The shores of the Ohio River crest against one of Kentucky’s best kept secrets. Here, millions of ships have docked, bringing with them curiosity and departing with regional culture. It is this arterial port that brought frontiersmen to what would be established as Maysville, Kentucky, a bustling river town that served as a liminal space between north and south. Here, every bourbon barrel passed through Maysville before traveling down the Ohio River, and many cultures converged to form a unique town.

Maysville is the vessel for early Kentucky history. In fact, many firsts occurred in Maysville’s charming historic neighborhood, Old Washington. Old Washington was founded by Maysville’s founding father, Simon Kenton in 1786 and named to honor Revolutionary War hero George Washington. Washington was recorded in the very first Federal Census as having 462 inhabitants in 1790. The town had the first postal station and waterworks system west of the Allegany Mountains. Kenton planted the first corn in the county in Washington and it became the first county seat. At this time, Washington was Kentucky’s second largest city. Today, Old Washington is home to festivals, shopping, and a vibrant community of museums and artists.

Like many Kentucky cities, bourbon’s roots run deep in Maysville. Considered by many to be the birthplace of bourbon, Maysville first advertised ‘Bourbon Whiskey’ in 1821. Maysville’s distillery, Old Pogue, is one of the oldest distilleries in the United States. Maysville’s connection with bourbon is also due in part to its location. As an Ohio River port, Maysville was a pivotal stop for merchants and trading, including bourbon. Visitors can still taste Maysville’s history through tours of Old Pogue Distillery, the Old Pogue Experience at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, and various local bars that include the signature spirit in cocktails.

Important too, in Maysville history, is its people. Maysville is the birthplace of former slave and Baptist minister Elisha Green, US Army Lt. Col. Charles D. Young, baseball hall of famer Casey Stengle, old Hollywood star Rosemary Clooney, actor George Clooney, and Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry.

Everything Maysville leads back to the river, the current that carries Maysville’s history far and wide. The magnificent view is one immortalized in paintings and photographs: the Simon Kenton Bridge overlooking preserved historical architecture.  

Maysville is a combination of many cultures: iron gates and fencing from New Orleans, churches and cathedrals that draw architectural inspiration from Europe, and government buildings mimicking the grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome. Maysville is small-town Americana meets culture and refined taste. Local eateries serve diverse cuisines. Art and music are alive in each corner. One thing is clear when visiting Maysville, Kentucky: it is a small town that defies expectations.