Salyersville is the county seat of Magoffin County, Kentucky
It is located approximately 95 miles SE of Lexington along the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. It has a population of just over 1,800 residents. Because of its location, it truly is “The Gateway to Appalachia.” It is the first city on the Mountain Parkway in the central Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky. It lies just north, only 15 miles, of where the Licking River begins. Here a spring flows out of a mountain in the southernmost tip of Magoffin County.
Salyersville has a rich cultural heritage. Settlement by Scotch-Irish and English was attempted in 1794 but these earliest pioneers were driven off by native Americans. However, it wasn’t long before Prater’s Fort was established. Prater’s Fort later became known as Licking Station. It eventually evolved into a small village known as Adamsville.
Magoffin County was formed from parts of Floyd, Johnson, and Morgan counties in 1860. State Representative Samuel Salyer successfully introduced legislation that created Magoffin County. Beriah Magoffin of Harrodsburg was Kentucky’s governor at the time. In 1863, the community of Adamsville became incorporated into what is now present-day Salyersville.
Here are a few of Salyersville’s more notable assets (Select an image below to learn more):
Parks & events
There are two parks in the City of Salyersville. Ramey Park is a fitness-focused park with softball and baseball fields, a public swimming pool, walking track, tennis courts, playground equipment, and shelters for outdoor gatherings.
This expansive park is a joint venture between Magoffin County and the City of Salyersville. The community values it as one of our greatest assets and it receives a tremendous amount of use.
The City of Salyersville has begun developing another park emphasizing the performing arts. This arboretum/greenspace area located in the heart of the downtown district will provide a place for reflection, entertainment, relaxation, and social interaction. Also planned for this 1.5-acre park is an outdoor stage that will serve the community as a state-of-the-art performance venue.
Salyersville’s current and former citizens have always placed great emphasis on the importance of community. This especially becomes evident during special festivals and events.
Current and former residents flood the city during our biggest celebrations: The Fourth of July weekend, Heritage-Days during the week and through Labor Day weekend, and the Old-Time Christmas celebration and nighttime parade held the first Saturday in December. Lesser events including mini-concerts, car shows, art festivals, and other activities occur throughout the year.
Come visit
The Gateway to Appalachia
