Nicholas County, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicholas County
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Nicholas County courthouse in Carlisle
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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 | 1799 |
| Seat | Carlisle |
| Largest city | Carlisle |
| Area | |
| • Total | 197 sq mi (510 km2) |
| • Land | 195 sq mi (510 km2) |
| • Water | 1.7 sq mi (4 km2) 0.8% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,537 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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7,686  |
| • Density | 38.26/sq mi (14.77/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
Nicholas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, about 7,537 people lived there. Its main town is Carlisle, which is also the only town in the county. Nicholas County was started in 1799. It is named after Colonel George Nicholas. He was known as the "Father of the Kentucky Constitution."
Contents
History of Nicholas County
Nicholas County was created in 1799. Land from Bourbon and Mason counties was used to form it. It was the 42nd county made in Kentucky.
This area is famous for its beautiful views and rich history. It also has many horse farms. Nicholas County has a rural feel. Its countryside looks like the Bluegrass region. You can see farms, wooded areas, and small villages.
Historic Places and People
Nicholas County is home to Forest Retreat. This place is listed on the National Historic Register. It was built in 1814 by Thomas Metcalfe. He later became the 10th Governor of Kentucky. A famous horse named "Determine" was born here. Determine won the Kentucky Derby in 1954.
Daniel Boone also lived in Nicholas County. His last home in Kentucky is here. A historic marker for his home is on US Highway 68. Boone built a one-room cabin in 1795. He and his family lived there until 1799.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park is a park near Mount Olivet, Kentucky. It covers about 148 acres. The park has a monument. It remembers the Battle of Blue Licks from August 19, 1782. This battle is thought to be the last battle of the American Revolutionary War.
Geography of Nicholas County
Nicholas County covers about 197 square miles. Most of this area, about 195 square miles, is land. Only a small part, about 1.7 square miles, is water.
Neighboring Counties
Nicholas County shares borders with these other counties:
- Robertson County (to the north)
- Fleming County (to the northeast)
- Bath County (to the southeast)
- Bourbon County (to the southwest)
- Harrison County (to the northwest)
People of Nicholas County
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 4,898 | — | |
| 1820 | 7,973 | 62.8% | |
| 1830 | 8,834 | 10.8% | |
| 1840 | 8,745 | −1.0% | |
| 1850 | 10,361 | 18.5% | |
| 1860 | 11,030 | 6.5% | |
| 1870 | 9,129 | −17.2% | |
| 1880 | 11,869 | 30.0% | |
| 1890 | 10,764 | −9.3% | |
| 1900 | 11,952 | 11.0% | |
| 1910 | 10,601 | −11.3% | |
| 1920 | 9,894 | −6.7% | |
| 1930 | 8,571 | −13.4% | |
| 1940 | 8,617 | 0.5% | |
| 1950 | 7,532 | −12.6% | |
| 1960 | 6,677 | −11.4% | |
| 1970 | 6,508 | −2.5% | |
| 1980 | 7,157 | 10.0% | |
| 1990 | 6,725 | −6.0% | |
| 2000 | 6,813 | 1.3% | |
| 2010 | 7,135 | 4.7% | |
| 2020 | 7,537 | 5.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 7,686 | 7.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2021 |
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In 2010, there were 7,135 people living in Nicholas County. Most people living here were White (97.9%). A small number were Black or African American (0.6%). Other groups made up less than 1% of the population. About 1.4% of the people were of Hispanic or Latino background.
The average household had about 2.5 people. The average family had almost 3 people. About 29% of households had children under 18. Many households (52.6%) were married couples.
The median age in the county was about 40.5 years old. This means half the people were older and half were younger.
Towns and Villages
Cities
- Carlisle (This is the county seat, the main town for the county government.)
Unincorporated Communities
These are smaller communities that are not officially cities or towns:
Famous People from Nicholas County
- Barton S. Alexander: Born in Nicholas County, he became an important army leader (brigadier general) during the American Civil War. He also designed Fort McPherson.
- Daniel Boone: This famous explorer moved to Nicholas County in 1795. He lived in a cabin owned by his son. He left Kentucky in 1799.
- Thomas Metcalfe: Born in 1780, he was a U.S. Representative and Senator. He also served as the tenth Governor of Kentucky. After his political career, he retired to his home, "Forest Retreat," in Nicholas County.
- Barbara Kingsolver: This well-known author grew up in Carlisle, Nicholas County.
- Joseph Drake: Born in Nicholas County, he was a lawyer and plantation owner. He became a Colonel in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- David Rice Atchison: He lived in Nicholas County for a short time. He is known for possibly being President of the United States for one day!
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Nicholas (Kentucky) para niños
