Welcome to
Kentucky· Est. 1834
Where the Big Sandy whispers tales of painted rocks, mountain music, and Appalachian resilience.
Paintsville Lake State Park is a beautiful recreation area built around a 1,139-acre lake and known for its fishing and scenic views.
The Jenny Wiley Theatre, a prominent regional theater, is located just outside of Paintsville in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
Paintsville is the county seat of Johnson County.
The town is close to Mountain Homeplace, a living history museum that recreates 1850s Appalachian farm life.
The area's history is deeply intertwined with the Hatfields and McCoys feud, although Paintsville itself wasn't a primary location for conflict.
Paintsville, Kentucky, located in Johnson County, owes its name to the native pictographs found on nearby rocks, a testament to the area's rich indigenous history long predating European settlement. The town's development was largely spurred by its location along the Big Sandy River, serving as a crucial transportation and trade hub in the Appalachian region. While officially established in 1834, the area had been settled for decades prior, attracting pioneers drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Paintsville played a small role in the Civil War with some citizens aligning with the union, but the impact of this conflict had a lesser presence in this small community than many other areas. It became a key center for coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which brought both prosperity and challenges to the region. Today, Paintsville celebrates its heritage with festivals, a museum, and a revitalized downtown area.
Partner with us to share your town with all of Kentucky — featured placement, local business highlights, and a home for your community on the map.
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1035 Broadway St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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117 Main St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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108 4th St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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609 Broadway St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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347 Main St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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212 Court St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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1055 Broadway St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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950 Broadway St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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257 Court St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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100 Stave Branch Rd, Staffordsville, KY 41256, USA
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421 North S Mayo Trail, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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507 S Mayo Trail, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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251 KY-40, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
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419 N S Mayo Trail, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA
While we prioritize independent local storefronts that carry the soul of the town, these national brands are located nearby and support local employment.
BP Shop
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DQ Grill & Chill
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Tractor Supply Company
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Connections that unite Paintsville with other Kentucky towns
administrative
Cultural Heritage