Mary McCooley

Hopkinsville, KY Area Guide

Nestled in the beautiful, wooded surroundings that Kentucky is known for, the town of Hopkinsville is 15 miles from the Kentucky/Tennessee border. Its close proximity to the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway, US 41, and I-24, as well as to the Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport makes Hopkinsville very easily accessible. The mild climate lends itself to many outdoor activities, and the local, community-based happenings going on around town attract singles and families alike.

History

Hopkinsville is the county seat of Christian County, Kentucky. The first-known pioneer to settle here was Batholomew Wood, who made his way onto the land not long after the end of the Revolutionary War, around 1783. Having gone there for the purposes of hunting, Mr. Wood was so impressed by the bounty of wildlife on which to live that he built a cabin on the banks of a stream, thus becoming the first official resident of what is now known as Hopkinsville. The fertility of the land in and surrounding this area led to much of the reasoning in argument for the development of Hopkinsville.

The abundance of wildlife in this region had been hunted seasonally by Cherokee Indians and other local tribes, for no one knows how long, before Wood stumbled upon the area. The Indians became enraged that their hunting grounds were so blatantly encroached upon by the ever-growing white population, and consistently attempted to destroy the white man’s settlements. Alas, as is well known in American history, the Indians were eventually driven out, forced to emigrate into “Indian Territory” west of the Mississippi River. The historic Trail of Tears, the actual path that the Cherokee Indian tribe walked upon being forced to leave the region, is an historical site established in Hopkinsville in honor of these Indians.

In the interest of helping to establish a town, Bartholomew Wood donated five acres of land, timber, and half of his spring. The original name of the newly-founded city was “ Elizabeth”, also known as “Town of Elizabeth," and "Elizabeth Town.” It is said that citizens of the nearby Hardin County had already chosen the name of Elizabethtown for their county seat, and since that town had been established for four years longer, it fell to Christian County to change the name of its county seat. In honor of General Samuel Hopkins, considered to be an heroic Revolutionary War officer, the name Hopkinsville was adopted. The town grew slowly, as there really wasn’t a huge need for commerce in this scantily-populated region. As families grew, however, and the needs for a city became apparent, the city developed. Bartholomew Wood, in addition to the five acres already donated, gave land for the building of a cemetery and for a Baptist Church. Thus, the humble discovery and establishment of this fertile region became what is today known as the town of Hopkinsville, Kentucky!

Attractions and Activities

Apple House Gallery ~ Originally an apple storage house, this is Downtown Hopkinsville’s offering of the finest regional artists and craftsmen.

http://www.americantowns.com/ky/hopkinsville/organization/apple_house_gallery

Cherokee Trail of Tears CommemorativePark ~ Actual trail walked by Cherokee Indians during their forced removal to “ Indian Territory”; this is the location of an Inter-tribal Pow-wow held every year.

http://www.trailoftears.org/

Local Golf Courses ~ Cole Park Golf Club, The Links at Novadell, Western Hills Golf Course, and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Golf Course…a great variety of first-class courses.

http://www.golfhopkinsville.com/

Hopkinsville Community College's Auditorium and Lecture Hall ~ From free classes to classical concerts, to film viewings, to family fun night…something for everyone! http://www.hopkinsville.kctcs.edu/News_and_Events/Current_Events/Events/HCC_Fall_Film_Series_-_It_Might_Get_Loud.aspx

Hopkinsville-Christian County Commerce Center ~ What to do, where to go, who to call…you can find the answers here.

http://www.hopkinsville.info/QCMS/

Hopkinsville-Christian County Downtown Farmers Market ~ Held in historic downtown Hopkinsville, the Farmers Market offers the best in locally-grown produce as well as fresh-cut flowers, and homemade jams, jellies and baked goods.

http://www.kentuckytourism.com/things_to_do/hopkinsvillechristian-county-downtown-farmers-market/5947/

James E. Bruce Convention Center ~ A first-class, state-of-the-art full-service venue.

http://www.bruceconventioncenter.com/

Nashville Opera ~ Creating “legendary productions…reflecting excellence and integrity”

http://www.nashvilleopera.org/Nashville_Opera/Whats_New.html

Pennyroyal Area Museum ~ Interesting, historically educational events all year ‘round.

http://www.hoptown.org/museum

Pennyroyal Arts Council ~ Established in 1977 and housed in the historic L & N Depot, the Pennyroyal Arts Council strives to share and encourage art appreciation in the Hopkinsville community.

http://www.pennyroyalarts.org/homepage.asp

Tie Breaker Park ~ Family Aquatic Center, softball, horseshoes, picnicking…get your game on at Tie Breaker Park…the perfect place to keep your family active and healthy!

http://www.hoptownrec.com/tie-breaker-park

Parks and Recreation

Parks in and around Hopkinsville offer boating, camping facilities, botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries, and perfect picnic facilities…all in beautiful wooded Kentucky settings…the perfect surroundings in which to relax and rejuvenate. From the Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area to the Pennyrile Forest State Park, a breath of fresh air awaits!

 http://www.hoptownrec.com/

 http://www.visithopkinsville.com/qcms/index.asp?Page=Recreation#stateparks

Events

The Lafayette Community Festival, with a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, silent auction, and face painting is an excellent example of the types of family-oriented celebrations taking place in Hopkinsville year ‘round. For a complete listing of this and many other fun-for-all events, visit http://www.visithopkinsville.com/events/FilterEventDates.asp?Range=30.