in the world.

The iron industry started to decline after the American Civil War. This happened because the iron and wood needed for the furnaces ran out. Also, new technologies made charcoal furnaces old-fashioned. During the Civil War, Estill County strongly supported the Union.

The county was also known for the Estill Springs summer resort. This resort was near mineral springs in Irvine. It was a popular vacation spot in the 1800s. Famous Kentuckians like Henry Clay visited there. The current courthouse was built in 1941. It replaced an older building from the 1860s.

Geography of Estill County

Estill County covers about 256 square miles. Most of this is land (253 square miles). About 2.5 square miles is water. Estill County is where two Kentucky regions meet. These are the Bluegrass and the Cumberland Plateau. Because of this, people say it's where the "Bluegrass kisses the Mountains."

Fitchburg Furnace
The Fitchburg Furnace is in Estill County. It shows the history of the iron industry. It is the largest charcoal furnace in the world.
Knobs in Estill County
The Knobs are seen from the Lilly Mountain Nature Preserve. This is in southwestern Estill County.

Estill County has two important rivers. The Red River forms the northern border. It is famous for its gorge in nearby Powell County. The Kentucky River flows through the middle of the county. Many of Estill County's towns, like Irvine and Ravenna, are built along the Kentucky River.

The county's landscape is very interesting. This is because of the Kentucky River's deep valley. Also, Estill County is on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. The Pottsville Escarpment is a big feature here. It marks the line between the Bluegrass and the mountains. The land changes a lot in height. The highest point is Zion Mountain, at 1,511 feet. The lowest point is where the Kentucky River and Red River meet, at 566 feet.

Rivers and Streams

  • Drowning Creek

Neighboring Counties

Protected Natural Areas

People of Estill County

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1810 2,082 —
1820 3,507 68.4%
1830 4,618 31.7%
1840 5,535 19.9%
1850 5,985 8.1%
1860 6,886 15.1%
1870 9,198 33.6%
1880 9,860 7.2%
1890 10,836 9.9%
1900 11,669 7.7%
1910 12,273 5.2%
1920 15,569 26.9%
1930 17,079 9.7%
1940 17,978 5.3%
1950 14,677 −18.4%
1960 12,466 −15.1%
1970 12,752 2.3%
1980 14,495 13.7%
1990 14,614 0.8%
2000 15,307 4.7%
2010 14,672 −4.1%
2020 14,163 −3.5%
2023 (est.) 13,936 −5.0%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010-2020

In 2000, there were 15,307 people living in Estill County. The population density was about 60 people per square mile. Most of the people were White (99.07%).

The median age in the county was 37 years old. About 24.20% of the people were under 18. About 13.50% were 65 or older.

Towns and Communities

Cities

Other Communities

  • Barnes Mountain
  • Cobhill
  • Cressy
  • Crystal
  • Drip Rock
  • Fox
  • Furnace
  • Hargett
  • Leighton
  • Palmer
  • Patsey
  • Pryse
  • Red Lick
  • South Irvine
  • Spout Springs
  • Tipton Ridge
  • Wisemantown
  • Winston

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Estill para niños

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