Welcome friends to the second of what will hopefully be 118 or so more editions of KSR County Spotlight. Way back in 2008, while probably needing some filler posts thanks to Billy Clyde, Matt had the idea of highlighting every county in our beautiful state. Giving it the old college try, he made it all the way through Adair County, the first one. I’m here to revive the series and hopefully leave you with a little insight as to what makes our state so great. And at worst, you’ll get some sweet puns. Now, come visit Adair County with me …
Founded in December 1801 from parts of Green County,
Adair County was named in honor of the late, great John Adair, Kentucky’s 8th governor. Part of the Pennyrile region, 40% of the county is covered by trees, coming in a close second to Chane Behanan’s living room floor. However, the major feature of the county is the Green River, where I hear paradise lays. Many an Adair resident can be found basking in the sun on a boat or a dock during the summer months.
Adair County’s biggest city,
A Great Place To Call Home I’m told, is Columbia. This tranquil little city of just under 5,000 is a great place for family life, boasting such events as the Mark Twain Marching Band Festival (see below), Renaissance Columbia Downtown Days and a great 4th of July celebration for those of you still looking for plans. A quick shout out to Emily Peck, Adair County High School’s 2014 Valedictorian. Congratulations Emily, although I doubt you read sites like this seeing as you’re Valedictorian.
In its 212 year history, Adair County has seen its share of famous residents. One of these is Jane Lampton Clemens, the mother of a man named Samuel Clemens. You may know Samuel better as
famous American author Mark Twain. While he had written some of the world’s most recognizable books you didn't read that 7th grade summer, (because who does summer reading?), Twain is just as famous for his majestic mustache. Hmm good looking Kentucky mustachioed writers ...
One more resident I think needs mentioning is a
Ms. Evelyn West. After growing up a bit, Evelyn got a job working in a ‘sideshow’ in the Illinois State Fair. While I’m not sure what exactly her role was in said sideshow, I think this next tidbit my help shed some light. After moving on to a career in burlesque, Evelyn is reported to have had her unusually large bust line insured for $50,000 through Lloyd’s of London, THEN tried to legally change her name to Evelyn “$50,000 Treasure Chest” West. Can’t make this stuff up.
One of the prominent establishments in Adair County is
Lindsey Wilson College. Nestled on a hill top in Columbia, this college of 2,645 is one of the fastest growing independent colleges in the state. This liberal-arts college offers many different courses in the spring/fall while still hosting great events during the summer. Is anyone else going to TheatreFest Summer Camp next week? Seriously, I need a ride.
Obviously we can't forget the most famous Adair attraction ...
THE WORLD'S NICEST BURGER KING!! Every time Matt and the boys swing by Columbia, they have to stop by this palace to host a remote and grab a Whopper. I'm not sure what you folks are putting in your fast food water down there, but make mine a double, with cheese.
So there it is folks, our tour continues. As always, I encourage you to get out and visit these wonderful places. Also, please feel free to email me any stories/thoughts/fun facts on the county you’re from at
[email protected] or leave them below in the comments section. Allen County, you're on the clock.
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