Cities and Towns in Garrard County, Kentucky
Founded in 1796, Garrard County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Garrard County was formed from Madison County, Lincoln County, and Mercer County. The city of Lancaster is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Garrard County has a population of 17,362 and area of 231 square miles (598 km²).
List of all cities in Garrard County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bryantsville, KY | 40410 | 859 |
| Christian Appalachian, KY | 40446 | 859 |
| Lancaster, KY | 40444 | 859 |
| 40446 | 859 | |
| Paint Lick, KY | 40461 | 859 |
Major Cities and Towns in Garrard County, Kentucky
Lancaster
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 40444
- Latitude: 37.6181° N
- Longitude: 84.5780° W
Location and History
Lancaster is the county seat of Garrard County and is located in central Kentucky, about 35 miles south of Lexington. The city was founded in 1797 and named after Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the hometown of some early settlers. Lancaster’s history is deeply intertwined with Kentucky’s frontier days, as it became a key trading post for local farmers. The city grew with the development of agriculture and livestock farming, especially tobacco, which has long been a vital crop for the region. In the 19th century, Lancaster became known for its cultural contributions, particularly in education and religion. Lancaster is also near Camp Dick Robinson, an important Union Army training camp during the Civil War. Today, Lancaster serves as a quiet yet historically significant hub in the region, maintaining its charming small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lancaster is home to several schools within the Garrard County School District, including Garrard County High School and Garrard Middle School. Notable landmarks include the Garrard County Courthouse, built in 1868, which remains a focal point of the city’s historic downtown. The city is also home to the Lancaster Grand Theatre, a historic venue that hosts cultural events and performances, reflecting the town’s rich artistic heritage. Nearby, Herrington Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lancaster Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserves many of the city’s 19th-century buildings and offers a glimpse into its past.
Paint Lick
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
- Population: Around 300 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 40461
- Latitude: 37.6241° N
- Longitude: 84.4473° W
Location and History
Paint Lick is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Garrard County, near the Madison County line. The town was named after Paint Lick Creek, which runs nearby and was used as a landmark by Native American tribes who painted the trees along the creek. Founded in the early 19th century, Paint Lick developed as an agricultural community, with many of its residents engaged in farming and livestock raising. The town was once a bustling center with several general stores, a post office, and a train station that connected it to larger markets. Although it has since quieted down, Paint Lick retains its rural charm and strong sense of history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Paint Lick’s students attend schools in the Garrard County School District, including Garrard County High School in Lancaster. A key landmark in Paint Lick is the Paint Lick Presbyterian Church, founded in 1782, making it one of the oldest churches in the region. The town also features several historic homes and buildings that reflect its 19th-century roots. Paint Lick is known for its scenic countryside, with rolling hills and farmlands defining much of the landscape. The community is located near the Berea Pinnacles and other natural attractions, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking and exploring the beauty of central Kentucky.
Bryantsville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.4 square miles
- Population: Around 400 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 40410
- Latitude: 37.7223° N
- Longitude: 84.6302° W
Location and History
Bryantsville is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Garrard County, near the Kentucky River. It is situated about 10 miles north of Lancaster and roughly 25 miles south of Lexington. The town was founded in the early 1800s and named after the Bryant family, who were among the first settlers in the region. Bryantsville grew as an agricultural community, with tobacco and corn being the primary crops. Its proximity to the Kentucky River made it an important area for trade and transportation in the 19th century. Though it remains small, Bryantsville continues to be a rural hub for local farmers and residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bryantsville is served by the Garrard County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Lancaster, including Garrard County High School. One of the notable landmarks in the area is the historic Camp Dick Robinson, located just outside Bryantsville. This site played a key role during the Civil War, serving as the first Union Army training camp in Kentucky. The surrounding farmland and proximity to the Kentucky River are also defining features of the area, offering picturesque views and outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. Bryantsville is known for its rural charm and its ties to both Kentucky’s agricultural and Civil War histories.
Buena Vista
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
- Population: Around 100 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 40444
- Latitude: 37.7569° N
- Longitude: 84.6255° W
Location and History
Buena Vista is a small, rural community located in the northern part of Garrard County, near the Kentucky River. The town was established in the mid-19th century and was named after the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War, a conflict that had a significant impact on many of the town’s early settlers. Buena Vista developed as a quiet agricultural settlement, with tobacco, corn, and livestock farming serving as the primary economic activities. Over the years, the town has remained small, retaining its rural and agricultural roots while serving as a peaceful residential community for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in Buena Vista attend schools in Lancaster, as part of the Garrard County School District. A key feature of Buena Vista is its scenic countryside, with rolling hills and farmland offering a picturesque view of rural Kentucky life. The town’s proximity to the Kentucky River provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. Buena Vista is also located near Camp Nelson National Monument, a significant Civil War site that offers historical exhibits and walking trails. The community’s small size and peaceful setting make it an ideal location for those who appreciate the beauty of Kentucky’s rural landscape and historical significance.