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Coordinates: 38°06′38″N 82°37′39″W / 38.11056°N 82.62750°W / 38.11056; -82.62750
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Louisa, Kentucky
| official_name = Louisa, Kentucky
|settlement_type = [[list of Ky cities|City]]
| settlement_type = [[list of Ky cities|City]]
|named_for =
| named_for =
| nickname = The Gem of the Mountains<ref>{{cite news |title=Louisa: A Brief Review of Her Prospects, Needs, Advantages and a Short Description of Her Business and Business Men |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83004226/1888-03-22/ed-1/seq-2/ |access-date=29 November 2023 |publisher=Big Sandy News (Louisa, KY) |date=22 March 1888}}</ref>
|nickname =
|motto =
| motto = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline = Main Cross in downtown Louisa.jpg
| imagesize = 250px
| image_caption = Main Street
| image_flag =
| image_seal = <!-- Maps -->
| image_map = File:Lawrence County Kentucky Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Louisa Highlighted 2147854.svg
| mapsize = 250px
| map_caption = Location in Lawrence County, Kentucky
| image_map1 =
| mapsize1 =
| map_caption1 = <!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = United States
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kentucky]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Kentucky|County]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Lawrence County, Kentucky|Lawrence]]
| government_footnotes =
| government_type = [[Mayor-council government|Mayor-Council]]
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Harold Slone
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date = December 11, 1822
| established_title2 = Incorporated
| established_date2 = 1869


<!-- Area -->| unit_pref = Imperial
<!-- Images -->
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_21.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 18, 2022}}</ref>
|image_skyline = Main Cross in downtown Louisa.jpg
| area_magnitude =
|imagesize = 250px
| area_total_km2 = 5.86
|image_caption = Main Street
|image_flag =
| area_land_km2 = 5.81
| area_water_km2 = 0.05
|image_seal =
| area_total_sq_mi = 2.26
| area_land_sq_mi = 2.24
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.02


<!-- Population -->| population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
<!-- Maps -->
| population_footnotes =
|image_map = File:Lawrence County Kentucky Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Louisa Highlighted 2147854.svg
| population_total = 2679
|mapsize = 250px
| population_density_km2 = 461.31
|map_caption = Location in Lawrence County, Kentucky
<!-- 2018 est. -->| population_density_sq_mi = 1194.92
|image_map1 =
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 =


<!-- General information -->| timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
<!-- Location -->
| utc_offset = -5
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
| timezone_DST = EDT
| utc_offset_DST = -4
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|subdivision_name1 = [[Kentucky]]
| elevation_ft = 607
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Kentucky|County]]
| coordinates = {{coord|38|06|38|N|82|37|39|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_name2 = [[Lawrence County, Kentucky|Lawrence]]
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
|government_footnotes =
| postal_code = 41201, 41230
|government_type = [[Mayor-council government|Mayor-Council]]
|leader_title = Mayor
| area_code = [[Area code 606|606]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|leader_name = Harold Slone
|leader_title1 =
| blank_info = 21-47854
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|leader_name1 =
| blank1_info = 2404959<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2404959}}</ref>
|established_title = Established
| website = {{URL|www.cityoflouisa.org}}
|established_date = December 11, 1822
|established_title2 = Incorporated
| footnotes =
|established_date2 = 1869
| pop_est_as_of = 2022
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2022/cities/totals/SUB-IP-EST2022-POP-21.xlsx|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Kentucky: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022|publisher= United States Census Bureau|access-date= May 26, 2023}}</ref>

| population_est = 2623
<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_21.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 18, 2022}}</ref>
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 5.86
|area_land_km2 = 5.81
|area_water_km2 = 0.05
|area_total_sq_mi = 2.26
|area_land_sq_mi = 2.24
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.02

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes =
|population_total = 2679
|population_density_km2 = 461.31
<!-- 2018 est. -->
|population_density_sq_mi = 1194.92

<!-- General information -->
|timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
|utc_offset = -5
|timezone_DST = EDT
|utc_offset_DST = -4
|elevation_footnotes =
|elevation_m = 178
|elevation_ft = 584
|coordinates = {{coord|38|6|43|N|82|36|21|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code = 41201, 41230
|area_code = [[Area code 606|606]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 21-47854
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0497204
|website = {{URL|www.cityoflouisa.org}}
|footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est =
}}
}}


'''Louisa''' is a [[list of Kentucky cities|home rule-class city]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.klc.org/UserFiles/files/ClassificationReformFACT(3).pdf |title=Summary and Reference Guide to House Bill 331 City Classification Reform |publisher=Kentucky League of Cities |access-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> located at the merger of the [[Levisa Fork River|Levisa]] and [[Tug Fork River|Tug Fork]]s into the [[Big Sandy River (Ohio River tributary)|Big Sandy River]]. It is located in [[Lawrence County, Kentucky|Lawrence County]], [[Kentucky]], in the United States, and is the [[county seat|seat]] of its county.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The population was 2,467 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Louisa,%20KY&g=1600000US2147584&tid=DECENNIALSF12010.P1| title=Total Population: 2010 Census DEC Summary File 1 (P1), Louisa city, Kentucky| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| website=data.census.gov| access-date=February 7, 2020}}</ref> and an estimated 2,375 in 2018.<ref name="USCensusEst2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref>
'''Louisa''' is a home-rule class city located in eastern [[Kentucky]], United States, at the merger of the [[Levisa Fork River|Levisa]] and [[Tug Fork River|Tug Fork]]s into the [[Big Sandy River (Ohio River tributary)|Big Sandy River]], which forms part of the state's border with West Virginia. It is the [[county seat|seat]] of [[Lawrence County, Kentucky|Lawrence County]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The population was 2,467 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Louisa,%20KY&g=1600000US2147584&tid=DECENNIALSF12010.P1| title=Total Population: 2010 Census DEC Summary File 1 (P1), Louisa city, Kentucky| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| website=data.census.gov| access-date=February 7, 2020}}</ref> and an estimated 2,375 in 2018.<ref name="USCensusEst2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The origin of the city's name is unclear. Theories include that it was named for [[Louisa County, Virginia]], after Louisa Swetnam, one of the [[first white child]]ren born in the area, or after a corruption of the original name of the Levisa Fork, as it was originally written and spoken as the "Louisa Fork." Others claim that the Levisa Fork is named for Levite connections to the [[Cherokee]] and other native tribes prior to later European contact. An 1856 map still shows the river under the name "Louisa." [[Virginia]], [[the Carolinas|Carolina]] and other English colonial-linked settlement attempts began as early as 1790 but did not take hold until 1818. Louisa became the county seat in 1822 and a city in 1823.
The origin of the city's name is unclear. Theories include that it was named for [[Louisa County, Virginia]], after Louisa Swetnam, one of the [[first white child]]ren born in the area, or after a corruption of the original name of the Levisa Fork, as it was originally written and spoken as the "Louisa Fork." An 1856 map still shows the river under the name "Louisa." [[Virginia]], [[the Carolinas|Carolina]] and other English colonial-linked settlement attempts began as early as 1790 but did not take hold until 1818. Louisa became the county seat in 1822 and a city in 1823.


About 1792 Vancouver's Station, which had been destroyed by the Native Americans in 1790, on the tongue of land between the Levisa and Tug Forks of the Big Sandy, was reestablished. A few years later this settlement was known as "Balclutha" and is so designated on early maps of the state.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=hXIUAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA242&dq=balclutha%20%22mason%20county%20kentucky%22&pg=PA241#v=onepage&q&f=false Jillson, Willard Rouse. “The Big Sandy Valley: A Regional History Prior to 1850.” In: Register. Kentucky State Historical Society. Frankfort, KY : Kentucky State Historical Society, Vol. 20, No. 60 (September, 1922): pages 241-242]</ref>
About 1792 Vancouver's Station, which had been destroyed by the Native Americans in 1790, on the tongue of land between the Levisa and Tug Forks of the Big Sandy, was reestablished. A few years later this settlement was known as "Balclutha" and is so designated on early maps of the state.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=hXIUAAAAYAAJ&dq=balclutha%20%22mason%20county%20kentucky%22&pg=PA241 Jillson, Willard Rouse. “The Big Sandy Valley: A Regional History Prior to 1850.” In: Register. Kentucky State Historical Society. Frankfort, KY : Kentucky State Historical Society, Vol. 20, No. 60 (September, 1922): pages 241-242]</ref>


During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], Union troops under future president [[James A. Garfield]] occupied the city from December 1861 until the end of the war, despite several Confederate takeover attempts.
During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], Union troops under future president [[James A. Garfield]] occupied the city from December 1861 until the end of the war, despite several Confederate takeover attempts.


[[File:Needle dam louisa ky.jpg|thumb|left|General view of the needle dam and lock as originally built in 1896 at Louisa]]
[[File:Needle dam louisa ky.jpg|thumb|left|General view of the needle dam and lock as originally built in 1896 at Louisa]]
The Chattaroi Railroad (now a part of [[CSX]]) connected to Louisa in 1881. The city is also served by [[US 23]].
The [[Chattaroi Railroad]] (now a part of [[CSX]]) connected to Louisa in 1881. The city is also served by [[US 23]]. The first [[needle dam]] constructed in the United States was completed just north of town in 1896.<ref>Thomas, B.F. & Watt, D.A. [https://books.google.com/books?id=M9ZAAAAAMAAJ&printsec=copyright&dq=The+improvement+of+rivers+:+a+treatise+on+the+methods+employed+for+improving+streams+for+open+navigation,+and+for+navigation+by+menas+of+locks+and+dams+/+B.+F.+Thomas.#PPA563,M1 ''The Improvement of Rivers: A Treatise on the Methods Employed For Improving Streams for Open Navigation, and for Navigation by Means of Locks and Dams''], p. 563. 1913.</ref>

The ''Big Sandy News'', headquartered in Louisa, profiled the town in March 1888.<ref>{{cite news |title=Louisa |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83004226/1888-03-22/ed-1/seq-2/ |access-date=29 November 2023 |publisher=Big Sandy News (Louisa, KY) |date=22 March 1888}}</ref>


The first [[needle dam]] constructed in the United States was completed just north of town in 1896.<ref>Thomas, B.F. & Watt, D.A. [https://books.google.com/books?id=M9ZAAAAAMAAJ&q=The+improvement+of+rivers+:+a+treatise+on+the+methods+employed+for+improving+streams+for+open+navigation,+and+for+navigation+by+menas+of+locks+and+dams+/+B.+F.+Thomas. ''The Improvement of Rivers: A Treatise on the Methods Employed For Improving Streams for Open Navigation, and for Navigation by Means of Locks and Dams''], p. 563. 1913.</ref>
The city was home to [[Fred M. Vinson]], the 13th [[Chief Justice of the United States]], and to [[the York Brothers]], a popular country music act of the 1940s and 1950s.<ref>Bopping.org. "[http://www.bopping.org/york-brothers-leslie-george-hamtramck-mama-1940s-hillbilly-into-1950s-and-beyond/ York Brothers]".</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Louisa is located in eastern Lawrence County at {{coord|38|6|43|N|82|36|21|W|type:city}} (38.112054, -82.605796).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> Its eastern border is the [[Levisa Fork]], and its northern border is the [[Big Sandy River (Ohio River tributary)|Big Sandy River]], which also serves as the Kentucky–[[West Virginia]] border.
Louisa's eastern border is the [[Levisa Fork]], and its northern border is the [[Big Sandy River (Ohio River tributary)|Big Sandy River]], which also serves as the Kentucky–[[West Virginia]] border.


[[U.S. Route 23]] passes through the western side of the city, leading north {{convert|30|mi}} down the valley of the Big Sandy River to [[Ashland, Kentucky|Ashland]] on the [[Ohio River]] and southwest {{convert|28|mi}} to [[Staffordsville, Kentucky|Staffordsville]]. [[Kentucky Route 3]] passes through the center of Louisa on Madison Street; KY 3 leads northwest {{convert|7|mi|0}} to [[Fallsburg, Kentucky|Fallsburg]] and southeast up the valley of the [[Tug Fork]] and [[Rockcastle Creek]] {{convert|25|mi}} to [[Inez, Kentucky|Inez]]. [[Kentucky Route 32]] leads southwest from Louisa {{convert|18|mi}} to [[Blaine, West Virginia|Blaine]]. [[West Virginia Route 37]] leads east across the Tug Fork to [[Fort Gay, West Virginia]].
[[U.S. Route 23]] passes through the western side of the city, leading north {{convert|30|mi}} down the valley of the Big Sandy River to [[Ashland, Kentucky|Ashland]] on the [[Ohio River]] and southwest {{convert|28|mi}} to [[Staffordsville, Kentucky|Staffordsville]]. [[Kentucky Route 3]] passes through the center of Louisa on Madison Street; KY 3 leads northwest {{convert|7|mi|0}} to [[Fallsburg, Kentucky|Fallsburg]] and southeast up the valley of the [[Tug Fork]] and [[Rockcastle Creek]] {{convert|25|mi}} to [[Inez, Kentucky|Inez]]. [[Kentucky Route 32]] leads southwest from Louisa {{convert|18|mi}} to [[Blaine, Kentucky|Blaine]]. [[West Virginia Route 37]] leads east across the Tug Fork to [[Fort Gay, West Virginia]].


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Louisa has a total area of {{convert|5.9|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|0.05|sqkm|order=flip|2}}, or 0.81%, are water.<ref name=Gazetteer>{{cite web| url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_21.txt| title=U.S. Gazetteer Files: 2019: Places: Kentucky| website=U.S. Census Bureau Geography Division| access-date=February 7, 2020}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Louisa has a total area of {{convert|5.9|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|0.05|sqkm|order=flip|2}}, or 0.81%, are water.<ref name=Gazetteer>{{cite web| url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_21.txt| title=U.S. Gazetteer Files: 2019: Places: Kentucky| website=U.S. Census Bureau Geography Division| access-date=February 7, 2020}}</ref>
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==Points of interest==
==Points of interest==
The bridge from Louisa, in eastern Lawrence County, to [[Fort Gay, West Virginia]], is something of a geographic and architectural oddity. The quarter-mile concrete span spans two forks of the [[Big Sandy River (Ohio River)|Big Sandy River]], connects two states and has a right turn at its halfway point, which connects traffic to the Point Section neighborhood of Louisa.
The bridge from Louisa, Kentucky to [[Fort Gay, West Virginia]], is something of a geographic and architectural oddity. The quarter-mile concrete span spans two forks of the [[Big Sandy River (Ohio River)|Big Sandy River]], connects two states and has a right turn at its halfway point, which connects traffic to the Point Section neighborhood of Louisa. The current concrete and steel structure was constructed in 1979 and retrofitted in 2003.<ref>[https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21678 "Retrofit of the Louisa-Fort Gay Bridge Using CFRP Laminates"]</ref>


"The Paveillon" (or more commonly known as "The Birdhouse") is a five story tall spire structure that serves as a gas station, rest stop, and [https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kentucky-county-music-museum country music museum] along U.S. Route 23 as it passes through the western side of the city. The structure was inspired by the [[Hotel del Coronado]] in [[San Diego]], [[California]] and the [[Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa|Grand Floridian Resort]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]].
"The Paveillon" (or more commonly known as "The Birdhouse") is a five story tall spire structure that serves as a gas station, rest stop, and a country music museum <ref>[https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kentucky-county-music-museum Museum]</ref> along U.S. Route 23 as it passes through the western side of the city. The structure was inspired by the [[Hotel del Coronado]] in [[San Diego]], [[California]] and the [[Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa|Grand Floridian Resort]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]].


The [[Fred M. Vinson Birthplace|Fred M. Vinson Museum and Welcome Center]] is the historical boyhood home of the 13th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the first jail to be built in Lawrence County. It is located on the corner of Madison St. and Vinson Ave. The grave of Chief Justice Vinson can also be found at Pinehill Cemetery.
The [[Fred M. Vinson Birthplace|Fred M. Vinson Museum and Welcome Center]] is the historical boyhood home of the 13th Chief Justice of the United States, and the first jail to be built in Lawrence County. It is located on the corner of Madison St. and Vinson Ave. The grave of Chief Justice Vinson can also be found at Pinehill Cemetery.


==Culture==
==Culture==
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==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{US Census population
{{US Census population
|1830= 87
| 1830 = 87
|1860= 258
| 1860 = 258
|1870= 425
| 1870 = 425
|1880= 496
| 1880 = 496
|1890= 834
| 1890 = 834
|1900= 1099
| 1900 = 1099
|1910= 1356
| 1910 = 1356
|1920= 2011
| 1920 = 2011
|1930= 1931
| 1930 = 1931
|1940= 2023
| 1940 = 2023
|1950= 2015
| 1950 = 2015
|1960= 2071
| 1960 = 2071
|1970= 1781
| 1970 = 1781
|1980= 1832
| 1980 = 1832
|1990= 1990
| 1990 = 1990
|2000= 2018
| 2000 = 2018
|2010= 2467
| 2010 = 2467
|2020= 2679
| 2020 = 2679
| estyear = 2022
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
| estimate = 2623
| estref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2022/cities/totals/SUB-IP-EST2022-POP-21.xlsx|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Kentucky: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022|publisher= United States Census Bureau|access-date= May 26, 2023}}</ref>
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}


As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 2,018 people, 927 households, and 548 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 1,496.2 people per square mile (577.2/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 1,065 housing units at an average density of 789.6 per square mile (304.6/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 98.61% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.50% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.05% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.10% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.05% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.69% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.20% of the population.
As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 2,018 people, 927 households, and 548 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,496.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,065 housing units at an average density of {{convert|789.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 98.61% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.50% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.05% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.10% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.05% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.69% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.20% of the population.


There were 927 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.8% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.84.
There were 927 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.8% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.84.
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===Primary schools===
===Primary schools===
* [https://www.lawrence.k12.ky.us/o/lees Louisa East Elementary School]
* Louisa East Elementary School
* [https://www.lawrence.k12.ky.us/o/lwes Louisa West Elementary School]
* Louisa West Elementary School
* [https://www.lawrence.k12.ky.us/o/lms Louisa Middle School]
* Louisa Middle School
* [https://www.millardschool.org The Millard School]
* The Millard School


===Public library===
===Public library===
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*[[Tyler Childers]], folk/country/Americana singer
*[[Tyler Childers]], folk/country/Americana singer
*[[Cliff Fannin]], baseball player
*[[Cliff Fannin]], baseball player
*[[James A. Hughes]], U.S. Congressman
*[[Jason Michael]], NFL coach
*[[Chandler Shepherd]] (born 1992), baseball pitcher
*[[Chandler Shepherd]] (born 1992), baseball pitcher
*[[Noah Thompson]], 2022 ''American Idol'' winner
*[[Frederick M. Vinson]], Chief Justice of the United States, 1946-1953
*[[Fred M. Vinson|Frederick M. "Fred" Vinson]], Chief Justice of the United States, 1946–1953
*[[Jason Michael]], NFL Coach
*[[The York Brothers|George and Leslie York]], country music performers
*[[Noah Thompson]], 2022 American Idol Winner


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.cityoflouisa.org/ City of Louisa official website]
* [http://www.cityoflouisa.org/ City of Louisa official website]
* [http://www.lawrence.k12.ky.us/ Lawrence County Schools]


{{Lawrence County, Kentucky}}
{{Lawrence County, Kentucky}}
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{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Louisa, Kentucky|*]]
[[Category:Cities in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Cities in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Cities in Lawrence County, Kentucky]]
[[Category:Cities in Lawrence County, Kentucky]]

Revision as of 15:45, 14 June 2024

Louisa, Kentucky
City
Main Street
Main Street
Nickname: 
The Gem of the Mountains[1]
Location in Lawrence County, Kentucky
Location in Lawrence County, Kentucky
Coordinates: 38°06′38″N 82°37′39″W / 38.11056°N 82.62750°W / 38.11056; -82.62750
CountryUnited States
StateKentucky
CountyLawrence
EstablishedDecember 11, 1822
Incorporated1869
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorHarold Slone
Area
[2]
 • Total2.26 sq mi (5.86 km2)
 • Land2.24 sq mi (5.81 km2)
 • Water0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation
[3]
607 ft (185 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total2,679
 • Estimate 
(2022)[4]
2,623
 • Density1,194.92/sq mi (461.31/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
41201, 41230
Area code606
FIPS code21-47854
GNIS feature ID2404959[3]
Websitewww.cityoflouisa.org

Louisa is a home-rule class city located in eastern Kentucky, United States, at the merger of the Levisa and Tug Forks into the Big Sandy River, which forms part of the state's border with West Virginia. It is the seat of Lawrence County.[5] The population was 2,467 at the 2010 census[6] and an estimated 2,375 in 2018.[7]

History

The origin of the city's name is unclear. Theories include that it was named for Louisa County, Virginia, after Louisa Swetnam, one of the first white children born in the area, or after a corruption of the original name of the Levisa Fork, as it was originally written and spoken as the "Louisa Fork." An 1856 map still shows the river under the name "Louisa." Virginia, Carolina and other English colonial-linked settlement attempts began as early as 1790 but did not take hold until 1818. Louisa became the county seat in 1822 and a city in 1823.

About 1792 Vancouver's Station, which had been destroyed by the Native Americans in 1790, on the tongue of land between the Levisa and Tug Forks of the Big Sandy, was reestablished. A few years later this settlement was known as "Balclutha" and is so designated on early maps of the state.[8]

During the Civil War, Union troops under future president James A. Garfield occupied the city from December 1861 until the end of the war, despite several Confederate takeover attempts.

General view of the needle dam and lock as originally built in 1896 at Louisa

The Chattaroi Railroad (now a part of CSX) connected to Louisa in 1881. The city is also served by US 23.

The Big Sandy News, headquartered in Louisa, profiled the town in March 1888.[9]

The first needle dam constructed in the United States was completed just north of town in 1896.[10]

Geography

Louisa's eastern border is the Levisa Fork, and its northern border is the Big Sandy River, which also serves as the Kentucky–West Virginia border.

U.S. Route 23 passes through the western side of the city, leading north 30 miles (48 km) down the valley of the Big Sandy River to Ashland on the Ohio River and southwest 28 miles (45 km) to Staffordsville. Kentucky Route 3 passes through the center of Louisa on Madison Street; KY 3 leads northwest 7 miles (11 km) to Fallsburg and southeast up the valley of the Tug Fork and Rockcastle Creek 25 miles (40 km) to Inez. Kentucky Route 32 leads southwest from Louisa 18 miles (29 km) to Blaine. West Virginia Route 37 leads east across the Tug Fork to Fort Gay, West Virginia.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Louisa has a total area of 2.3 square miles (5.9 km2), of which 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2), or 0.81%, are water.[11]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Louisa has a Humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[12]

Points of interest

The bridge from Louisa, Kentucky to Fort Gay, West Virginia, is something of a geographic and architectural oddity. The quarter-mile concrete span spans two forks of the Big Sandy River, connects two states and has a right turn at its halfway point, which connects traffic to the Point Section neighborhood of Louisa. The current concrete and steel structure was constructed in 1979 and retrofitted in 2003.[13]

"The Paveillon" (or more commonly known as "The Birdhouse") is a five story tall spire structure that serves as a gas station, rest stop, and a country music museum [14] along U.S. Route 23 as it passes through the western side of the city. The structure was inspired by the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California and the Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The Fred M. Vinson Museum and Welcome Center is the historical boyhood home of the 13th Chief Justice of the United States, and the first jail to be built in Lawrence County. It is located on the corner of Madison St. and Vinson Ave. The grave of Chief Justice Vinson can also be found at Pinehill Cemetery.

Culture

Every second weekend in September, Louisa hosts the regional Septemberfest that features several local and national acts performing for three days, as well as arts and crafts on the northwestern side of town, and the many food vendors featuring Southeastern cuisine.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
183087—
1860258—
187042564.7%
188049616.7%
189083468.1%
19001,09931.8%
19101,35623.4%
19202,01148.3%
19301,931−4.0%
19402,0234.8%
19502,015−0.4%
19602,0712.8%
19701,781−14.0%
19801,8322.9%
19901,9908.6%
20002,0181.4%
20102,46722.2%
20202,6798.6%
2022 (est.)2,623[15]−2.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]

As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 2,018 people, 927 households, and 548 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,496.2 inhabitants per square mile (577.7/km2). There were 1,065 housing units at an average density of 789.6 per square mile (304.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.61% White, 0.50% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.20% of the population.

There were 927 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.8% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $16,690, and the median income for a family was $24,474. Males had a median income of $30,000 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,746. About 27.5% of families and 32.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 46.9% of those under age 18 and 17.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Secondary schools

Primary schools

  • Louisa East Elementary School
  • Louisa West Elementary School
  • Louisa Middle School
  • The Millard School

Public library

Louisa has a lending library, the Lawrence County Public Library.[18]

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "Louisa: A Brief Review of Her Prospects, Needs, Advantages and a Short Description of Her Business and Business Men". Big Sandy News (Louisa, KY). March 22, 1888. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  3. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Louisa, Kentucky
  4. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Kentucky: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  5. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  6. ^ "Total Population: 2010 Census DEC Summary File 1 (P1), Louisa city, Kentucky". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  7. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  8. ^ Jillson, Willard Rouse. “The Big Sandy Valley: A Regional History Prior to 1850.” In: Register. Kentucky State Historical Society. Frankfort, KY : Kentucky State Historical Society, Vol. 20, No. 60 (September, 1922): pages 241-242
  9. ^ "Louisa". Big Sandy News (Louisa, KY). March 22, 1888. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  10. ^ Thomas, B.F. & Watt, D.A. The Improvement of Rivers: A Treatise on the Methods Employed For Improving Streams for Open Navigation, and for Navigation by Means of Locks and Dams, p. 563. 1913.
  11. ^ "U.S. Gazetteer Files: 2019: Places: Kentucky". U.S. Census Bureau Geography Division. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  12. ^ Climate Summary for Louisa, Kentucky
  13. ^ "Retrofit of the Louisa-Fort Gay Bridge Using CFRP Laminates"
  14. ^ Museum
  15. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Kentucky: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  16. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  17. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  18. ^ "Kentucky Public Library Directory". Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Archived from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
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