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Nelson County, Kentucky facts for kids

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This page is about the Kentucky county formed in 1784 as Nelson County, Virginia. For the Virginia county of the same name formed in 1807, see Nelson County, Virginia.
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Nelson County
County
Nelson County Courthouse in Bardstown
Nelson County Courthouse in Bardstown
Map of Kentucky highlighting Nelson 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 November 29, 1784
Named for Thomas Nelson Jr.
Seat Bardstown
Largest city Bardstown
Area
 • Total 424 sq mi (1,100 km2)
 • Land 418 sq mi (1,080 km2)
 • Water 6.6 sq mi (17 km2)  1.5%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 46,738
 • Estimate 
(2023)
 47,730 Increase
 • Density 110.23/sq mi (42.56/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts 2nd, 4th

Nelson County is a county located in the state of Kentucky, USA. It's known for its rich history and beautiful countryside. The county seat, which is like its main city, is Bardstown. In 2020, about 46,738 people lived here. Nelson County is also part of a larger area that includes Louisville, Kentucky.

A Look Back: Nelson County's History

Nelson County was one of the very first counties created in what is now Kentucky. It was formed in 1784, right after the American Revolutionary War. The county was named after Thomas Nelson Jr.. He was a governor of Virginia and a very important person. He even signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Later, in 1807, another county in Virginia was also named Nelson County in his honor.

Nelson County's Geography and Neighbors

Nelson County covers a total area of about 424 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small part covered by water.

Nearby Counties: Who Are Nelson County's Neighbors?

Nelson County shares its borders with several other counties. These are its neighbors:

Nelson County's Population Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1790 11,315 —
1800 9,866 −12.8%
1810 14,078 42.7%
1820 16,273 15.6%
1830 14,932 −8.2%
1840 13,637 −8.7%
1850 14,789 8.4%
1860 15,799 6.8%
1870 14,804 −6.3%
1880 16,609 12.2%
1890 16,417 −1.2%
1900 16,587 1.0%
1910 16,830 1.5%
1920 16,137 −4.1%
1930 16,551 2.6%
1940 18,004 8.8%
1950 19,521 8.4%
1960 22,168 13.6%
1970 23,477 5.9%
1980 27,584 17.5%
1990 29,710 7.7%
2000 37,477 26.1%
2010 43,437 15.9%
2020 46,738 7.6%
2023 (est.) 47,730 9.9%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790–1960 1900–1990
1990–2000 2010–2020

The population of Nelson County has changed a lot over the years. In 2010, there were 43,437 people living here. The county has continued to grow, reaching 46,738 people by the 2020 census.

Fun Things to Do: Attractions and Events

Many fun things to see and do are available in Bardstown. There's also a unique spot outside the main city:

  • Rooster Run was a famous general store. It was located on Kentucky Route 245. People knew it for its baseball caps and a huge 13.5-foot-tall fiberglass rooster statue. It was one of Kentucky's most well-known small businesses.

Learning in Nelson County: Education

Nelson County has several schools for students of all ages.

Public Schools: Two Main Districts

Two public school systems serve the county:

  • The Nelson County School District teaches students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It covers most of the county, except for parts of Bardstown. This district has elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. It also has special schools for different learning needs.
  • The Bardstown City Schools serve students mainly within the city of Bardstown. This district has schools for younger children, an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. Some Nelson County schools are actually located within the Bardstown district's area.

Private Schools: Other Learning Choices

Several private schools also operate in Nelson County. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville runs five schools. These include schools for younger grades and one high school. There are also other schools connected to different Protestant churches.

Famous Faces: Notable Residents

Many interesting people have lived in Nelson County. Here are a few:

  • William Beall; a general in the Confederate Army
  • J. C. W. Beckham; a Governor of Kentucky
  • Linda Bruckheimer; a writer and someone who helps save old buildings
  • Joseph Seamon Cotter Sr.; a poet
  • Henry Pierson Crowe; a US Marine
  • Ephraim H. Foster; a Senator from Tennessee
  • James B. Graham; Kentucky's Auditor of Public Accounts
  • Benjamin E. Grey; a Congressman
  • Joseph Hanks; the great-grandfather of US President Abraham Lincoln
  • Ben Johnson (politician); a lawyer and congressman
  • Silvester Johnson; a merchant
  • Monique Jones; a professional bodybuilder
  • Virgil Livers; a football player
  • James Love (Kentucky politician); a congressman
  • Joseph N. McCormack; a surgeon
  • Thomas Merton; a monk and writer
  • Zachariah Montgomery; a lawyer and politician
  • Charles S. Morehead; a congressman and governor of Kentucky
  • Felix Newton Pitt; a monsignor (a type of Catholic priest)
  • Daniel Rudd; a Catholic journalist and civil rights leader
  • Catherine Spalding; a religious leader
  • Horace Speed; a pioneer and district attorney
  • Stith Thompson; a scholar who studied folklore (traditional stories and beliefs)
  • Bryan Young (politician); a congressman
  • William Singleton Young; a congressman

Nelson County's Communities

Nelson County is made up of several towns and smaller communities.

Cities in Nelson County

Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated as cities.

Other Small Communities

These are other places in the county that are not incorporated cities.

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