Community & History
community
Once a wilderness between Louisville and Frankfort, Shelbyville was founded in 1792 and had a population of 262 by 1800. By the time the Civil War arrived, Shelbyville had a few thousand residents-many of them fought valiantly when the town’s courthouse was attacked by confederate soldiers.
The turn-of-the-19th century saw a building boom, with an architecturally beautiful downtown, a legacy of the era. Through it all, Shelbyville retained its small-town atmosphere- a friendly place to get away from it all and a place to get anywhere you need to go. Now known as the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, due to its 90+ Saddlebred farms, Shelbyville is home to eclectic shops, destination dining and agritourism tours.
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There’s a little slice of Kentucky for everyone in Shelby County. Here in the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World” you’ll find authentic Kentucky: a pioneering spirit, rural character and a home-town feel. It’s small-town charm with grand scale shopping, rolling pastureland with plenty to do.
Go antiquing. Play golf. Visit the wineries or distillery. Dine at locally owned eateries – including one created by Colonel Sanders for his wife. Catch a play. Attend a festival. And do what you can only do in Shelby County: Tour an American Saddlebred Horse Farm in the place where the breed began.
ShelbyKY Tourism Commission & Visitors Bureau
219 7th Street
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-633-6388
Community Partners
Shelby Main Street
City of Shelbyville
City of Simpsonville
Shelby County Government
Upcoming Events
Lake Shelby Fish Fry
Enjoy a delicious fish fry at Lake Shelby! Event presented by Shelbyville/Shelby County Parks.
Jammin' at Jeptha!
Jammin’ at Jeptha is back with with great live music, food, games, and craft cocktails at the bar!...
Live Music at Talon Winery
- Talon Winery
- every week on Saturday
Enjoy free live music at Talon Winery as you enjoy locally crafted wines, many featuring grapes...
Fourth Friday Live Music
Come shop Shelbyville's downtown shops and enjoy some live music on the 4th Friday of each month at...