Nelson County is home to some of the oldest and richest history in the state of Kentucky.
Nelson County's history is centered around Bardstown , one of the state's oldest cities. Originally called Salem, the Bardstown area was explored in the 1770s. In 1780, William Bard visited the area as a representative for his family. In 1785, he set the boundaries from 1,000-acre land grant from the Virginia General Assembly. Originally called Baird's Town, the city was renamed Bardstown when it was incorporated in 1788.