Menifee 
        County...

THE NATURAL PLACE TO BE!

Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest:
The Land Between Cave Run Lake and The Red River Gorge Geological Area.

MENIFEE COUNTY, KENTUCKY

    Located in The Daniel Boone National Forest between Cave Run Lake ad the Red River Gorge/National Wild and Scenic River, Menifee County has much to offer in outdoor recreation and sightseeing.

    Cave Run Lake, impounded in 1974 with 8,270 surface acres, offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities.  Menifee County has easy access to the lake through full service Longbow Marina on KY 1274 and Leatherwood Boat Ramp on FS 129.  For Marina info, call 606-768-2929.

    Gladie Creek Historical Site where buffalo roam and the Gladie Cabin has been restored is located in the Red River Gorge Area of Menifee County and is easily accessible from Frenchburg; US 460 E to KY 77, then left on KY 715.  Call County Extension agents at 606-768-3866 for activity information.

    Sheltowee Trace Trail that bisects Menifee County, was named for Daniel Boone who explored the land through which the trail passes.  "Sheltowee" is the Indian name given Boone meaning "Big Turtle."

    Tater Knob Lookout Tower, a restored fire tower tat offers a breathtaking view of Menifee, Bath, and Rowan Counties, is located near the Menifee-Bath line in the Pioneer Weapons Area on FS 918.

    Red River Gorge Geological Area/Wild and Scenic River is a 25,500 acre natural scenic wonder of sandstone cliffs, rock formations and a magnificent wilderness.  It is a short drive from Frenchburg, via US 460 E to KY 77 to KY 715.

    Donathan Rock, a prominent landmark, is a massive boulder spectacularly balanced on an outcropping of rock atop a hill overlooking Frenchburg.

    Pioneer Weapons Area is 7,480 acres located in Menifee, Rowan, and Bath Counties where primitive weapons only may be used.  Zilpo Recreation Area is nearby with a modern campground; while primitive camping is available on FS 129.

    Menifee County Park and Public Pool is located one mile E on US 460 with activities including a tennis court, basketball goals, ball fields, grills, and swings; and picnic shelters that may be reserved by calling 606-768-3482.

    Carrington Rock is a historic hilltop landmark that stands watch over the eighteen hole Carrington Green Golf Course on KY 36 near the Menifee-Bath County Line.

    A growing county, Menifee's 5,736 residents enjoy access to modern conveniences in a rural setting.  The county's peaceful and quiet way of life may be attributed to its 20-25 churches which play a vital role in the community.
    Menifee became the Commonwealth's 113th county in 1869 when it was formed from the adjoining counties of Bath, Montgomery, Morgan, Powell, and Wolfe; and was named for Richard H. Menefee, a well-regarded statesman and successful lawyer.  Menefee was serving in the state legislature when he ran for Congress in 1837 and defeated Judge Richard French in a vigorous campaign.  French was equally well known and admired; and his name was chosen for the county seat, Frenchburg.
    Menefee's untimely death in 1841at the age of 31 ended a spectacular career.  He was the youngest person in Kentucky and perhaps in the nation to have a county named for him.  The misspelling of the county name occurred in the legislature when the county was chartered.

    The thoroughbred racehorse Menifee, which narrowly missed winning the 1999 Kentucky Derby, is name for Menifee County.

    Historic Caudel House on Blythe Branch, in Frenchburg at the east end of Main Street, with its unique curved roof surrounded by eight gables, was built in 1908 as the residence of county judge, attorney, and state representative Thomas L. Caudel.  Since that date it also has served as a school, courthouse, and apartment building.  After extensive remodeling, the Caudel House was recently restored as a private residence.

   The Menifee County Courthouse standing at the intersection of US 460 and KY 36, was built of native stone in 1929.

   Menifee County Sorghum has long been a source of pride for many discerning Menifee countians.  Cane mills can still be found in operation in Menifee County in the Fall.

   Much of the county is in the Daniel Boone National Forest.  Being a rural county, many find employment in farming, timbering, and logging.  The major cash crop is tobacco while corn, hay, and soybeans are grown for livestock feed.

Frenchburg Job Corps Center

   Located on KY 15 at the approach to the Red River Gorge, fifteen mile from Natural Bridge State Park.  The Center operates the Frenchburg Academy on a compact campus on sixty-five acres in the National Forest.  The Academy offers a residential training program for disadvantaged youth in the southeastern United States which includes eight vocational grades; social skills training; an adult basic education program; and a high school program with Fayette County and a consortium that includes Menifee, Bath, Montgomery, Rowan, Morgan Counties.  The Frenchburg Job Corps Academy is recruiting youth 16-24 for training in vocational, education, and social skills.  Call 606-768-2111.