Versailles Kentucky

Versailles, Kentucky, the heart of Woodford County, nestles between the cosmopolitan cities of Frankfort and Lexington. Versailles,  2.8 square miles of the renowned Daniel Boone Country, took its name from the city in France of the same name. Founded in 1792, Versailles ranks among the oldest cities in KY.

At the time of Census 2000, Versailles was home to 7,511 residents. Many descendents of Versailles’ early settlers still call the area home. Residents of this historic railroad community have access to excellent primary and secondary schools, as well as an impressive selection of higher learning facilities. Midway College, the closest facility, is a private liberal arts facility exclusively for women.  Additional opportunities for post-secondary education located within an hour’s drive include Eastern Kentucky University located in Richmond, Georgetown College, Kentucky State University, Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Versailles, the seat of Woodford County, is a thriving economic hub. The diverse base of industry in Versailles includes employers in agriculture, manufacturing, horse breeding, horseracing and the distilling of bourbon. The Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and is the oldest operating bourbon distillery in KY.  Ironically, Woodford County is a dry county, prohibiting the sale of alcohol to the public.  For those who are interested in the history of softer drinks, Winchester, home of Ale-8-One soda, is only a drive down I-75.

Versailles has the distinction of a listing as a Kentucky Main Street Community and is among eight of the nation’s cities recognized as a “Preserve America Community.”  Museums such as The Bluegrass Railroad Museum and the Woodford County Historical Society hold Civil War memorabilia, while the charming downtown district and its surrounding areas display a wealth of historic southern homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kentucky River and Woodford Lake afford outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming.  Other popular destinations in Versailles include the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, Boyd Orchards, Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, The Castle, art galleries, horse farms and parks.

Versailles, Kentucky, with its wide-open spaces and rolling white fences, contains reminders of more than 200 years of history and culture.  Known for bourbon, Bluegrass, and graceful Thoroughbred horses, Versailles boasts small town ambiance with all the amenities of the lovely Bluegrass Country region.

Other places of historical interest in Kentucky close to Versailles include: Hazard, Louisville, Paintsville, Pikeville, and Ashland.