Jessamine County, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessamine County
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Jessamine County courthouse in Nicholasville
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Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
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 Kentucky's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Kentucky |
| Founded | December 19, 1798 |
| Named for | Jessamine Creek/Jessamine Douglass |
| Seat | Nicholasville |
| Largest city | Nicholasville |
| Area | |
| • Total | 175 sq mi (450 km2) |
| • Land | 172 sq mi (450 km2) |
| • Water | 2.4 sq mi (6 km2) 1.4%% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 52,991 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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55,017  |
| • Density | 302.8/sq mi (116.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
Jessamine County is a county located in the state of Kentucky. In 2020, about 52,991 people lived here. The main town and county seat is Nicholasville. Jessamine County was started in December 1798. It is part of the larger Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Area. This area is famous for its "Inner Blue Grass" region. It has long been a place for farming and raising special animals. This includes beautiful thoroughbred horses.
Contents
History of Jessamine County
Jessamine County was created in 1798. The land for the county came from Fayette County. It was the 36th county formed in Kentucky. The county got its name from Jessamine Douglass. She was the daughter of an early settler in the area. Most of the first settlers came from Virginia. They traveled through the mountains after the American Revolutionary War.
Early Wine Making in Jessamine County
In the late 1700s, Kentucky's government passed a special law. This law helped start a commercial vineyard and winery. It was located near Nicholasville. This was one of the first places in the United States to make wine for sale. Winemaking using European grapes became popular across the country. Later, during a time called the Prohibition era (1920-1933), alcohol sales were stopped. After this period, Jessamine County voted to keep alcohol sales banned. However, the city of Nicholasville was allowed to sell alcohol. So, the county is mostly "dry," but Nicholasville is "wet." Today, places like Chrisman Mill Vineyards can still make and sell their products in the county.
Geography of Jessamine County
Jessamine County covers about 175 square miles. Most of this area, about 172 square miles, is land. Only a small part, about 2.4 square miles, is water. In 2000, a large part of the county, about 129 square miles, was used for farming.
The Kentucky River Border
The entire southern edge of Jessamine County is along the Kentucky River. The river's bank here is about 42 miles long. This is because the river has many curves and bends. The river also has amazing cliffs called the Kentucky River Palisades. These tall cliffs are a major feature along the county's border.
Counties Near Jessamine County
Jessamine County shares its borders with several other counties:
- Fayette County (to the northeast)
- Madison County (to the southeast)
- Garrard County (to the south)
- Mercer County (to the southwest)
- Woodford County (to the northwest)
Communities in Jessamine County
Jessamine County has several towns and communities.
Cities in Jessamine County
- Nicholasville (This is the county seat, meaning it's the main administrative town.)
- Wilmore
Other Places in Jessamine County
- High Bridge (a census-designated place)
- Brannon Woods (an unincorporated community)
- Keene (an unincorporated community)
Education in Jessamine County
The [Jessamine County Schools] system provides public education for students.
Elementary Schools
- [Brookside Elementary]
- [Jessamine Early Learning Village]
- [Nicholasville Elementary]
- [Red Oak Elementary]
- [Rosenwald-Dunbar Elementary]
- [Warner Elementary]
- [Wilmore Elementary]
Middle Schools
- [East Jessamine Middle]
- [West Jessamine Middle]
Middle/High School
- [The Providence School]
High Schools
- [East Jessamine High]
- [West Jessamine High]
- [Jessamine Career and Technology Center (JCTC)]
Adult Education
- [Jessamine County Adult Education]
Colleges and Universities
- Asbury University
- Asbury Theological Seminary
Images for kids
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Jessamine County courthouse in Nicholasville
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Jessamine para niños
