Nicholas County, County administrative division in Kentucky, United States
Nicholas County is an administrative division in central Kentucky covering roughly 197 square miles. Carlisle serves as its administrative center while the Licking River flows through the area.
The Kentucky General Assembly established this county in 1799, naming it after Colonel George Nicholas who contributed to the Kentucky Constitution. Forest Retreat mansion was built in 1814 and later became the home of Thomas Metcalf, Kentucky's tenth governor.
The Forest Retreat historic district, constructed in 1814 by Thomas Metcalf, represents the architectural legacy of Kentucky's tenth governor.
The Licking River runs through the area and supports agricultural activities that define the local economy. Visitors exploring this rural county should plan to drive to see the main attractions and settlements.
The 1954 Kentucky Derby winner Determine was bred at Forest Retreat Farm, linking the county to thoroughbred racing history. This connection shows how horse breeding became part of the region's agricultural heritage.
GPS coordinates: 38.27843,-80.77071
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28
New River Gorge Bridge
35.9 km
Summersville Lake
12.2 km
Hawks Nest State Park
35.7 km
Babcock State Park
36.2 km
Cranberry Wilderness
38.3 km
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
16.6 km
Tunney Hunsaker Bridge
35.8 km
Page-Vawter House
33 km
Camp Washington-Carver Complex
34.6 km
Camp Caesar
24 km
Nicholas County Courthouse
7.3 km
Contentment
33.2 km
Sunshine Farm and Gardens
38 km
Morton House
38.5 km
Old Clay County Courthouse
34 km
William Edgar Haymond House
43.3 km
E. B. Hawkins House
38.2 km
Fayetteville Historic District
38.8 km
Fayette County Courthouse
38.4 km
Sutton Downtown Historic District
43.3 km
Nicholas County Bank
7 km
Downtown Richwood Historic District
21.5 km
Dr. John Hughart House
36.9 km
Earl M. Vickers Bridge
48.9 km
Glade Creek Grist Mill
36.7 km
Flatwoods Monster Museum
43.3 km
Fayette Station Road
35.8 km
Nuttall Coal Mine Conveyor
34.7 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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