Receiving its name from the Cumberland River, Cumberland County was organized in 1798 as the thirty-second county of Kentucky. Despite the size of this small town, it's rich in history. A 21-year old man by the name of Joel Owsley Cheek left his home here in Burkesville in 1873
and traveled to Nashville to set up his own grocery firm and developed
his own coffee blend, which we know now as "Maxwell House Coffee". Also, while drilling for salt in 1892, an early settler struck oil three miles north of Burkesville, which is believed to be the first gusher hit
in America. That's just scratching the surface of the interesting
historical events to take place in this wonderful town.
The breathtaking beauty of this area was noted by naturalist and “Father of Our National Parks,” John Muir. In his famous Thousand Mile Walk to the gulf he wrote, “The scenery on approaching the Cumberland River becomes still grander… Burkesville, in beautiful location, is embosomed in a glorious array of verdant flowering hills. The Cumberland must be a happy stream. I think I could enjoy traveling with it in the midst of such beauty all my life."
It’s a place of secret fishing spots, bluegrass gatherings, family reunions, motorcycle rallies, county fairs and main street parades. The diverse fibers of this small Kentucky town weave the most colorful tapestry.
To learn more about what to do and see during your visit in Cumberland County, click here