Carlisle County History

Carlisle County is as unique as any other place you could imagine.

Carlisle County was founded in 1886 and named after John Griffin Carlisle, a Speaker of The United States House of Representatives from Kentucky. The communities within Carlisle County possess distinct characteristics which define the County as a whole. The county’s western border with Missouri is formed by the Mississippi River. The County seat is Bardwell, KY which is located northwest of the center of Carlisle County and has been known throughout history as a premier railroad station. Bardwell is now home to an extensive trail system, camping, and outdoor recreation. Bardwell is capitalizing on the strategic advantages of river and rail matched with adventure and quality of life. Arlington, Kentucky is located in southern Carlisle County and is known as a rich agricultural community in-between Bardwell and Clinton, KY. Milburn and Cunningham are non-incorporated cities within the county, but Cunningham is a census designated place boasting the County’s largest employer and shortest drive-time to the neighboring Metro of Paducah.