Bath County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,750. The county seat is Owingsville. The county was formed in 1811. Bath County is included in the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.
History
Bath County was established in 1811 from land given by Montgomery County, Kentucky. Its name is derived from natural springs said to have medicinal qualities. The courthouse in Owingsville was destroyed by an accidental fire caused by Union troops during the American Civil War in 1864.
It is the site of the Kentucky Meat Shower. From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., on March 3, 1876, a mysterious substance believed to be meat of some sort fell from the sky.
In 1932, an archaeological field survey observed fourteen archaeological sites in Bath County, including the Ramey Mound near Sharpsburg and multiple ancient burials near the Springfield Presbyterian Church.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.8%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Fleming County (north)
- Rowan County (east)
- Menifee County (southeast)
- Montgomery County (southwest)
- Bourbon County (west)
- Nicholas County (northwest)
National protected area
- Daniel Boone National Forest (part)