Wisdom, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wisdom, Kentucky
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Young & Shirley Store located at the community center of Wisdom, Kentucky
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 Wisdom, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
Wisdom, Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Metcalfe |
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 509389 |
Wisdom is a small community in Metcalfe County, Kentucky, USA. It is not a city or town with its own government, but a group of homes and businesses. Long ago, it was also known as Nicols or Old Randolph.
Contents
Where is Wisdom Located?
Wisdom is in the western part of Metcalfe County. It is part of the Glasgow Micropolitan Area, which means it's a smaller community near the city of Glasgow.
The main roads, U.S. Route 68/Kentucky Route 80 and Kentucky Route 640, meet right in the middle of Wisdom. A bigger highway, the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway, goes just south of the community. The closest exit to this parkway is about 3.7 miles (6 km) away.
- Edmonton is about 7 miles (11 km) to the east.
- Glasgow is about 11 miles (18 km) to the west.
- Mammoth Cave National Park is about 24 miles (39 km) to the northwest.
A small stream called White Oak Creek flows through part of the community.
Wisdom's Weather
Wisdom has a climate with hot and humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
A Look at Wisdom's History
The story of Wisdom began a long time ago.
Early Days as Randolph
On March 21, 1846, a post office opened where Kentucky Route 640 and U.S. Route 68/Kentucky Route 80 are today. The community was named Randolph. This name honored John Randolph, who was a U.S. Senator and Congressman from Virginia. Edward V. Cummins was the first person in charge of the post office.
However, the community started to shrink in the 1860s, and businesses closed. In 1873, the post office also closed. People from a new community forming about 2.5 miles (4 km) south asked for the post office to move there. On August 12, 1873, it reopened in the new spot, and the name Randolph moved with it.
Becoming Wisdom
In 1890, G.S. Neville built and opened a store at the old Randolph location. Soon, a new community started to grow around it. Around 1894, Em Evans took over the store. He asked for a new post office to be set up. The name Wisdom was suggested to honor Silas Henry Wisdom (1849–1898). He was the first Superintendent of Schools for Metcalfe County. The post office was approved, and that's how Wisdom officially became a community.
What People Do in Wisdom
Wisdom's main way of life is still farming. Many large farms are located in or near the community.
Farming and Jobs
Farmers in Wisdom raise beef and dairy cattle, and also poultry. The most common crops grown are tobacco, corn, soybeans, and hay.
People who work outside of farming usually have jobs in nearby towns like Edmonton or Glasgow.
Local Businesses
Today, there is one public business in Wisdom called Gilley Shooting Supply. It is located about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) south of the community center. Other businesses like Hunley's Grocery and Mosby's Used Cars are about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of the center.
You can still see several old store buildings in the area.
Learning in Wisdom
The Metcalfe County school system serves the Wisdom community. This school district has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school.
There is also a private school in Wisdom called Wisdom Faith Christian Academy. It is connected to the Wisdom Faith Community Church.
Long ago, before schools were combined, Wisdom had a one-room schoolhouse called Dripping Springs. It was located across the road from Dripping Springs Baptist Church.
Famous People from Wisdom
Wisdom, Kentucky, is home to some talented musicians:
- Richard and Fred Young are members of the Grammy Award-winning band, The Kentucky Headhunters.
- John Fred Young, Richard Young's son, is a member of Black Stone Cherry, a hard rock band.
Another notable person from Wisdom was William D. Allbright. He served as a State Representative for Kentucky from 1910 to 1912. He was a strong supporter of women's right to vote in Kentucky. Representative Allbright was a farmer and had also served in the Civil War.
Churches in Wisdom
Wisdom has three active churches:
- Dripping Springs Baptist Church
- Wisdom Cumberland Presbyterian Church
- Wisdom Faith Community Church
Dripping Springs Baptist Church
Dripping Springs Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in this area. It was started on February 3, 1798. At that time, it was part of Barren County, which is now Metcalfe County. It was first known as the Sinks of Beaver Creek Baptist Church. The name changed to Dripping Springs because the church building was near a large rock with a dripping spring.
The first church building was a log structure built around 1800. It had a second floor with seats for men if the main floor was full. In the summer of 1874, a new two-story church building was put up. Another church was built in 1890, and the current building was built in 1961.
Community Groups
The Wisdom Homemakers are an active group that plays an important part in the community.
Yearly Events
Wisdom is a popular stop during the 400-Mile Sale. This big event happens along U.S. Highway 68 during the first weekend of June. It features yard sales stretching from Paris, Tennessee, all the way to Maysville, Kentucky.
Special Recognitions
Dripping Springs Baptist Church Historical Marker
Dripping Springs Baptist Church has a special Kentucky Historical Marker. This marker tells about the church's history. It says the church started in 1798 and has had continuous services since its first log cabin building around 1799. The marker also mentions that the name changed, but the church organization continued.
Kentucky Headhunters Band Highway
Kentucky Highway 640, which crosses U.S. Highway 68 in Wisdom, has a special name: Kentucky Headhunters Band Highway. This name was given as part of a bill supported by State Representative Bart Rowland in 2013.
