Kentucky, with a population of 4 million, had more rural than urban dwellers until 1970.  For that reason it is still common to respond with your county's name when asked "where do you live?" than that of your nearest city.

Only Texas and Georgia have more counties than Kentucky.  Legend says that when Kentucky became the 15th state in 1792 it was decided that no citizen would be more than a days horseback ride from its government center.  This was in contrast to early colonial days when it could take a month or longer to arrive at a government center to record births, deaths, marriages, property transfers, etc.

County lines were drawn over 200 years ago and have no correlation to modern day market areas.  Mercer County covers only 250.92 square miles.  If you drew a 30 mile radius from Harrodsburg you would cover all or part of 15 counties with over 160,000 residents.

One of the first things that come to mind when Kentuckians think of Harrodsburg is the Beaumont Inn.  The Inn has been operated in the grand southern tradition by the Dedman family since 1919.  It is a must for first time visitors and regulars alike.  The building, built in 1845, was originally used as a "school for young ladies" and is one of 50 structures and 8 historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Harrodsburg.