Parts of three counties – Bullitt, Nelson and Shelby – formed Spencer County in 1824. On Dec. 30 that year, Taylorsville was recognized as the county seat, a city that had been founded in 1799 by the father of Zachary Taylor, the military leader who went on to be the United States’ 12th president.
Taylorsville and Spencer County are known for beautiful Kentucky scenery, particularly from Taylorsville Lake, which serves as an important economic resource for the region. The 3,050-acre lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1980s to control flooding of the Salt River. In 1985, Taylorsville Lake State Park opened and offers boating, fishing and horseback riding. The annual Paddle Battle takes place at Taylorsville Lake State Park, featuring races for solo and tandem paddle crafts, including kayak, canoe, outrigger and prone boards.
Downtown Taylorsville benefits from belonging to the Kentucky Main Street Program, an economic development initiative of the Kentucky Heritage Council. Historic Main Street in Taylorsville hosts several annual events, including a progressive dinner and the Kentucky Gourd Art Show.
County Seat:
Taylorsville
Don Pay, Mayor
Estimated 2017 population:
21,556
No. of households:
6,994
Median household income:
$68,147
Spencer County-Taylorsville Chamber of Commerce:
Stacey Koon, president
Judge-Executive:
John Riley
Taylorsville-Spencer County Recreation, Tourist & Convention Commission:
Stacey Koon, chair
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