If you grew up in Kentucky, you are likely very familiar with the shape of our state. You may not have the state line memorized, but you have a general idea of how Kentucky is formed. We all took geography classes in school! But did you know that there is a piece of the Bluegrass State that isn't even connected to Kentucky at all? Unlike a traditional panhandle, the Kentucky Bend is a little "blip" of land that is completely surrounded by other states. This peninsula of land is definitely a part of our state, but it's broken off from the rest of Kentucky, and the history of how it came to be is fascinating.
As you drive through southwestern Kentucky and cross into Tennessee, you may not realize that you can actually head northwest to enter Kentucky again.
Known as the Kentucky Bend, the New Madrid Bend, and even "Bubbleland," this small peninsula is technically a part of the Bluegrass State, though it is almost completely surrounded by the Mississippi River with only a small land connection to Tennessee. On the opposite bank of the river, Missouri land further separates the exclave by wrapping around it.
That means that the Kentucky Bend is not connected to any other part of our state. To reach it, you have to either drive through Tennessee or travel across the Mississippi River by boat.
It's unclear as to why the state line was drawn in this manner, which has led to fierce controversies over the years.
The area was greatly affected by the New Madrid earthquakes in the early 1800s - some of the strongest our country has seen - and the changes in the river at that time may have been a contributing factor.
For many years, Tennessee fought for this land, which many believed was mistakenly given to Kentucky.
Even the people who lived in this Kentucky exclave were divided, and the area was known for intense disagreements and family feuds. These disagreements eventually subsided and this landlocked area is now recognized as a part of the state. So, who lives in Kentucky Bend? Today, only a few residents are left in this exclave, and they must travel at least 10 miles to reach any sort of gas station or store.
So, who lives in Kentucky Bend? Today, there are only a few residents left in this exclave, and they must travel at least 10 miles to reach any sort of gas station or store.
But the lack of population makes this unique "island" quite serene!
You can see in the photo below how the streets change as you cross the state line along State Route 22.
The Kentucky Bend is 26.9 square miles of land and water that is broken apart from the rest of the state, creating an incredibly unique territory and a fascinating tale.
Now that you know it exists, don't forget about this small peninsula that is completely separate from the Bluegrass State, yet adds an unusual feature to the shape of our state.
The part of Kentucky not connected to the main state is just as much a page of our state's history as anywhere else, and we think it's pretty unique! The story of the Kentucky Bend is just one of many fascinating tales in our state, but it may just be the most interesting geography lesson in the Bluegrass State.
Did you know about this exclave in Kentucky? Tag a friend in the comments who would find this fascinating!
Since very few people live in this region, most find themselves driving to Hickman, Kentucky for accommodations and necessities, or even hopping over to Tennessee. Are there any fascinating stops in this area that we should know about? Or, for another fascinating geographical feat in Kentucky that's worth driving to, check out the Pikeville Cut-Through.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/pikeville-cut-through-ky/
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