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Menifee County, Kentucky

52 topographic sheets cover 40 settlements here, and 1 property is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Research this county

From the record

1 National Register listing published here.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

Kentucky within the United States
Menifee County within Kentucky

What the record shows

  • 501 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 1 property here is on the National Register of Historic Places, listed as a district.
  • It was added during the 1970s.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 40 populated places in this county; 40 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Places on the National Register

1

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
Frenchburg School Campusdistrict197878001387

The county from the air

22 shown

Flown by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1937 and 1989, the Aerial Photo Single Frames collection is the definitive mid-century view of the land: fields, roads and rivers as the camera saw them. The Survey holds 401 frames inside the rectangle that bounds this county; the 22 frames below were taken over the county itself, chosen across the decades of flights (at most four a year from that rectangle), so one flight cannot crowd out the rest. The full set is free to browse and download at EarthExplorer under the dataset Aerial Photo Single Frames.

U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1950-04-16, scale 1:27770
1950-04-16, scale 1:27770. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1950-04-16, scale 1:27770
1950-04-16, scale 1:27770. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1950-04-16, scale 1:27770
1950-04-16, scale 1:27770. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1950-04-16, scale 1:27770
1950-04-16, scale 1:27770. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1960-09-14, scale 1:60000
1960-09-14, scale 1:60000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1960-09-14, scale 1:60000
1960-09-14, scale 1:60000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1960-09-14, scale 1:60000
1960-09-14, scale 1:60000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1960-09-14, scale 1:60000
1960-09-14, scale 1:60000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1964-11-23, scale 1:24000
1964-11-23, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1964-11-23, scale 1:24000
1964-11-23, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1964-11-23, scale 1:24000
1964-11-23, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1964-11-23, scale 1:24000
1964-11-23, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1965-03-31, scale 1:24000
1965-03-31, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1965-03-31, scale 1:24000
1965-03-31, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1965-03-31, scale 1:24000
1965-03-31, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1965-03-31, scale 1:24000
1965-03-31, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-04-05, scale 1:78000
1975-04-05, scale 1:78000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-04-05, scale 1:78000
1975-04-05, scale 1:78000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-04-05, scale 1:78000
1975-04-05, scale 1:78000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-04-05, scale 1:78000
1975-04-05, scale 1:78000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1977-03-08, scale 1:80000
1977-03-08, scale 1:80000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1977-03-24, scale 1:80000
1977-03-24, scale 1:80000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.

Weather records

3 stations

The thermometers that kept this county's weather, as the federal records hold them. The extremes below are measured values from those records, not estimates.

The 1950 census, district by district

7 districts

Who lived here in 1950, one enumeration district at a time, as the Census Bureau described each district. Each row opens its official National Archives result, with Population Schedules and ED Maps available there.

  • 83-1Magisterial District 1: Frenchburg town
  • 83-2Magisterial District 1 - That part outside Frenchburg town
  • 83-3Magisterial District 2
  • 83-4Magisterial District 3
  • 83-5Magisterial District 4: Magisterial District 4 - That part north of State Hwy. 40
  • 83-6Magisterial District 4 - That part south of State Hwy. 40
  • 83-7Magisterial District 5

Wildfire, 1992 to 2020

121 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 121 of them, burning about 1,488 acres. 2 started naturally and 16 were recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Debris and open burning36
Missing data/not specified/undetermined32
Recreation and ceremony25
Arson/incendiarism16
Railroad operations and maintenance3
Equipment and vehicle use3
Smoking3
Natural2
Power generation/transmission/distribution1

The five largest, by the area the report gives. One of them was set deliberately.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
31 March 2015Missing data/not specified/undetermined200 acresKentucky Division of ForestryINDIAN CREEK
3 April 2010Smoking198 acresDaniel Boone National ForestCLEAR CREEK
24 April 2009Recreation and ceremony132 acresDaniel Boone National ForestKLABER
8 November 1999Missing data/not specified/undetermined90 acresDaniel Boone National ForestBASEBALL
26 November 2005Missing data/not specified/undetermined85 acresKentucky Division of Forestrynot named
21 June 2007Recreation and ceremony68 acresDaniel Boone National ForestGREASY BRANCH
8 January 2006Missing data/not specified/undetermined60 acresKentucky Division of Forestrynot named
23 November 2016Arson/incendiarism54 acresDaniel Boone National ForestBENSON

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1982 to 2026

60 of 226 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 226 reports for this county, causing 2 deaths, 31 injuries and about $7,547,200 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Thunderstorm Wind124
Flash Flood44
Hail36
Flood12
Tornado6
Heavy Rain2
Lightning1
Debris Flow1

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
March 2012Tornado (EF3)Mariba2 killed, 30 hurt, $2,000,000A storm damage survey team from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Jackson, Kentucky confirmed that an EF-3 tornado occurred in Menifee County on March 2, 2012. The tornado touched down on Tarr Ridge about 2 miles southwest of Mariba at 539 pm EST. The tornado then tracked east-northeast crossing highway 77 and causing extensive damage to several homes. The most extensive damage in Menifee County occurred on Opossum Hollow Road, where several structures were destroyed including a brick house which was totally destroyed except for the basement. The tornado crossed highway 460 just southeast of Wellington and continued into Morgan County. Two fatalities occurred in Menifee County as a direct result of the tornado. One other fatality occurred due to a fall down stairs in the clean-up effort following the tornado.
June 2004LightningPomeroyton1 hurtAn elderly man was riding a horse and was struck by lightning while under a tree.
July 2021Flash FloodFrenchburg$2,000,000The city of Frenchburg was heavily hit by flash flooding, as flood waters reached into homes and businesses within the community. The Dollar General, County Garage, Headstart, and School Board office buildings were all reported flooded. The middle school and alternative school buildings experienced major flooding. In additional, ten residential houses along KY-36, which have never seen high water issues, were also flooded.
March 1997Flash FloodFrenchburg$1,000,000no account filed
March 1997Flash FloodFrenchburg$1,000,000no account filed
September 2018Flash FloodDenniston$550,000Water flowed across most county roads, resulting in numerous road closures. Water was observed entering about 20 homes, leading to a few water rescues. One school sustained flood damage along with a couple of local businesses.
June 1990Tornado (F1)not stated$250,000no account filed
June 2012Thunderstorm WindWellington$100,000The deputy director reported trees and power lines blown down throughout Menifee county. The first reports came in shortly after 7PM from around the Wellington and Big Woods area.
April 2007Thunderstorm WindMeans$56,000Trees down. Top of a barn blown off.
September 2020FloodTabor$50,000Heavy rains that occurred earlier in the evening led to quick rises in nearby waters, flooding the Red River Adventure Campground. 30 to 40 people were in the water as it rose at the campground, and thankfully all were rescued safely.
February 2008Thunderstorm WindDenniston$50,000A barn was completey destroyed and thrown into a house by thunderstorm wind gusts near Route 1240 and Betty Gap.
February 2008Tornado (EF0)Denniston$50,000The tornado touched down 2 miles north of Denniston on Highway 1240. The tornado traveled approximately 4 miles to the east northeast and lifted along Highway 1693 approximately 3 miles south of Big Woods. Two older barns were destroyed and several trees were snapped and uprooted.
March 1997Thunderstorm WindDenniston$50,000no account filed
January 2008Thunderstorm WindMariba$40,000A trailer was blown off its foundation on Hizer Hill Road. Numerous trees were also blown down county wide by wind gusts estimated at 67 mph.
September 2020Flash FloodWellington$35,000A culvert was washed out on Opossum Hollow Road due to high waters. The road will remain closed until repairs can be made.
February 2021Flash FloodMeans$30,000Hwy 460 was shut down due to high water flowing across the road near the 7000 block. Several cars stalled out in the water.
July 2022Thunderstorm WindFagan$20,000A tree fell down on a house along Fallen Timber Branch Road southeast of Means.
August 1999Thunderstorm WindBig Woods$20,000Strong winds moved 2 cabins off their foundations near Turkey Ridge. A trailer lost its porch, and a large number of trees and power lines also were blown down.
June 1998Flash FloodCountywide$20,000Numerous roads were flooded across the county. Several businesses and home were flooded. Many homes evacuated.
March 1997Thunderstorm WindBig Woods$20,000no account filed
March 1997Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$20,000no account filed
March 1997Thunderstorm WindPomeroyton$20,000no account filed
May 2024Thunderstorm WindMariba$15,000Power lines were downed onto an unoccupied vehicle in the Maribu community.
July 2021Flash FloodMeans$10,000Menifee County Fire Chief reported that several houses along US-460, particularly around Autumn Drive and Mountain Valley Court, were surrounded by flood waters. Crews performed 2 water rescues in this area.
January 2012Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$10,000Trees were down and onto power lines in the Tarr Ridge area.
April 2011Thunderstorm WindMariba$10,000There were multiple trees uprooted on Corner Ridge road.
April 2011Tornado (EF0)Pomeroyton$10,000The storm survey team confirmed an EF 0 tornado that touched down near highway 715 in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The tornado crossed highway 715 and entered Wolfe county. The max estimated winds were 80 to 85 mph. The tornado uprooted numerous trees. Due to the remote location of the tornado, an exact path length was not able to be determined.
November 2003Flash FloodCountywide$10,000United States Highway 460 and Highway 1274 were closed due to flash flooding. One car was washed off of the road at Hawkins Branch. Homes and schools were evacuated. The community of Means was particularly hard-hit with flash flooding, as many roads were covered with water there.
February 2000Flash FloodCountywide$10,000Several roads were washed out due to flash flooding across the county.
April 2011Thunderstorm WindPomeroyton$8,000A roof was blown off of a house on Hizer Hill road.
September 2018Flash FloodRothwell$5,500A local media outlet reported water flowing across Dog Trot Road outside of Frenchburg. This led to the road completely washing out.
May 2024Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$5,000Reports of trees and power lines down throughout the county.
June 2004Flash FloodFrenchburg$5,000One resident was trapped in their home from rising water. The driveway washed out with up to eight feet of flowing water. Water was over a fence and large logs were flowing across it.
August 2000Thunderstorm WindDenniston$5,000Severe thunderstorm winds produced damage across many locations in Eastern Menifee county. Trees and power lines were reported down in the communities of Mariba, Denniston, Pomeroyton, and Wellington.
June 1998Flash FloodSudith$5,000Evacuations from homes in Sudith. Numerous roads countywide underwater.
April 2011Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$4,000There were trees down along County Park Road off of Hwy 460.
November 2000Thunderstorm WindDenniston$4,000Severe thunderstorm winds brought trees and power lines down.
February 2012Thunderstorm WindKorea$3,000Trees were blown down and onto Hwy 1693 in Korea.
June 2011Thunderstorm WindMariba$3,000Trees were blown down on Hwy 77 near Tar Ridge.
January 2006Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$3,000Trees down in road on Highway 746. Power out in Pomeroyton.
May 2002Flash FloodCountywide$3,000Heavy rains caused several roads to flood across the county, including highways 1274, 460, and 36.
March 1997Tornado (F0)Frenchburg$3,000Most of the damage in the area was caused by straight line winds. However, a small tornado also briefly touched down.
January 2022Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$2,000A tree fell on power lines in the town of Frenchburg.
June 2022Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$2,000Numerous trees were blown down in and around Frenchburg and throughout the county. This led to some power outages.
September 2020Flash FloodWellington$2,000High waters along Buckeye Lane near the Wellington Community made it impassable and led to its closure.
September 2020FloodBig Woods$2,000Report of an ongoing water rescue at 0400 AM EDT as runoff from earlier rains led to a rise on Brushy Fork where two people were camping, off of Igo Ridge Road.
April 2009Thunderstorm WindBig Woods$2,000Two trees were down on Hwy 1274.
January 2008Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$2,000Two trees were blown down on Ratliff Creek Road by wind gusts estimated at 61 mph.
August 2007Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$2,000Two trees blown down, one was over the road on Route 77.
April 2002Thunderstorm WindWellington$2,000A car was damaged by large, falling tree limbs. Trees and power lines were also down in the area.
August 2024Thunderstorm WindBig Woods$1,000A tree was blown down and onto a powerline on Camp Judy Lane, north of Wellington.
July 2023Thunderstorm WindFrenchburg$1,000A tree was reported to have been blown down onto a powerline, leading to the powerline being torn from the pole just SE of Frenchburg.
July 2023Thunderstorm WindTabor$1,000A tree was reported down onto a powerline on Amos Ridge Road, just past Amos Cut Road, southwest of Frenchburg.
July 2023Thunderstorm WindDenniston$1,000A tree was blown down onto an electric line leading to a fire near the 450 block of Mortbotts Road near the community of Denniston.
December 2021Thunderstorm WindMeans$1,000Power line downed along Pottersville Road near the communities of Hope and Means.
July 2015Flash FloodMariba$1,000A creek was observed overrunning its banks and flowing down Frisby Lane just outside of Frenchburg, making it impassable.
July 2015Flash FloodFrenchburg$1,000Kentucky Hwy 713 was closed due to flooding.
July 2015FloodRatliff$1,000Highway 1274 was flooded due to a stopped up culvert.
April 2015FloodMeans$1,000Water was observed covering Hwy 460 near Means.
December 2015FloodMeans$1,000High water affected roads in the Means community, but no roads were ever closed due to the water.

Mines and quarries

2 recorded

The Survey's mineral resources record lists 2 workings inside this county. 1 still produces and 1 is closed or unrecorded. Each settlement page carries the workings within five miles of it.

Commodity Workings
Stone, Crushed/Broken2
Clay1

The least common of them first, because a county's hundredth gravel pit says nothing its first ten did not.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
A.W. Walker QuarryStone, Crushed/Broken, ClayProspect
Indian Creek QuarryStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer

Every populated place in the county

40

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on.

The vanished settlements of Menifee County: the places named above that are no longer on the map.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.