The Kentucky River

  Sometimes referred to as "Kentucky's River", the Kentucky is the only major river basin in the state that get's all of it's water from the Bluegrass state. The Kentucky starts as three separate forks, the North, Middle and South. These three forks come together at the town of Beattyville, the works it's way for 255 miles to the Ohio River, at the town of Carrollton.

A view of the river from our "River Outpost" front porch.

  The Kentucky is referred to as a slack water river. The reson for this is the series of 14 locks and dams that are located on it. These were contructed from 1822 until 1924. They were developed so that keel boats would be able to work there way, not only down the river during the spring floods, but also back up the river in the low summer months. In 1822, this was very important as Kentucky was providing tons of coal, iron and timber to down stream towns, expecially New Orleans, but not getting many goods in return. The other problem was that the men transporting all these goods down the river were arriving safely in New Orleans and selling goods. However, the return trip by foot was so long and ardous that they were arriving back home to Kentucky broke. This was bad for them, as well as for their employers who sent them down!

  The dam construction began at lock and dam #4 in Frankfort, and completed at lock and dam #14 in Beattyville. The ironic thing was that for the most part, as soon as the lock and dams were completed, they were no longer needed for trade traffic, as railroads had already worked their way into Eastern Kentucky. One of the last trips down the river for trade traffic had picked up barrels of whiskey in and around Paris, Kentucky. The trip was a long one, taking over 6 months to complete. Upon arriving in New Orleans, the dock crews unloaded the barrels, and immedietly went to consuming. They were amazed by the great taste of this new "whiskey". It had an aged flavor that had not been tasted before. Searching the barrel for a name led to the discovery of where it had been made: Bourbon County, Kentucky. The name stuck, and bourbon has been Kentucky proud since.

  The Kentucky is full of stories like this one... and many more. Come enjoy one of our guided historical tours and learn all about the Kentucky, Daniel Boone, Frank's Ford, and more. We look forward to "schooling" you on the river!