Cities and Towns in Cumberland County, Kentucky

Founded in 1798, Cumberland County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Cumberland County was formed from Green County. The city of Burkesville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Cumberland County has a population of 5,879 and area of 306 square miles (793 km²).

List of all cities in Cumberland County, KY alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bakerton, KY 42717 270
Bow, KY 42717 270
Burkesville, KY 42717 270
Dubre, KY 42731 270
Kettle, KY 42717 270
Marrowbone, KY 42759 270
Peytonsburg, KY 42717 270
Waterview, KY 42717 270

Major Cities and Towns in Cumberland County, Kentucky

Burkesville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.89 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,600 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 42717
  • Latitude: 36.7909° N
  • Longitude: 85.3700° W

Location and History

Burkesville is the county seat of Cumberland County, nestled in south-central Kentucky along the Cumberland River. The town is approximately 115 miles northeast of Nashville, Tennessee, and 140 miles southeast of Louisville, Kentucky. Burkesville’s early history dates back to the early 19th century when it became a hub for commerce due to its strategic location along the Cumberland River. Steamboat travel made Burkesville a bustling river town. Founded in 1810 and named after Samuel Burk, the city was officially incorporated in 1846. It played a role during the Civil War, primarily as a Confederate supply depot. Today, Burkesville is known for its charming small-town feel and its proximity to natural attractions like Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Burkesville has several educational institutions, including Cumberland County High School, Cumberland County Elementary School, and Cumberland County Middle School, which serve students from around the region. The town’s most significant landmarks include Dale Hollow Lake, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping. Another major attraction is the Cumberland River, offering scenic beauty and outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing. The historic downtown area of Burkesville is also a landmark, featuring buildings that reflect its rich history and southern charm.


Marrowbone

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Around 250 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 42759
  • Latitude: 36.7903° N
  • Longitude: 85.3678° W

Location and History

Marrowbone is a small, unincorporated community in Cumberland County, located a short distance northwest of Burkesville. The town is situated near the Marrowbone Creek, which flows into the Cumberland River, offering scenic views and a peaceful rural environment. The area was historically a farming community, with early settlers arriving in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The town’s name is derived from the nearby creek, which was said to be named after the bone-like appearance of rocks in the area. Marrowbone has long been a tight-knit community focused on agriculture and rural life. While it remains relatively small and quiet, it offers a glimpse into traditional Kentucky life and the natural beauty of the surrounding region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Due to its small size, Marrowbone does not have its own schools but is served by the nearby educational institutions in Burkesville, such as Cumberland County High School and Cumberland County Middle School. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including Marrowbone State Forest, which offers hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation opportunities. Additionally, the Marrowbone Creek is a central feature of the town, with residents and visitors alike enjoying the scenic waterway for fishing and outdoor recreation.


Peytonsburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
  • Population: Around 150 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 42718
  • Latitude: 36.7355° N
  • Longitude: 85.4394° W

Location and History

Peytonsburg is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Cumberland County. The town lies near the Kentucky-Tennessee border and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmlands. Founded in the early 1800s, Peytonsburg was originally settled by families who were attracted to the fertile lands for farming. The town’s history is closely tied to the agricultural economy of the region, which revolved around crops such as tobacco and corn. Peytonsburg was once a more prominent rural trading post, but as transportation shifted away from river routes and towards roadways, the town’s significance dwindled. Today, it remains a quiet community, preserving the slow pace of rural life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

While Peytonsburg does not have its own schools, students attend schools in the nearby Burkesville area, including Cumberland County High School. One of the main landmarks in Peytonsburg is the surrounding rural landscape, which offers panoramic views of Cumberland County’s farmlands and forests. The town is also located near several historic churches and cemeteries that reflect the long-standing community ties in the area. The Cumberland River, though not directly running through Peytonsburg, is a nearby natural landmark that draws visitors for boating and fishing. The area is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and rural environment in southern Kentucky.