A Kentucky Kind of Place: Bath County

Photo: Kentucky Historical Society

Bath County was established in 1811 and named for the area’s natural mineral springs, which reminded early settlers of the famous spa town of Bath, England.

Located where Kentucky’s Knobs region meets the edge of the Appalachians, Bath County is home to rolling hills, forested ridges, and the small town of Owingsville, which has served as the county seat since the beginning.

The Clear Creek Natural Area is one of the county’s most scenic spots. Its cold, clear waters flow through deep forest stands of ancient hemlocks…land once believed to have healing powers thanks to its mineral-rich springs.

The southern edge of the county includes a stretch of Daniel Boone National Forest. A short hike leads to the site of the old salt works, where early settlers once gathered and processed salt by hand.

Just down the road, the remains of an early 19th-century iron furnace still stand. These small blast furnaces once powered Kentucky’s iron industry, using local timber and ore to produce tools, farm equipment, and weaponry.

During the Civil War, the Battle of Salt Lick Bridge took place here in 1864. Confederate forces attacked the railroad bridge, briefly halting Union supply lines before withdrawing. Today, the site is marked by a historical plaque just off KY-211.

In the 1800s, Bath County became a destination for wealthy visitors seeking the restorative powers of spring water. Several resorts were built near the mineral springs, drawing travelers from across the region.

In 1876, Bath County made national headlines when chunks of meat reportedly fell from the sky. The so-called “Kentucky Meat Shower” landed on a farm near Olympia Springs and has never been definitively explained.

Water worth finding: The Licking River traces the county’s northern edge, creating fertile bottomland and deep, fishable pools. Locals still guard their favorite spots