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Muhlenberg County, Kentucky facts for kids

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Muhlenberg County
U.S. county
Muhlenberg County Courthouse in Greenville
Muhlenberg County Courthouse in Greenville
Map of Kentucky highlighting Muhlenberg 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 1798
Named for Peter Muhlenberg
Seat Greenville
Largest city Central City
Area
 • Total 479 sq mi (1,240 km2)
 • Land 467 sq mi (1,210 km2)
 • Water 12 sq mi (30 km2)  2.6%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 30,928
 • Estimate 
(2023)
 30,568 Decrease
 • Density 64.57/sq mi (24.930/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 2nd

Muhlenberg County is a county located in the state of Kentucky, USA. In 2020, about 30,928 people lived here. The main town, called the county seat, is Greenville. The biggest city in the county is Central City.

History of Muhlenberg County

Muhlenberg County was created in 1798. It was formed from parts of Logan and Christian counties. Muhlenberg was the 34th county to be founded in Kentucky. It was named after General Peter Muhlenberg. He was an important general during the American Revolutionary War.

Geography and Natural Features

According to the United States Census Bureau, Muhlenberg County covers about 479 square miles. Most of this area (467 square miles) is land. The remaining 12 square miles (2.6%) is water.

Key Natural Features

Lake Malone (SUNP0134)
Lake Malone is a beautiful spot in Muhlenberg County.

The two main water features in Muhlenberg County are the Green River and Lake Malone. The northern part of the county has gently rolling hills and flatlands near the river. It also has some large bald cypress swamps. The southern part has more hills and deep valleys. This area is known for its many sandstone rock formations.

Several faults (cracks in the Earth's crust) run through the middle of the county. Coal is found in these areas. In the past, machines like the "Big Brother" Power Shovel were common. Muhlenberg County was once a top coal producer in the US. The song "Paradise" by John Prine talks about the impact of strip mining here.

Bighog1wiki
The "Big Brother" Power Shovel was one of the largest in the world. It worked in Muhlenberg County.

Sandstone is the most common rock in the county. However, limestone is more common in the southern areas. There were attempts to mine iron ore in the late 1800s. These mines, at Airdrie and Buckner Furnace, were not successful.

The Green River

The Green River is about 300 miles long. It flows into the Ohio River. This river helps transport goods, especially coal, from the county. It connects the county to major trade centers along the Mississippi River.

Lake Malone

Lake Malone covers about 788 acres. It is located in southern Muhlenberg County near Dunmor. The lake and its nearby forest are part of Lake Malone State Park. This park is managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The lake also extends into Todd and Logan counties. Along the lake shore, you can find sandstone cliffs and natural rock formations, including a natural bridge.

Neighboring Counties

Population Information

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1800 1,293 —
1810 4,181 223.4%
1820 4,979 19.1%
1830 5,340 7.3%
1840 6,964 30.4%
1850 9,809 40.9%
1860 10,725 9.3%
1870 12,638 17.8%
1880 15,098 19.5%
1890 17,955 18.9%
1900 20,741 15.5%
1910 28,598 37.9%
1920 33,353 16.6%
1930 37,784 13.3%
1940 37,554 −0.6%
1950 32,501 −13.5%
1960 27,791 −14.5%
1970 27,537 −0.9%
1980 32,238 17.1%
1990 31,318 −2.9%
2000 31,839 1.7%
2010 31,499 −1.1%
2020 30,928 −1.8%
2023 (est.) 30,568 −3.0%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010-2020

In 2010, there were 31,499 people living in Muhlenberg County. The population density was about 67 people per square mile. Most of the people (94.19%) were White. About 4.65% were Black or African American. A small percentage belonged to other racial groups. About 0.73% of the population was Hispanic or Latino. The average household income was $28,566. About 19.70% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Economy and Jobs

AParadise1Wiki
The Paradise Combined Cycle Plant is a major employer in the county.

Muhlenberg County has been a very important coal-producing area for many years. In the 1970s, it produced more coal than almost anywhere else in the US. Even though coal mining slowed down later, it has grown again in the 21st century. This has created many jobs in the region. One reason is new technology that cleans the air when coal is burned.

Kentucky's first commercial coal mine opened in Muhlenberg County in 1820. It was called the "McLean Drift Bank" in the old village of Paradise. The song "Paradise" talks about this mine.

Other major employers in Muhlenberg County include:

  • The Tennessee Valley Authority Paradise Combined Cycle Plant in Drakesboro
  • The Green River Correctional Complex in Central City
  • Dyno Nobel in Graham
  • EBA&D in Graham
  • Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville
  • Muhlenberg County Board of Education in Powderly
  • Kentucky National Guard Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center & Kentucky UTES
  • Armstrong Coal Company in Central City
  • Ken-American Resources: Paradise Underground Mine in Central City
  • Kentucky Utilities Green River Generating Station in Central City
  • Wal-Mart in Central City
  • Uncle Lee's / Wing Supply in Greenville, Kentucky
  • Gourmet Express in Greenville

Local Business Groups

In 2006, the Chambers of Commerce from Central City and Greenville joined together. They formed the Greater Muhlenberg Chamber of Commerce. This group represents over 155 local businesses.

Education in Muhlenberg County

Public schools in Muhlenberg County are managed by the Muhlenberg County Board of Education.

Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)

  • Bremen Elementary School in Bremen
  • Central City Elementary School in Central City
  • Greenville Elementary School in Greenville (Kentucky)
  • Longest Elementary School in Powderly
  • Muhlenberg South Elementary School in Beechmont

Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)

  • Muhlenberg North Middle School in Powderly
  • Muhlenberg South Middle School in Greenville

High School (Grades 9-12)

  • Muhlenberg County High School in Greenville.

Higher Education

  • Muhlenberg Campus of Madisonville Community College (Central City)
  • Muhlenberg Career Development Center (between Central City & Greenville)

Libraries for Everyone

  • Harbin Memorial Library in Greenville offers free high-speed internet.
  • Central City Library in Central City also offers free high-speed internet.

These libraries are part of the Muhlenberg County Public Libraries system. Thistle Cottage Genealogy and History Annex in Greenville is also part of this system. It works as a museum and a place to find historical records.

Changes in Schools Over Time

Years ago, the county had eight high schools. In 1990, the school board combined middle and high school students into two middle schools and two high schools. Later, in 2004, they started combining elementary schools. Finally, in June 2009, Muhlenberg North and Muhlenberg South High Schools merged. They became one school: Muhlenberg County High School.

Media and News

Muhlenberg County is mainly served by TV stations from Evansville, Indiana. However, some TV stations from Bowling Green and Nashville are also available on local cable.

Radio Stations

  • WMTA AM 1380 (1955) Central City
    • W297CC FM 107.3 Central City
  • WNES AM 1050 (1955) Central City
  • WKYA FM 105.5 Greenville
  • WEKV FM 101.9 (K-Love) studio in Central City
  • WRFM FM 103.9 Drakesboro (relays WNSR from Brentwood/Nashville)

Newspapers and Online News

  • Times Argus (1909) Central City
  • Leader-News (started in Greenville, now in Central City)

Fun Places to Visit

  • Lake Malone State Park in Dunmor
  • Muhlenberg County Rail to Trails: A 6-mile path made from old railroad tracks between Central City and Greenville.
  • Brewco Motorsports shop in Central City
  • Thistle Cottage: A museum and art gallery in Greenville.
  • Four Legends Fountain in Drakesboro
  • Muhlenberg County Agriculture and Convention Center in Powderly
  • Morgan Memorial Park in Greenville
  • The Muhlenberg County Park: A sports facility next to Muhlenberg County High School in Greenville.
  • The Brizendine Brothers Nature Park in Greenville
  • Luzerne Lake City Park in Greenville
  • Paradise Park in Powderly, which includes:
    • Coal Mines Shotgun House
    • Merle Travis Birthplace
    • Paradise Park Museum
    • Springridge School
  • Tennessee Valley Authority Paradise Fossil Plant in Drakesboro: One of the nation's largest power plants. It has:
    • A public boat launch ramp along the Green River
    • Public fishing lakes
    • The Historic Village of Paradise Cemetery, the only part left of the old village.
  • Central City Convention Center, Fitness Facility and Outdoor Pool & Spray Park in Central City
  • Muhlenberg County Courthouse (built 1907) in Greenville
  • Muhlenberg County Veterans Mall and Plaza in Greenville
  • Lt. Ephraim Brank Memorial & Trail, at Greenville's Veteran's Mall
  • The Pillars of Community in downtown Greenville: These art pillars show themes like FAITH, FAMILY, ENTERPRISE, PATRIOTISM, EDUCATION, ARTS, HEALTH, and TEAMWORK.
  • Historic Gristmill Stone: Next to the Veterans Mall at the Muhlenberg County Courthouse.
  • The Summerhouse: A gazebo in Greenville.

Sports & Recreation

Martial Arts Schools

  • Muhlenberg Taekwon-Do Martial Arts: This school is in Central City and is connected to national and international groups. It teaches Taekwon-Do.
  • Muhlenberg Budo Club Authentic Japanese Martial Arts of Western Kentucky: Located in Beech Creek, KY.
  • Muhlenberg Co. Tae Kwon Do Studio: Started in 1973, this school teaches the Chung Do Kwan style of Tae Kwon Do to students of all ages.

Communities in Muhlenberg County

Cities

Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

Unincorporated Communities

Ghost Towns (No Longer Exist)

Famous People from Muhlenberg County

  • James Best (who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in The Dukes of Hazzard), born in Powderly.
  • Don Everly of The Everly Brothers singing group, born in Brownie (which no longer exists).
  • Kennedy Jones, a guitarist.
  • Warren Oates, an actor, born in Depoy near Greenville.
  • Merle Travis, a western musician, born in Rosewood.
  • Roger Newman, a University of Kentucky men's basketball player, born in Greenville.
  • Benjamin Tod (Lost Dog Street Band), a singer and songwriter.
  • John Prine wrote the song Paradise about growing up in the now-gone mining town of Paradise.
  • Chasteen C. Stumm (1848–1895), an African-American minister, teacher, and journalist, born in Airdrie, Kentucky.
  • Bernard Hickman, a basketball player and coach.
  • Miles Heizer, an actor.
  • Ray Harper, a basketball coach.
  • Bill Gatton, an entrepreneur and giver to charity.
  • Brent Yonts, an attorney and state lawmaker.

See also

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