Paducah History

Discover Paducah's Storied Past

Paducah’s story begins on the banks of the Ohio River, where explorers, tradesmen, and riverboats once converged—and where creativity continues to flow today. Originally settled in the early 1820s and named by famed explorer William Clark, Paducah has grown into a community where heritage and imagination meet.

From its role as a 19th-century river and rail hub to its place in Civil War history and its emergence as a creative capital of the South, Paducah’s past is as vibrant as its present. This UNESCO Creative City invites you to explore its legacy through historic markers, self-guided trails, and museums that bring the stories of generations to life.