Bowling Green, Kentucky


Bowling Green is located in the south-central part and is the third largest city in the U.S. State of Kentucky. For many people, the city is most famous for the song, Bowling Green, by The Everly Brothers.

Bowling Green is the hub of activity in the Caves and Lakes region. The city was selected as an All-America City Finalist in 2010 by the National Civic League.



To See And To Do In Bowling Green


  • Capitol Arts Center
  • Riverwalk Park
  • The Kentucky Museum
  • Fountain Square Park
  • Kentucky Library and Museum
  • Memphis Marsha's Art Gallery and Classes
  • GM Corvette Factory And The National Corvette Museum
  • Lost River Cave and Valley
  • Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon
  • Sloan Convention Center
  • Hardin Planetarium
  • Greenwood Mall


History Of Bowling Green - Timeline


In 1775 explorers reached the area where they carved their names on beech trees to mark their passage through this vast wilderness. In 1778 a more permanent settlement were established and the McFadden's Station, a trading post, was established.

Around 1794 Robert Moore built a cabin alongside a large spring at what later became Bowling Green. Robert Moore, his brother George and General Elijah Covington were the first Europeans credited with having settled Bowling Green.

The city of Bowling Green was officially founded in 1798 and the first county courthouse was completed.

By 1810, Bowling Green had only 154 residents but growth in steamboat commerce and the proximity of the Barren River increased Bowling Green's importance. In 1821, the Bank of the Commonwealth established a branch office in the city.

In 1832, the first section of railway was made to where the current county courthouse stands. Mules pulled freight and passengers to and from the city on the tracks. In 1858, a railroad depot was built and in 1859, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad laid railroad through Bowling Green.

In 1868, Bowling Green constructed its first waterworks system. The first electric street cars came to the city in 1895.

In 1900, more than 8,200 people lived in the city. In 1906, the Western Kentucky University was established. In 1925, the Kentucky Street Rail Depot was opened. In 1940, a Union Underwear factory was built in Bowling Green and bolstered the city's economy significantly. In 1979, Greenwood Mall opened.

In 1981, General Motors moved its Chevrolet Corvette assembly plant to Bowling Green.