Vanceburg, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vanceburg, Kentucky
|
|
|---|---|
Lewis County courthouse in Vanceburg
|
|
Location in Lewis County, Kentucky
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Lewis |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council government |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.50 sq mi (3.88 km2) |
| • Land | 1.45 sq mi (3.75 km2) |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2) |
| Elevation | 495 ft (151 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 1,428 |
| • Estimate
(2022)
|
1,401 |
| • Density | 985.51/sq mi (380.62/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
41179
|
| Area code(s) | 606 |
| FIPS code | 21-79068 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405638 |
Vanceburg is a city in Lewis County, Kentucky, United States. It is located right along the Ohio River. In 2020, about 1,428 people lived there. Vanceburg is also the main city, or county seat, of Lewis County. It is part of the larger Maysville area.
Contents
Geography and Location
Vanceburg is in northern Lewis County. It sits on the south bank of the Ohio River. Several important roads run through or near the city.
Major Roads in Vanceburg
- Kentucky Route 9 and 10 (the AA Highway) go through the southern part of the city.
- KY 9 and the Grayson spur of the AA Highway lead southeast about 30 miles (48 km) to Interstate 64 at Grayson.
- KY 10 and the Greenup spur of the AA Highway go east about 29 miles (47 km) to the Ohio River. This is near the Jesse Stuart Memorial Bridge.
- Kentucky Route 8 also runs through the center of Vanceburg. It follows the Ohio River.
Land and Water Area
The United States Census Bureau says that Vanceburg covers about 1.5 square miles (3.88 square kilometers). A small part of this area, about 0.05 square miles (0.13 square kilometers), is water.
Vanceburg's Climate
Vanceburg has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of climate is often called "Cfa" on climate maps.
History of Vanceburg
Vanceburg was started in 1797. It was named after William Vance, who helped found the city.
How Vanceburg Got Its Name
William Vance and Joseph Baird received land rights. They planned to divide the land into smaller pieces to sell. Baird was in charge of the project. They decided to flip a coin to choose the town's name. Baird won, and they first chose "Bairdstown." However, they soon realized this name was too similar to Bardstown, Kentucky, which already existed. So, they agreed on "Vanceburg" instead.
Early Economy and the 1937 Flood
The city and nearby areas first grew because of salt production. There were also mines along Salt Lick Creek. This creek flows through the city. Vanceburg used to be a busy production city. It had a small train station and a lively downtown.
In 1937, a big flood hit the city. Many cities along the Ohio River were flooded. The water level reached 75 feet (23 meters) high in Vanceburg. All of downtown Vanceburg was underwater. The flood was so powerful that 1st Street was washed away into the river. The land where homes and businesses stood slid into the strong current. Today, you won't find a "1st Street" in Vanceburg. The street closest to the river is now called "Front Street." Other streets were renamed based on their distance from Front Street.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 513 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,095 | 113.5% | |
| 1890 | 1,110 | 1.4% | |
| 1900 | 1,161 | 4.6% | |
| 1910 | 1,145 | −1.4% | |
| 1920 | 1,353 | 18.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,388 | 2.6% | |
| 1940 | 1,184 | −14.7% | |
| 1950 | 1,528 | 29.1% | |
| 1960 | 1,881 | 23.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,773 | −5.7% | |
| 1980 | 1,939 | 9.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,713 | −11.7% | |
| 2000 | 1,731 | 1.1% | |
| 2010 | 1,518 | −12.3% | |
| 2020 | 1,428 | −5.9% | |
| 2022 (est.) | 1,401 | −7.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, about 1,731 people lived in Vanceburg. Most residents were White (98.38%). A small number were African American, Native American, or Asian. Some people were of Hispanic or Latino background.
Households and Families
There were 672 households in the city. About 29.3% of these households had children under 18 living there. Many households (40.9%) were married couples. About 15.5% were single mothers with no husband present. The average household had 2.29 people. The average family had 2.93 people.
Age Groups in Vanceburg
The population was spread out by age:
- 22.8% were under 18 years old.
- 10.7% were between 18 and 24.
- 28.2% were between 25 and 44.
- 20.7% were between 45 and 64.
- 17.7% were 65 years or older.
The average age in Vanceburg was 37 years.
Education in Vanceburg
The Lewis County Schools serve students in the area. The main school buildings are west of Vanceburg on KY 10.
Schools in Lewis County
There are four elementary schools in the county:
- Lewis County Central Elementary (in Vanceburg)
- Garrison Elementary (east of Vanceburg)
- Tollesboro Elementary (west of Vanceburg)
- Laurel Elementary (southeast of Vanceburg)
After elementary school, students attend Lewis County Middle School. This school is for 7th and 8th graders. It is located west of Vanceburg on KY 10. In 2019, 6th grade moved to the new Lewis County Central Elementary building.
After middle school, students go to Lewis County High School. This high school is next to the middle school. It serves grades 9 through 12. Lewis County High School was recognized as a nationally distinguished school in 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Public Library
Vanceburg also has a lending library. It is called the Lewis County Public Library.
Notable People from Vanceburg
- James Baird – A famous engineer and University of Michigan Quarterback.
- Ralph Davis – A professional basketball player.
- Faith Esham – A performer known for opera and recitals.
- Thomas Massie – A congressman.
- Thomas H. Paynter – A U.S. senator from 1907 to 1913.
See also
In Spanish: Vanceburg (Kentucky) para niños
