Formed in 1780, Lincoln County is one of Kentucky's three original territories. Named in honor of Revolutionary Army Officer Benjamin Lincoln. The original territory of Lincoln comprised about one-third of the state but was reduced by cutting off sections to form other counties until its present area of 450 square miles. Lincoln County Kentucky is ready for fisherman, placing in the top 50 in the nation for Bass fishing with Cedar Lake. But fishing is a family affair in Lincoln with top rated farm to table dining, specialty shops lining main street and plenty of history to share. It is a one stop smile shop for families. A county riddled with firsts, including Kentucky’s first governor, Isaac Shelby; first charter school in the state; first brick house in Kentucky, the William Whitley House; first courthouse west of the Alleghenies, and America’s first counter clockwise race track.
Lincoln County also has the oldest archives in the state dating back to 1779 some records even being on sheepskin. Lincoln County traces its roots to some of Kentucky's oldest settlers, including Daniel Boone. Lincoln County has been the settling place for many throughout history. Such as, Benjamin Logan, who along with other early settlers, repeatedly and successfully fought off Indian attacks. Logan's Fort, which was located near the existing Stanford downtown district, was the final jewel of the "triple crown" of forts in Kentucky. Cumberland Trace, which goes to Nashville and turns into the Natchez Trace, begins at Logan's Fort. Court was held within the walls of the fort from 1781 to 1783, the original beginnings of many Kentucky counties south of the Kentucky River. The settlement, which evolved into the present day town of Stanford is the second oldest permanent settlement in the state. Historic downtown Stanford is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lt. Richard Caswell Saufley was also born and reared in Stanford (Lincoln County.)
This pioneer aviator was the first man to fly an American plane over enemy territory, the first to be filmed in action in a war plane, the first to fly a plane off the deck of a ship, and he set world endurance and altitude records. Named in his honor are NAS Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida and U.S. Navy Destroyer, U.S.S. Saufley, DD-465. Make your way to Lincoln County through The Wilderness Trail, originally called the "Great Road," that passes through Lincoln County. The trail, which was the gateway to the west, runs along St. Asaph's Creek of present-day Stanford. If you are looking for adventure, learn some history or just a fishing getaway, Lincoln County has been the place to be since 1775.
