Ashland, Kentucky
Ashland, Kentucky, the largest city in Boyd County, lies along the bank of the Ohio River. Ashland reported a population of 21,981 in the 2000 Census. Located in KY’s Eastern Coal Field Region, the cities of Ashland, Huntington, WV, and Ironton, OH form a thriving Tri-State Metropolitan Area of more than 300,000 residents. Ashland is the second largest city in the tri-state region and serves as an important economic and medical center for the northeastern Kentucky.
Ashland began as a steel mill town, developed by the Kentucky Iron, Coal, and Mfg Company. The city’s early growth was due to neighboring Ohio’s pig iron industry. It shares a rich history with the cities of Hazard, Pikeville, and Paintsville in it's importance with the production of natural resources. Today, Ashland’s top employers include King’s Daughter Medical Center, (KY’s 4th largest hospital), Marathon Petroleum, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, and AK Steel.
Ashland Kentuckians celebrate their heritage in the annual Poage Landing Days. The Poages were the first settlers to the area. Held in downtown Ashland, the event includes a Fiddle Festival, Beauty Pageant, Kentucky Fried Cone Fest and arts and crafts displays. Ashland’s lovingly restored Paramount Arts Center is a cultural hub and holds a holiday Festival of Trees each winter. The whole town glows in the Winter Wonderland of Lights, a must-see event in Ashland’s 47-acre Central Park, where more than 800,000 lights make up 50 holiday displays.
Ashland’s Riverfront Boat Ramp is the scene of Summer Motion, a lively event full of races, free concerts, exhibits, and a parade. This alcohol-free event charges no entry fees and draws more than one million visitors per year.
Ashland is only two hours from the city of Lexington which serves as a hub for some of Kentucky's more historic cities such as Versailles, Richmond, and Winchester.
Ashland supports its residents’ creativity at the Pendleton Art Center. The first Friday and Saturday of each month the Center opens its doors to display paintings, wood carvings, painted gourds and stained glass, all created by local artisans. Ashland’s Jesse Stuart Foundation helps to encourage and promote Kentucky and Appalachian writers. A family-friendly city, Ashland, Kentucky provides a place to live well or visit often.
