Richmond, Madison County, and the Battle That Opened Kentucky
Richmond was founded in 1798 and became the seat of Madison County. The city sits in the southern Bluegrass region, roughly 25 miles south of Lexington along Interstate 75. During the Civil War, the Battle of Richmond on August 29-30, 1862, resulted in one of the most complete Confederate victories of the war. Union forces suffered over 5,000 casualties out of roughly 6,500 troops engaged.
Eastern Kentucky University, established in 1906, is the largest employer in Madison County. The university enrolls about 16,000 students and operates a regional campus system that extends its reach into surrounding Appalachian counties. The campus occupies a prominent ridge above downtown Richmond.
Manufacturing and distribution have grown in importance along the I-75 corridor through Madison County. Several automotive parts suppliers and food processing operations have established facilities here, attracted by the highway access and labor availability. Fort Boonesborough State Park, located along the Kentucky River east of town, marks the site of one of the earliest permanent settlements in Kentucky, established by Daniel Boone in 1775.
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Richmond was founded in 1798 and became the seat of Madison County. The city sits in the southern Bluegrass region, roughly 25 miles south of Lexington along Interstate 75. During the Civil War, the Battle of Richmond on August 29-30, 1862, resulted in one of the most complete Confederate victories of the war. Union forces suffered over 5,000 casualties out of roughly 6,500 troops engaged.
Eastern Kentucky University, established in 1906, is the largest employer in Madison County. The university enrolls about 16,000 students and operates a regional campus system that extends its reach into surrounding Appalachian counties. The campus occupies a prominent ridge above downtown Richmond.
Manufacturing and distribution have grown in importance along the I-75 corridor through Madison County. Several automotive parts suppliers and food processing operations have established facilities here, attracted by the highway access and labor availability. Fort Boonesborough State Park, located along the Kentucky River east of town, marks the site of one of the earliest permanent settlements in Kentucky, established by Daniel Boone in 1775.
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