Laurel County, Kentucky

Laurel County is a county in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 58,849. Its county seat is London.

Laurel County is included in the London, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Laurel County is a wet county, meaning that sale of alcohol is allowed in the county is in all areas as voted on by the residents of the area. In the case of Laurel County, by-the-drink alcohol sales is permitted only in restaurants in the city of London seating at least 100 diners and derive at least 70% of their total sales from food.

History

Laurel County, the 80th county to be organized in Kentucky, was established by an act of the general assembly, December 21, 1825, from parts of Rockcastle, Clay, Knox and Whitley Counties. Laurel County was named from the Laurel River, noted for dense laurel thickets along its banks.

Laurel County was the location of the Battle of Wildcat Mountain, a pivotal yet little known battle during the American Civil War that kept Confederate armies from advancing on Big Hill, a major stronghold during the war.