Versailles is the seat of Woodford County and was founded in 1792 by General Marquis Calmes and named after the City of Versailles, France, as a tribute to that country for its help in the Revolutionary War. Previously, the pioneers knew the settlement as "Falling Spring" because of the large stream that gushed from a hearty cavern. Versailles offers a wealth of historic southern homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This town of some 8,000 residents is known for its antique shops, fine restaurants and historic homes. Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques is one of the areas most popular tourists attractions. It displays 32,000 square feet of American and European furniture, glassware, china, crystal, silver, linens, dolls, jewelry, decorative accessories and International giftware.
Another popular attraction is the Labrot & Graham Distillery. The distillery has been restored to its original condition and is producing bourbon using the original Scottish "pot still" method. The distillery is nestled amid 42-acres of some of Kentucky's most famous horse farms. The facility was founded in 1797 and is Kentucky's oldest operating distillery.
The city of Versailles includes the communities of Midway and Nonesuch. Midway was created by the Lexington and Ohio Railroad in 1831. The site was also known as Middleway. Railroad Street, centered around railroad tracks, features Victorian-style antique shops, gift boutiques and restaurants. Nonesuch was founded in 1870. It is home of Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques. This lavish 32,000-square foot gallery is located in an old elementary school and houses the award-winning restaurant known as The Glitz.
There are four elementary schools, two private elementary schools, one middle school and one high school in Versailles. Midway is the home of Midway College. Chartered in 1847, Midway College is an independent liberal arts college for women. There are 11 other colleges and universities located with 55 miles of the city. Adult education and literacy services are provided through the Community Education Center in Versailles.
Woodford County was formed in 1789 and is located between Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky. The county is nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass thoroughbred country.
Many of the thousands of acres of horse farms that make up Woodford county have been host to such notable figures as Queen Elizabeth II, President Bush and William Jennings Bryan. These farms are home to many famous thoroughbreds including Kentucky Derby Winner Seattle Slew and two-time Horse of the Year, Cigar. Woodford County offers numerous opportunities for the antique lover.
The Pisgah District with its rich agricultural lands, historic homes, ancient tree stands and scenic roads is truly one of the area’s outstanding treasures. The best way to enjoy the area's special beauty is on a driving or biking tour. Pisgah Pike, one of Kentucky's Scenic Byways, is a 4.5-mile stretch of highway that features horse farms, stone fences, churches, cemeteries, historic dwellings, canopies of trees, creeks and wildflowers.
The Bluegrass Railroad Museum provides an 11-mile tour through an authentic passenger train and exhibits of railroad equipment and memorabilia. The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad provides passengers with a trip through a scenic gorge, a Kentucky River overlook and past the rolling hills of the bluegrass.
The Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary offers up the sights and sounds of some of Kentucky's natural wonders. Small ponds and fields dot this 374-acre National Audubon Facility. Nestled among the gentle rolling hills along the Kentucky River near Millville in the Northwestern corner of Woodford County, this area provides hiking trails, bird blind and a nature center to thousands of visitors annually.