Hardin County, Kentucky

Hardin County, Kentucky. Located in the central part of the state, it is part of the Elizabethtown, Kentucky Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Louisville, Kentucky Combined Statistical Area. The county is home to Fort Knox, a United States Army post that is famous for its United States Bullion Depository. The area is also close to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park and the Mammoth Cave National Park.

Geography

The county is situated near the Ohio River and is bordered by Meade County, Kentucky to the north, Bullitt County, Kentucky to the northeast, Nelson County, Kentucky to the east, Larue County, Kentucky to the southeast, Hart County, Kentucky to the south, and Breckinridge County, Kentucky to the west. The Salt River flows through the county and is a tributary of the Ohio River. The area is also close to the Knob Creek and the Rolling Fork rivers. The county's geography is influenced by the Pennyroyal Plateau and the Knobstone Escarpment. Nearby cities include Radcliff, Kentucky, Vine Grove, Kentucky, and Lebanon, Kentucky.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Shawnee and Cherokee tribes, and was later settled by European-Americans, including Daniel Boone and John Jacob Astor. The county was established in 1792 and was named after John Hardin, a American Revolutionary War soldier. The area played a significant role in the War of 1812, with the Battle of the Thames taking place nearby. The county was also home to the Lincoln Family, including Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, who lived in the area. Other notable residents include Zachary Taylor, John Hunt Morgan, and Simon Bolivar Buckner.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the county was 110,421, with a population density of 175 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 84.3% White American, 12.1% African American, 2.5% Asian American, and 1.1% Native American. The median household income was $54,449, and the median family income was $63,115. The per capita income was $25,481. Nearby cities with similar demographics include Louisville, Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, and Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Economy

The economy of the county is driven by the presence of Fort Knox, which is a major employer in the area. The county is also home to several major industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The area is close to the Louisville International Airport and the Elizabethtown Regional Airport, making it an attractive location for businesses. Other major employers in the area include Harrison County Hospital, Hardin Memorial Hospital, and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. The county is also home to several major events, including the Elizabethtown Festival, the Hardin County Fair, and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Education

The county is served by the Hardin County Schools district, which operates several schools in the area, including Central Hardin High School, John Hardin High School, and North Hardin High School. The county is also home to Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, which is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Other nearby institutions of higher education include University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University. The county is also close to the Louisville Free Public Library and the Kentucky Library Association.

Communities

The county has several communities, including Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Radcliff, Kentucky, Vine Grove, Kentucky, and Sonora, Kentucky. Other nearby cities include Lebanon, Kentucky, Bardstown, Kentucky, and Springfield, Kentucky. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, the Fort Knox Historic District, and the Elizabethtown Historic District. The area is also close to the Mammoth Cave National Park, the Red River Gorge, and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Nearby events include the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Jazz Festival, and the Bourbon Festival. Category:Kentucky counties