Butler County

Butler County, located in the south-central part of the state, was the commonwealth's 53rd county. Settlers moving into the area thought they had found "a little bit of heaven"--a virgin forest of oak, poplar, chestnut, hickory, and walnut and an abundance of wild game. Out of this wilderness developed a county rich in tradition, with many contributions to state and national history. It has been said that, for its population, the county has produced more notable people than any other in the nation. This list including two governors, an attorney general of Kentucky, a chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, a US senator, three US representatives, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, two US Navy admirals, a Methodist bishop, and countless other equally productive citizens who proudly call Butler County home.

Roger G. Givens, retired newspaper publisher, and Nancy Richey, visual resources librarian at Western Kentucky University, have used images from the Kentucky Library and private individuals to create this photographic essay. Images of America: Butler County includes many photographs of the area’s historic events, religious and educational institutions, and residents in their daily activities to showcase a once vibrant river heritage.