Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley Community - Lyon County, KY
Lyon County, located in Western Kentucky on the shores of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. Still retains the old charm of a small rural farming community but with the impoundment of 2 lakes and the establishment of The Land Between The Lakes Recreational Area we have become a tourism, vacation and retirement community. Lyon County's permanent residents only number about 9,000 but residency can easily reach 50,000 during the summer months and holidays. Lyon county was formed in 1854, much of Lyon County lies within Land Between the Lakes. Eddyville residents accepted his offer and on August 13, 1959, the official plat for the new town was filed with the county court clerk. The plat included 254 residential lots, 46 business lots, 28 acres (110,000 m 2 ) for construction of a school and campus, city park, courthouse, health office, water works, and location of streets.August 28, 1959 was designated as "Dedication and Free Deed Day" at the new site. A large group of people gathered for the event which was held in a field (in front of where the post office is now located). Mr. Jones handed the first deed to Boyce and Lillian Yates, then presented approximately 60 more residential lots.The first house to be built in the new town was the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Moore. The first business to be built was the Kentucky Utilities office.During the time of building, Eddyville was "booming", and with the impoundment of Lake Barkley in the 1960s, tourists began making their way into the area for the abundance of fish and boating.The influx of tourist did not happen as rapidly as most people had envisioned and hoped. Although campgrounds and marinas were springing up around the lake, the city was struggling.December 1988 brought the ground breaking for the West Kentucky Outlet Mall. Three brothers, Bob, Darrell and Ben Jent purchased a tract of land in the city limits of Eddyville and started construction of a mall, which opened the following fall with ten stores. Within a short time the mall would boast a total of nearly 50 stores.The opening of the mall brought a surge of progress to Eddyville, and all types of businesses began to move into the city. For the first time in the town's history, people could choose their favorite restaurant, motel, clothing store or other places to shop—all without leaving town.It has been said the mall did more for the progress of Eddyville than any other endeavor since the establishment of the town in 1799, with the possible exception of the building of the Kentucky State Penitentiary. The town was listed as the second fastest growing area in Kentucky in 1997 based on tourism. Points of Interest: Kentucky Lake Communities
Canton, Linton Lake Locations in this County Barkley Dam, Eddy Creek, Eagle Creek Poplar Creek Eddyville/Kuttawa County/City Parks Memorial Park Golf Courses |