Monroe County

Monroe County is an administrative division in the Eastern Pennyroyal Plateau region of Kentucky, featuring rolling hills, valleys, and agricultural lands throughout its territory. Tompkinsville serves as the county seat, where most public services and community facilities are located.

The county was established in 1820 and named after President James Monroe, with Tompkinsville chosen as the county seat. Early settlement patterns and agricultural development shaped its growth through the 19th century.

The Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site preserves Kentucky's oldest log meetinghouse, built in 1804, with a cemetery containing Revolutionary War veterans.

Kentucky Routes 63 and 100 provide connections to neighboring areas, making the county accessible by car. Essential services and dining options are mainly located in and around Tompkinsville.

The county remained dry for more than two centuries until residents voted to permit alcohol sales in November 2023. This recent change marked an end to one of the longest prohibition periods in the state.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: January 19, 1820

Capital city: Tompkinsville

Shares border with: Clay County, Barren County, Metcalfe County, Cumberland County, Macon County, Allen County

Website: http://monroecounty.ky.gov

GPS coordinates: 36.71000,-85.72000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46