Introduction to Adair County, Kentucky
Adair County is located in the south-central part of Kentucky, bordered by Taylor County to the north, Casey County to the northeast, Russell County to the southeast, and Green County to the west. Established in 1801, the county was named after John Adair, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War and later governor of Kentucky. The region has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly tobacco and dairy farming. With its rolling hills and proximity to Green River Lake, Adair County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The county experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Adair County has a population of approximately 19,000 people, with the majority of residents living in rural areas and small towns.
- County Seat: Columbia
- Number of Cities and Towns: 4
- Major School Districts: Adair County Schools
Columbia
City Overview
Columbia is the county seat and largest city in Adair County, located in the central part of the county. Founded in 1802, Columbia has served as the economic and administrative center of Adair County since its establishment. The city is nestled near Green River Lake, offering residents and visitors opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. Columbia has a rich history, with its downtown area showcasing well-preserved historic buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century.
Columbia enjoys a mild climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Adair County Courthouse and Lindsey Wilson College, a small liberal arts institution that plays a central role in the town’s cultural and educational life. The historic downtown area is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and community events.
City Facts
- Population: 4,505 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 600 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 42728
- Road Network: U.S. Route 68, Kentucky Route 55
- Nearest Airports: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport, Louisville International Airport
- Libraries: Adair County Public Library
- Hospitals: T.J. Health Columbia
Major Schools
Columbia is served by the Adair County School District. The main schools in the area include Adair County High School (grades 9-12), which serves approximately 750 students, Adair County Middle School (grades 6-8) with around 600 students, and Adair County Primary Center (grades K-2) and Elementary School (grades 3-5), which together enroll around 1,200 students. The district emphasizes academic excellence, offering a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular programs, including athletics, band, and vocational training.
Cane Valley
City Overview
Cane Valley is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Adair County, near the border with Green County. Historically, Cane Valley was a rural farming community, and while its population remains small, it is still an active part of the county’s agricultural economy. Cane Valley has deep roots in the early settlement of Kentucky and was named for the abundant cane plants that settlers found in the area.
The weather in Cane Valley is similar to the rest of the county, with hot, humid summers and cool winters. While Cane Valley is a quiet, rural area without major commercial activity, its scenic landscape and proximity to Green River make it a popular spot for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 300
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Code: 42728
- Road Network: Kentucky Route 55
- Nearest Airports: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Columbia
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Columbia (T.J. Health Columbia)
Major Schools
Students in Cane Valley attend schools in the Adair County School District. They are typically bused to nearby Columbia for their education. Adair County High School, Adair County Middle School, and the Adair County Primary and Elementary Schools serve students from this rural area. The schools offer a wide range of programs, including agriculture education, which is especially popular among students from Cane Valley due to the town’s agricultural heritage.
Gradyville
City Overview
Gradyville is another small, unincorporated community in the western part of Adair County. Founded in the 19th century, Gradyville was once a bustling small town with a post office, general stores, and schools. Today, it remains a quiet, rural community known for its scenic landscapes and close-knit population. The town was named after the Grady family, who were early settlers in the area.
Gradyville shares the same climate as the rest of Adair County, with warm summers and mild winters. The town is surrounded by rolling farmland and small creeks, making it a peaceful place for residents who enjoy the outdoors. While Gradyville does not have major commercial landmarks, it is a short drive from Columbia, where residents can access shopping, dining, and medical facilities.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 150
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Code: 42742
- Road Network: Kentucky Route 80
- Nearest Airports: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Columbia
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Columbia (T.J. Health Columbia)
Major Schools
Students in Gradyville also attend schools in Columbia, as part of the Adair County School District. Adair County High School, Middle School, and the Primary and Elementary Schools offer comprehensive education for students from Gradyville. These schools provide a range of programs, including technical and vocational courses, as well as extracurricular activities like football, basketball, and arts programs.
Knifley
City Overview
Knifley is a small, rural community located in the northeastern part of Adair County, near the border with Taylor County. Founded in the 19th century, Knifley has always been a quiet farming community, with many residents involved in agriculture, particularly livestock and crop farming. The town is surrounded by the rolling hills and fields that are characteristic of this part of Kentucky.
Knifley experiences the typical humid subtropical climate of the region, with warm, humid summers and cooler winters. The town is situated along the banks of the Green River, offering residents access to outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Knifley’s rural charm and peaceful setting make it an attractive place for those seeking a slower pace of life.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 300
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Code: 42753
- Road Network: Kentucky Route 551
- Nearest Airports: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Columbia
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Columbia (T.J. Health Columbia)
Major Schools
Knifley students attend schools within the Adair County School District. Like other rural areas of the county, students from Knifley are bused to schools in Columbia. Adair County High School, Adair County Middle School, and the Primary and Elementary Schools serve these students. The district offers a range of programs designed to meet the needs of its rural students, including agricultural education, technical training, and extracurricular activities like band and sports.