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Paris, KY

Frequently asked questions

Paris, KY

Paris is a home rule-class city in Bourbon County, Kentucky the county seat. It lies 18 miles (29 km) northeast of Lexington on the Stoner Fork of the Licking River. It is part of the Lexington–Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2020, it had a population of 10,171.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.0 square miles (15.5 km²), of which 5.9 square miles (15.4 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.52%, is water.

Joseph Houston settled a station in the area in 1776 but was forced to relocate due to prior land grants. In 1786, Lawrence Protzman purchased the area of present-day Paris from its owners, platted 250 acres (100 ha) for a town, and offered land for public buildings in exchange for the Virginia legislature making the settlement the seat of the newly formed Bourbon County. In 1789, the town was formally established as Hopewell after Hopewell, New Jersey, his hometown. The next year, it was renamed Paris after the French capital to match its country and honor the French assistance during the American Revolution.

Among the early settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries were French refugees who had fled the excesses of their revolution. One Frenchman was noted in a 19th-century state history as having come from Calcutta, via Bengal, and settled here as a schoolteacher.

The post office was briefly known as Bourbontown or Bourbonton in the early 19th century, but there is no evidence that this name was ever formally applied to the town itself. It was incorporated as Paris in 1839 and again in 1890. African American students attended Paris Colored High School. Paris is the "sister city" of Lamotte-Beuvron in France.

As of the census of 2000, there were 9,183 people, 3,857 households, and 2,487 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,351.2 per square mile (521.7/km²). There were 4,222 housing units at an average density of 621.2 per square mile (239.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.23% White, 12.71% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 1.35% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.62% of the population.

Paris gives importance to health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Paris Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include the YMCA, STARS Gym, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Paris, such as the Squires Road Trail and Brighton East Rail Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Paris, KY are Hopewell Museum, Claiborne Farm, and Bourbon Drive-In Theatre.

Population: 10,185 (2024). ZIP codes: 40361-40362. Area code: 859. Elevation: 843 ft (257 m). Area: 8.00 sq mi (20.72 km²).

FAQs

What is Paris, KY known for?

Known for its horses and history, Paris Kentucky is a must-see for visitors traveling to the Bluegrass State. Paris is located less than twenty miles from Lexington, and the commute down the famed Paris Pike is one of the most scenic drives in Central Kentucky, with horse farms lining both sides of the road. From horse farms to historical sites and locally sourced food to a great downtown area.

Why is Paris, KY named Paris?

Settled in the late 18th century, Paris, Kentucky, (population 9,196) is located on Houston and Stoner Creeks and the old Lexington-Maysville Road. The first courthouse was built in 1787. In 1789, the town of Hopewell was created; its name was changed to Paris in 1790 in gratitude to the French for their assistance during the Revolutionary War. Paris is the seat of Bourbon County, and its motto is “history, horses, and hospitality.”

Is Paris, KY a nice place to live?

Paris is in Bourbon County. Living in Paris offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Paris and residents tend to lean conservative.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Paris

Paris Parks and Recreation Department 

YMCA

STARS Gym 

Anytime Fitness

Squires Road Trail 

Brighton East Rail Trail

Hopewell Museum

Claiborne Farm

Bourbon Drive-In Theatre

Visit Horse Country

ACHP

Niche

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