Monroe County

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Monroe County, the sixty-fifth county in order of formation, is located in south-central Kentucky along the Tennessee state line. Within the present borders of Monroe County, the first European settlers migrated in the late 1780s and early 1790s mainly from Virginia and North Carolina, with some from Pennsylvania and Maryland. These families settled along the banks of the Cumberland River and had spread throughout the area by the end of the eighteenth century. Among the earliest settlements in Monroe County were Watson's Store and Jim-Town (later Fountain Run). Watson's Store, located on the bluffs of Mill Creek, became Tompkinsville in 1819 and the county seat of Monroe County in 1820. Another prominent community is the town of Gamaliel, established about 1840.

	Courthouse Although relatively new, the Monroe County Courthouse has the "historic" appearance that the County offers visitors.
Old Mulkey The Old Mulkey Meeting House, one of Kentucky's historic shrines, is a nationally-known place for historians. The cemetery contains the markers for pioneer era families, including the sister of Daniel Boone, as well as Revolutionary and Civil War veterans.
	Monroe County High School Not far from Old Mulkey is the Monroe County High School, home to a student entrepreneur program recognized by the Appalachian Regional Commission as outstanding. The students, under the guidance of teacher Mitzi Holland, have come up with ideas for products they can make, advertise, and sell. Some are displayed here. Others include a variety from an electric farm fence gate, picnic tables, and a cookbook for diabetics, which sold out its first printing. These students are making key tags.
Monroe County Economic Development Center Housed in downtown Tompkinsville, the Center includes video conferencing capability through a connection with the Center in Somerset.
	Ferry The Cumberland River Ferry connects Turkey Neck Bend to the Monroe County seat. Near the site, County Judge/Executive Wilbur Graves says a boat ramp will be constructed to offer additional opportunities for sportsmen.