Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,293. Its county seat is Louisa.
Named for James Lawrence, a naval officer from the War of 1812, Lawrence County has produced many country music stars including Tyler Childers, Larry Cordle, Ricky Skaggs, and Noah Thompson as well as late Chief Justice of the United States Fred M. Vinson and former Kentucky governor Paul E. Patton.
In regard to alcoholic beverage sales, Lawrence County is considered a "moist" county, meaning alcohol sales are only allowed within the city limits of Louisa.
History
Lawrence County was established in 1821 from land given by Floyd and Greenup Counties. Four courthouses have served Lawrence County; the first was completed in 1823.
During the Civil War, 149 men from Lawrence County served in the Confederacy, while 638 men served the Union Army. Louisa was used as a Union fort during the war overlooking the local area.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.1%) is water.
The bridge from Louisa, in eastern Lawrence County, to Fort Gay, West Virginia is a rare multi-way T-bridge. The quarter-mile concrete span spans across the Levisa Fork and the Tug River that come together and form the Big Sandy River, connects two states and has a right turn at its halfway point, which connects traffic to the Point Section neighborhood of Louisa.
Yatesville Lake State Park
Yatesville Lake was opened in 1992 and is a reservoir managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Yatesville Lake provides flood control for the region as well as recreational opportunities. The Corps manages a boat ramp at the Rich Creek area.
Bordering Counties
- Carter County (northwest)
- Boyd County (north)
- Wayne County, West Virginia (east)
- Martin County (southeast)
- Johnson County (south)
- Morgan County (southwest)
- Elliott County (west)