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.