Paintsville

Paintsville sits where Paint Creek meets the Big Sandy River in eastern Kentucky and serves as the county seat of Johnson County. The city is built across rolling terrain and functions as the local administrative and commercial hub.

The city was founded in 1834, but its roots trace back to Paint Lick Station, a trading post established in 1790 named for Native American markings on trees in the area. The waterways served as crucial routes for early trade and settlement.

The Kentucky Apple Festival brings the local community together through music performances and regional competitions each year. This annual event reflects how deeply fruit growing and harvest traditions are woven into local life.

The city is easy to explore on foot and most locations are reachable from the downtown area. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing for changing mountain weather conditions.

The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum documents the rich music history of eastern Kentucky and showcases how the region produced artists who gained fame far beyond the state. The museum preserves the connection between the landscape and the musical traditions that emerged from this area.

Location: Johnson County

Inception: February 24, 1834

Elevation above the sea: 187 m

GPS coordinates: 37.81139,-82.80667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 06:28