Woodford
County,
Kentucky
stakes its claim in the midst of the beautiful inner
Bluegrass
Region, where elevations range from just under 500 to 1000 feet
above sea level. Founded in 1789, Woodford County takes its name from
General
William Woodford, who worked at
Valley
Forge with
General
George Washington.
Woodford County boasts a healthy economy, with a diverse base of
employment. The Woodford
Reserve is one of the county's most well known employers.
Established in 1812, the Woodford Reserve is Kentucky's oldest Bourbon
Distillery. The Reserve manufactures its bourbon at the Labrot
& Graham Distillery and is the official bourbon of the Kentucky
Derby. Incidentally, Woodford County is a prohibition county
(completely dry county), which means that alcohol sales are strictly
prohibited to the public.
Woodford County's unemployment figures are consistently lower than
any other county in Kentucky. The number of employed residents average
13,658, while the rate of unemployment is nearly three percent.
Woodford, KY's workforce enjoys a median household income of $49,491,
which ranks above the national average of $41,994. Woodford County also
led KY's
per-capita income in 1998. Woodford County's location, in the Lexington-Fayette
metro area, provides additional career options for residents.
Woodford
County consists of more than 190 square miles and according to the Census
2000, had a population of 23,208. The 2004 census estimates show the
population as 23,961, an increase of 3.24%. The cities of Midway
and Versailles
make up the county of Woodford. Versailles serves as the county seat.
Midway,
population 1,620 per Census 2000, is home to Three
Chimneys Farm, which is one of the area's leading thoroughbred
racehorse breeding outfits. Also in Midway is Midway
College, Kentucky's only private liberal arts college for women.
Midway, KY, founded in 1831 by the Lexington and Ohio Railroad, retains
the charm of its early railway junction days. Railroad Street, the main
street in Midway, divides down the middle by still active train tracks.
Characterized by lovely Victorian antique shops, country grocery stores,
restaurants and an inn, Railroad Street continues to preserve Midway's
historical roots.
Versailles, population 7,511, took its name from
Versailles,
France,
in honor of that country's help rendered in the Revolutionary
War.
Versailles is home to the Woodford County Historical
Society, which
holds collections such as Civil War memorabilia significant to the
area's history. Another museum, The Bluegrass Railroad
Museum, features
a delightful tour of an old-fashioned passenger train, with seasonal
events such as the Halloween Ghost Train and The Santa Claus Special.
Versailles is among Kentucky's oldest towns.
Residents have their choice of excellent public and private schools,
while residents of all ages have a variety of civil, professional and
service organizations from which to choose. Several area parks provide
endless opportunities for recreation. In addition, Woodford County, KY
has a calendar full of exciting community events and festivals, such as
Jack Jouett Frontier Day, to keep everyone entertained.
Woodford
County, Kentucky is a scenic area comprised of quaint
railroad towns known for their bourbon and racehorses. This lovely
region offers safe neighborhoods, excellent schools and a solid economy.
Woodford County holds qualities that will ensure its towns a prosperous
future for generations to come.
