Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Ashland, Kentucky, is a city steeped in history and cultural significance, shrouded in intriguing tales. From its humble beginnings as a family settlement to its rise as a regional industrial powerhouse, Ashland has witnessed remarkable transformations. This captivating city has been home to country music legends, hosted a presidential visit, and even inspired chilling online horror stories.
Here are 10 amazing fun facts about Ashland, Kentucky:
- Poages Landing: Ashland was originally founded by the Poage Family and remained an extended family settlement for decades until its name was changed to Ashland in the 1850s. It was named after famous statesman Henry Clay’s estate in Lexington, Kentucky.
- ARMCO: American Rolling Mill Company opened its Ashland facility in 1922, and it set world records in production and became an employer of over seven-thousand people. Its successor companies eventually would shut this facility down in the late 2010s.
- Country Music Highway: Ashland sits right along US 23, which is known in Kentucky as the “Country Music Highway”. Local artists such as the Judds and Billy Ray Cyrus have called greater Ashland their home, and their country music traditions have paved the way for newer northeastern Kentucky artists such as Cole Chaney and Jayce Turley.
- Presidential Visit: President Bill Clinton visited Ashland during his 1996 re-election campaign.
- Flood of 1937: Like many Ohio River towns, Ashland was severely impacted by the Flood of 1937 and discussions for a new floodwall occurred soon thereafter. Today, the artistic floodwall protects the city from flooding and displays gorgeous artwork to visitors and residents alike.
- Paramount Joe: The classic Paramount Arts Center, a historic theater built in 1931 is said to be haunted by a ghost named Paramount Joe. It is said that he was a construction worker found dead by his coworkers inside the theater and still lingers to this day.
- The Daily Independent: The longtime local newspaper’s first claim to fame was that of being the first publication to publish supposed photos of Jesus in Korea in 1951.
- Creepypasta Tales: Ashland is mentioned in various creepypasta (online horror stories), such as Candle Cove and the Adenaman. Horror fiction runs deep in the hills of Ashland.
- Helter Skelter: Deranged cult leader and serial killer Charles Manson has roots in Ashland, with both of his parents being residents. Before his birth, Manson’s mother fled to nearby Cincinnati, Ohio where the future murderer was born.
- Star Power: A number of celebrities call Ashland home, including Sonny Landham and Gerardo.
Ashland, Kentucky, is a city that defies easy categorization. It is a place where history, industry, music, and mystery intertwine. From the legacy of the Poage family to the haunting presence of Paramount Joe, Ashland’s stories are as diverse as they are captivating. Whether you’re drawn to its industrial past, its musical heritage, or its chilling tales, Ashland offers a wealth of experiences for those willing to explore its hidden depths. So, the next time you find yourself in northeastern Kentucky, take a detour to Ashland and discover the secrets that lie beneath its charming façade.