Paint Lick can be explored through the history of its name, specific historical dates, and two distinct connections to water. Paint Lick Creek extends to the KY 52 bridge in town; a ramp in Garrard County also serves as the takeout for a half-day trip on the Kentucky River. These topics answer different questions for planning: What shaped the town’s history, where is the cemetery, and what timeframe is planned for the river trip?
Place Name and Historical Traces
Paint Lick was named after marks that early settlers found on trees along the creek banks and at a nearby salt lick. The marks had been painted by Indigenous people. This account of the name’s origin connects it to the creek area and the salt lick.
The original Paint Lick Station was established in 1775. In 1782, Thomas Maxwell, Samuel Woods, Alexander Render son, and James McKay founded the Old Paint Lick Presbyterian Church. The historic Paint Lick Ferry was established in 1789. In the fall of 1868, the first train reached Paint Lick and Richmond. A later milestone is the Paint Lick School at 10973 Richmond Rd. in Paint Lick: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 2007. Together, these dates show different stages in the town’s history, from the original station through the church, ferry, and railroad to the school’s historic designation.
Cemetery and Directions
Old Paint Lick Cemetery is on Manse Road, which branches off Highway 52, about 3 miles southwest of Paint Lick. The oldest marked grave is located there. John Provine, also known as John Province, died in 1792. The cemetery’s location outside town is a useful planning reference for a visit; check local access conditions in advance.
Another historical landmark is the marker for Fort Paint Lick. It is located in Paint Lick on KY 52. This gives a specific location for the marker and separate directions and distance information for the cemetery. These details help keep the historical sites distinct when planning, without treating their locations as the same.
Paint Lick Creek and the Kentucky River Trip
The 22.0-mile smallmouth section of Paint Lick Creek extends from its mouth to the KY 52 bridge in Paint Lick. Its length and named endpoint provide a reference for this section of the creek. Access and fishing conditions can change; check current conditions if you include the creek in your plans.
The half-day trip on the Kentucky River is a separate outing: in Garrard County, Buckeye/Paint Lick Boat Ramp serves as the takeout for a 3.5-mile trip. The ramp also marks a landing for the historic Paint Lick Ferry, established in 1789. Access and conditions at the ramp can change; check them in advance. For the creek, a route with an endpoint is specified; for the river trip, the timeframe is half a day. These are different planning references.
Plan Your Hotel and Stay
If you’re looking for a hotel in Paint Lick, match the specific location of the accommodation with the activities you plan to do. For the cemetery, the direction and approximate distance are relevant; the Kentucky River trip takes half a day and has a takeout in Garrard County. Distance and duration are different planning considerations: account for them separately when coordinating your itinerary and accommodations.
For the broader travel overview: Garrard County.
