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{{redirect|Owensboro}} {{redirect|Owensboro}}
{{hatnote|Not to be confused with the similarly-named cities of ] or ]}} {{hatnote|Not to be confused with the similarly-named cities of ] or ]}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
| official_name = Owensboro, Kentucky | official_name = Owensboro, Kentucky
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| imagesize = 250px | imagesize = 250px
| image_caption = Corner of West 3rd and St. Ann Streets in Owensboro | image_caption = Corner of West 3rd and St. Ann Streets in Owensboro
| image_flag = | image_flag = Flag of Owensboro, Kentucky.png
| image_seal = | image_seal = Seal of Owensboro, Kentucky.png
| image_map = File:Daviess County Kentucky Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Owensboro Highlighted 2158620.svg | image_map = File:Daviess County Kentucky Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Owensboro Highlighted 2158620.svg
| mapsize = 250px | mapsize = 250px
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| map_caption1 = | map_caption1 =
| pushpin_map = Kentucky#USA | pushpin_map = Kentucky#USA
| pushpin_relief = yes
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| pushpin_label = Owensboro | pushpin_label = Owensboro
| pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_label_position =
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| leader_name = Tom Watson | leader_name = Tom Watson
| leader_title1 = Mayor Pro Tem | leader_title1 = Mayor Pro Tem
| leader_name1 = Larry Maglinger | leader_name1 = Mark Castlen
| leader_title2 = City Manager | leader_title2 = City Manager
| leader_name2 = <nowiki>Nate Pagan</nowiki> | leader_name2 = <nowiki>Nate Pagan</nowiki>
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| established_date2 = 1817<ref name=sos/> | established_date2 = 1817<ref name=sos/>
| established_title3 = Incorporated | established_title3 = Incorporated
| established_date3 = 1850<ref name=sos>Commonwealth of Kentucky. Office of the Secretary of State. Land Office. "Owensboro, Kentucky". Accessed 18 September 2013.</ref> | established_date3 = 1850<ref name=sos>Commonwealth of Kentucky. Office of the Secretary of State. Land Office. "Owensboro, Kentucky". Accessed September 18, 2013.</ref>
| area_magnitude = | area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 57.24 | area_total_km2 = 57.24
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}} }}


'''Owensboro''' is a ] ]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.klc.org/UserFiles/files/ClassificationReformFACT(3).pdf |title=Summary and Reference Guide to House Bill 331 City Classification Reform |publisher=Kentucky League of Cities |access-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> in and the county seat of<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> ], United States. It is the ] in the state by population. Owensboro is located on ] and ] about {{convert|107|mi}} southwest of ], and is the principal city of the ]. The 2020 census had its population at 60,183. The metropolitan population was estimated at 116,506.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2014/GCTPEPANNR.US23PR| title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014 – United States &ndash; Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area (GCT-PEPANNRES)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=October 27, 2015| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212201125/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2014/GCTPEPANNR.US23PR| archive-date=February 12, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> The metropolitan area is the sixth largest in the state as of 2018, and the seventh largest population center in the state when including micropolitan areas. '''Owensboro''' is a ] ]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.klc.org/UserFiles/files/ClassificationReformFACT(3).pdf |title=Summary and Reference Guide to House Bill 331 City Classification Reform |publisher=Kentucky League of Cities |access-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> in and the county seat of<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> ], United States. It is the ] in the state. Owensboro is located on ] and ] about {{convert|107|mi}} southwest of ], and is the principal city of the ]. The 2020 census had its population at 60,183. The metropolitan population was estimated at 116,506.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2014/GCTPEPANNR.US23PR| title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014 – United States &ndash; Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area (GCT-PEPANNRES)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=October 27, 2015| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212201125/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2014/GCTPEPANNR.US23PR| archive-date=February 12, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> The metropolitan area is the sixth largest in the state as of 2018, and the seventh largest population center in the state when including micropolitan areas.


==History== ==History==
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The first European descendant to settle in Owensboro was frontiersman ] or Smothers in 1797, for whom the riverfront park is named. The settlement was originally known as "]" from the color of the land beside the ]. In 1817, Yellow Banks was formally established under the name '''Owensborough''', named after ] ]. In 1893, the spelling of the name was shortened to its current Owensboro.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=https://visitowensboro.com/explore-owensboro/history/|title=Owensboro-Daviess County History}}</ref> The first European descendant to settle in Owensboro was frontiersman ] or Smothers in 1797, for whom the riverfront park is named. The settlement was originally known as "]" from the color of the land beside the ]. In 1817, Yellow Banks was formally established under the name '''Owensborough''', named after ] ]. In 1893, the spelling of the name was shortened to its current Owensboro.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=https://visitowensboro.com/explore-owensboro/history/|title=Owensboro-Daviess County History}}</ref>


Several ]s, mainly of ], have been in and around the city of Owensboro. The major distillery still in operation is the ], now owned by the ]. Several ]s, mainly of ], have been in and around the city of Owensboro. The major distillery still in operation is the ], now owned by the ]. The other distillery, Green River Distilling Company, started in 1885 and is also Owensboro based. It is still in operation today.


On August 14, 1936, downtown Owensboro was the site of the last public ] in the United States. A 26 year old African American man, ], was convicted and sentenced for the rape and murder of 70-year-old Lischa Edwards in a very short time (only 37 days lapsed between the crime and the execution). A carnival atmosphere was in place with vendors selling hotdogs, attended by a large crowd including children and many reporters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nhregister.com/news/article/After-75-years-last-public-hanging-haunts-11578786.php#photo-13457437|title=After 75 years, last public hanging haunts Kentucky city (photos)|newspaper=New Haven Register|date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> The execution was presided over by a female sheriff, ], who gained national media attention for her role in the process, although she declined to spring the trap.{{clarify|date=November 2018}} Before Bethea was dead, the crowd had already begun to tear at his clothes and even his body for souvenirs. The Kentucky General Assembly quickly abolished public executions after the embarrassment this caused.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lynchings & Hangings|url=https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-lynching/8/|access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> On August 14, 1936, downtown Owensboro was the site of the last public ] in the United States. A 26 year old African American man, ], was convicted and sentenced for the rape and murder of 70-year-old Lischa Edwards in a very short time (only 37 days lapsed between the crime and the execution). A carnival atmosphere was in place with vendors selling hotdogs, attended by a large crowd including children and many reporters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nhregister.com/news/article/After-75-years-last-public-hanging-haunts-11578786.php#photo-13457437|title=After 75 years, last public hanging haunts Kentucky city (photos)|newspaper=New Haven Register|date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> The execution was presided over by a female sheriff, ], who gained national media attention for her role in the process, although she declined to spring the trap.{{clarify|date=November 2018}} Before Bethea was dead, the crowd had already begun to tear at his clothes and even his body for souvenirs. The Kentucky General Assembly quickly abolished public executions after the embarrassment this caused.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lynchings & Hangings|url=https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-lynching/8/|access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref>


The end of the Second World War brought ] projects which helped turn Owensboro from a sleepy industrial town into a modern, expanding community by the turn of the 1960s. Many of the projects were set in motion by Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry, a firm of consulting engineers then engaged in a runway redesign at the County Airport; the "Depp" in question was a member of an old and prominent Kentucky family which includes the town's most famous son, actor ]. The end of the Second World War brought ] projects which helped turn Owensboro from a sleepy industrial town into a modern, expanding community by the turn of the 1960s. Many of the projects were set in motion by Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry, a firm of consulting engineers then engaged in a runway redesign at the County Airport; the "Depp" in question was a member of an old and prominent Kentucky family which includes the town's most famous son, actor ].
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As of 1903, Owensboro was home to several ].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OlsTAAAAYAAJ&q=stemmery | title=Biennial Report of the Labor Inspector of the State of Kentucky|author1=Andrew B. Ludwig|author2=WM. Young| year=1903|publisher=Geo. G. Fetter}}</ref> As of 1903, Owensboro was home to several ].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OlsTAAAAYAAJ&q=stemmery | title=Biennial Report of the Labor Inspector of the State of Kentucky|author1=Andrew B. Ludwig|author2=WM. Young| year=1903|publisher=Geo. G. Fetter}}</ref>
Pinkerton Tobacco produced ] chewing tobacco in Owensboro. ] continues to make Red Man in a plant outside city limits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swedishmatch.com/en/Global/Adresses/Address-container1/Owensboro/|title=Swedish Match – Swedish Match Owensboro Factory|website=www.swedishmatch.com|date=19 September 2011 }}</ref> Pinkerton Tobacco produced Red Man (now ]) chewing tobacco in Owensboro. ] continues to make America's Best Chew in a plant outside city limits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swedishmatch.com/en/Global/Adresses/Address-container1/Owensboro/|title=Swedish Match – Swedish Match Owensboro Factory|website=www.swedishmatch.com|date=September 19, 2011 }}</ref>


The ], established in 1884, was one of the largest and most influential wagon companies in the nation. With eight styles or sizes of wagons, the company set the standard of quality at the turn of the 20th century. The ], established in 1884, was one of the largest and most influential wagon companies in the nation. With eight styles or sizes of wagons, the company set the standard of quality at the turn of the 20th century.
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The start of the ], a ] manufacturing company was in 1899; it eventually was acquired by Kentucky Radio Company (Ken-Rad) in 1918 and later acquired by ] in 1945 and in 1987 acquired by MPD, Inc.,<ref>Leonard Rex, "The seizure of the Ken-Rad Plant-1944". ''Daviess County Historical Quarterly'', April 1984, pp 27–31</ref> created the light bulbs that illuminated the first ] in the history of ] on May 24, 1935, between the ] and ] at ]'s ].<ref>Suzi Bartholomy, "Thackers mark anniversary of landmark baseball game", '']'', Owensboro, Ky. Wednesday, May 26, 2010</ref> The Owensboro plant was a major part of General Electric's ] manufacturing operations, producing both receiving types and military/industrial ceramic types. In 1961, engineers at the General Electric plant in Owensboro introduced a family of vacuum tubes called the ]. The start of the ], a ] manufacturing company was in 1899; it eventually was acquired by Kentucky Radio Company (Ken-Rad) in 1918 and later acquired by ] in 1945 and in 1987 acquired by MPD, Inc.,<ref>Leonard Rex, "The seizure of the Ken-Rad Plant-1944". ''Daviess County Historical Quarterly'', April 1984, pp 27–31</ref> created the light bulbs that illuminated the first ] in the history of ] on May 24, 1935, between the ] and ] at ]'s ].<ref>Suzi Bartholomy, "Thackers mark anniversary of landmark baseball game", '']'', Owensboro, Ky. Wednesday, May 26, 2010</ref> The Owensboro plant was a major part of General Electric's ] manufacturing operations, producing both receiving types and military/industrial ceramic types. In 1961, engineers at the General Electric plant in Owensboro introduced a family of vacuum tubes called the ].


In June 1932, John G. Barnard founded the ] in a small building located near the Ohio River at First and Frederica Streets where the sits today. Today, Modern Welding Company has nine steel tank and vessel fabrication subsidiaries located throughout the United States, and five ] supply stores located in Kentucky and ]. The company is the country's largest supplier of underground and above ground steel storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.modweldco.com/about/ |title=Modern Welding Company &#124; About Us |publisher=Modweldco.com |date=2008-12-07 |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref> In June 1932, John G. Barnard founded the ] in a small building located near the Ohio River at First and Frederica Streets where the sits today. Today, Modern Welding Company has nine steel tank and vessel fabrication subsidiaries located throughout the United States, and five ] supply stores located in Kentucky and ]. The company is the country's largest supplier of underground and above ground steel storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.modweldco.com/about/ |title=Modern Welding Company &#124; About Us |publisher=Modweldco.com |date=December 7, 2008 |access-date=May 15, 2012}}</ref>


] Corporation was created in 1948 with the merger of Memphis Natural Gas Company and Kentucky Natural Gas Corporation and made its headquarters in Owensboro. Since that time, Texas Gas changed ownership four times. The company was bought by CSX Corp. in 1983, by Transco Energy Corp. in 1989, by Williams in 1995, and by Loews Corporation in 2003.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.txgt.com/AboutUs.aspx?id=54 |title=Texas Gas – History |publisher=Txgt.com |date=2005-11-15 |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref> ] Corporation was created in 1948 with the merger of Memphis Natural Gas Company and Kentucky Natural Gas Corporation and made its headquarters in Owensboro. Since that time, Texas Gas changed ownership four times. The company was bought by CSX Corp. in 1983, by Transco Energy Corp. in 1989, by Williams in 1995, and by Loews Corporation in 2003.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.txgt.com/AboutUs.aspx?id=54 |title=Texas Gas – History |publisher=Txgt.com |date=November 15, 2005 |access-date=May 15, 2012}}</ref>


==Geography== ==Geography==
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===Climate=== ===Climate===
Owensboro has a ] which is characterized by hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Day-to-day temperature differences can be high during the winter. Summers, in comparison, are much more stable. Severe weather, including the threat of ]es, is not uncommon throughout much of the year, with several notable events occurring throughout the city's history. One such event occurred on ], when F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring three people.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035926 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=23 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035927 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=23 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Indiana Event Report: F3 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10004037 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=23 May 2022}}</ref> Owensboro has a ] which is characterized by hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Day-to-day temperature differences can be high during the winter. Summers, in comparison, are much more stable. Severe weather, including the threat of ]es, is not uncommon throughout much of the year, with several notable events occurring throughout the city's history. One such event occurred on ], when F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring three people.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035926 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=May 23, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035927 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=May 23, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Indiana Event Report: F3 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10004037 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=May 23, 2022}}</ref>


{{Weather box {{Weather box
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===Top employers=== ===Top employers===
According to Owensboro's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://owensboro.org/assets/files/ACFR-2021.pdf|title=City of Owensboro CAFR|date=2021-12-07}}</ref> the top employers in the city were: According to Owensboro's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://owensboro.org/assets/files/acfr/ACFR2023.pdf|title=City of Owensboro ACFR|date=}}</ref> the top employers in the city were:


{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
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| 1 | 1
| ] | ]
|4,274 |4,862
|- |-
|2 |2
| ] | ]
|1,499 |1,475
|- |-
|3 |3
| ] | ]
|833 |869
|- |-
|4 |4
| Toyotetsu Mid-America | Toyotetsu Mid-America
|682 |850
|- |-
|5 |5
⚫ | Specialty Foods Group
⚫ | ]
|543 |642
|- |-
|6 |6
| Total Packaging LLC
⚫ | Specialty Foods Group
|513 |480
|- |-
|7 |7
⚫ | ]
⚫ | ]
|451 |434
|- |-
|8 |7
| City of Owensboro | City of Owensboro
|434 |434
|- |-
|9 |9
⚫ | ]
⚫ | ]
|405 |424
|- |-
|10 |10
⚫ | ]
| Metalsa Structural Products, Inc.
|396 |391
|} |}


==Arts and culture== ==Arts and culture==
Owensboro was named an ] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allamericacityaward.com/owensboro-kentucky|title=allamericacityaward.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625062023/http://www.allamericacityaward.com/owensboro-kentucky/|archive-date=2013-06-25}}</ref> Owensboro placed fourth on Area Development's Top 20 Southern Cities, with a 9th-place ranking for its "recession busting factors" among the Top 25 Small Cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://Owensboro.org/about/Owensboro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128231756/http://www.owensboro.org/about/owensboro|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-01-28|title=Owensboro.org}}</ref> Owensboro was named an ] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allamericacityaward.com/owensboro-kentucky|title=allamericacityaward.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625062023/http://www.allamericacityaward.com/owensboro-kentucky/|archive-date=June 25, 2013}}</ref> Owensboro placed fourth on Area Development's Top 20 Southern Cities, with a 9th-place ranking for its "recession busting factors" among the Top 25 Small Cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://Owensboro.org/about/Owensboro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128231756/http://www.owensboro.org/about/owensboro|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2010|title=Owensboro.org}}</ref>


===Religion=== ===Religion===
Owensboro and Daviess County are served by many churches.  According to statistics from U.S. Religion Census data<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congregational Membership Reports {{!}} US Religion |url=https://thearda.com/us-religion/census/congregational-membership |access-date=October 22, 2024 |website=thearda.com}}</ref> from 2020, collected by The Association of Religion Data Archives, approximately 63.9% of the county population is affiliated with a religious organization.  Evangelical Protestants make up the largest contingent at 35.1%, with Southern Baptists being the largest single denomination in the county in terms of both number of congregations and adherents.  Catholics are the second largest single denomination in number of adherents, representing 22.1%.
In 1937, ] established the ], which spans approximately the western third of the state. It includes 32 counties and covers approximately {{convert|12500|sqmi|km2}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.owensborodio.org/|title=Diocese of Owensboro|first=Red Pixel Studios|last=Inc.|website=Diocese of Owensboro}}</ref> Though the area has been considered by many to be predominately Catholic, evangelical denominations such as Southern Baptists have increased dramatically over the past several decades. The ] has many churches in the area. Owensboro is also home to ], which is among the oldest synagogues in the United States.

The following is a breakdown of measurably significant 2020 statistics:
{| class="wikitable"
|Evangelical Protestant
|35.1
|-
|Catholic
|22.1
|-
|Mainline Protestant
|5.3
|-
|Latter Day Saints
|0.5
|-
|Jehovah’s Witnesses
|0.3
|-
|Black Protestant
|0.3
|-
|Islam
|0.2
|-
|Other Christians
|0.1
|}
Owensboro and Daviess County are home to several historic churches.  Bethlehem Methodist Church on the east side of the county was organized in 1806, making it the oldest in the county.  Nearby Yelvington Baptist Church dates back to 1813, making it the second oldest church in the county.  Bethabara Baptist in Philpot dates back to 1825, while Pleasant Grove Baptist in Sorgho traces its origins back to 1835.  First Baptist Church in Owensboro also dates back to 1835, as does Fourth Street Baptist Church.

St. Lawrence Parish in eastern Daviess County dates to 1822, making it the oldest Catholic parish in the county.  St. Stephen Parish dates to 1839, and is the oldest parish in Owensboro. In 1937, ] established the ], which spans approximately the western third of the state. It includes 32 counties and covers approximately 12,500 square miles (32,000 km<sup>2</sup>).

The , dating back to 1844, is the regional hub for 50+ Southern Baptist churches in Daviess, McLean, and northern Ohio County.

Owensboro is also home to ]. Organized in 1858 and built in 1877, it is among the oldest Jewish synagogues in the United States.

⚫ Owensboro is also the location of the ].

===Music===
Owensboro is home to the (Previously known as the International Bluegrass Music Museum<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Oral History Project |url=https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt70rx93b876 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=kentuckyoralhistory.org |language=en-US}}</ref>). The museum is dedicated to the history and preservation of ], as well as hosting the ] to celebrate the best of Bluegrass musicians. The venue also hosts many music events throughout the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home - Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum |url=https://www.bluegrasshall.org/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref>


The won the Governor's Award for Community Arts in 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=KY: Kentucky Arts Council - Governor's Awards in the Arts: Past Recipients |url=http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Showcasing/gov-awards-past-recipients.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=artscouncil.ky.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=2013 Governor's Awards in the Arts recipient International Bluegrass Music Museum |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUo2yY0nS2Q |access-date=February 25, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
⚫ Owensboro is also the location of ]'s campus.


===Events=== ===Events===
] ]


*Owensboro is the "Barbecue Capital of the world"; it holds its ] and competition every second weekend in May.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} *Owensboro is the "Barbecue Capital of the world"; it holds its ] and competition every second weekend in May.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cissell |first=Brian |last2=Onyett |first2=Travis |date=May 12, 2023 |title=BBQ and Barrels Festival kicks off in Owensboro |url=https://www.14news.com/2023/05/12/bbq-barrels-festival-kicks-off-owensboro/ |access-date=August 12, 2023 |website=www.14news.com |language=en}}</ref>
*Owensboro hosts "ROMP", "River of Music Party", a ] festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rompfest.com|title=Home|website=ROMP Fest 2018 - June 27–30, 2018}}</ref> ROMP has grown to 20,000 visitors a year, and won the Governor's Award for Community Arts in 2013.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} *Owensboro hosts "ROMP", "River of Music Party", a ] festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rompfest.com|title=Home|website=ROMP Fest 2018 - June 27–30, 2018}}</ref> ROMP has grown to 25,000 visitors a year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival |url=https://visitowensboro.com/listing/romp-bluegrass-roots-branches-festival/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Visit Owensboro, KY |language=en-US}}</ref>
*Lanham Brothers Jamboree is an event held every second Saturday from April through September at the Diamond Lake Resort Theater in Owensboro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lanhambrothersjamboree.com|title=Lanham Brothers Jamboree – Fun, Family, Entertainment}}</ref> *Lanham Brothers Jamboree is an event held every second Saturday from April through September at the Diamond Lake Resort Theater in Owensboro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lanhambrothersjamboree.com|title=Lanham Brothers Jamboree – Fun, Family, Entertainment}}</ref>
*During the summer, the city offers "Friday After 5", a free 16-week series of outdoor concerts on the downtown riverfront.<ref>{{cite web| title=Friday After 5 | publisher=Downtown Owensboro, Inc. | url=http://www.fridayafter5.com | access-date=2007-07-03}}</ref> *During the summer, the city offers "Friday After 5", a free 16-week series of outdoor concerts on the downtown riverfront, which resumed after a pandemic break.<ref>{{cite web| title=Friday After 5 | publisher=Downtown Owensboro, Inc. | url=http://www.fridayafter5.com | access-date=July 3, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Birgy |first=Barb|date=March 6, 2023 |title=Friday After 5 Announces Epic 2023 Lineup |url=https://wbkr.com/where-the-weekend-begins-in-western-kentucky-friday-after-5-announces-2023-lineup/ |access-date=August 12, 2023 |website=WBKR |language=en}}</ref>
*The "Owensboro PumpkinFest" is held each September at the Sportscenter/Moreland Park complex. The festival includes food vendors, crafts people, carnival rides, children and adult activities and games, and contests using pumpkins.<ref>{{cite web| title=Owensboro PumpkinFest | url=http://www.owensboropumpkinfest.org | access-date=2007-07-03}}</ref> The event was started by the ] to raise awareness and funds.<ref>{{cite web| title=Glenmary Sisters | publisher=Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America | url=http://www.glenmarysisters.org| access-date=2007-07-03}}</ref> *The "Owensboro PumpkinFest" is held each September at the Sportscenter/Moreland Park complex. The festival includes food vendors, crafts people, carnival rides, children and adult activities and games, and contests using pumpkins.<ref>{{cite web| title=Owensboro PumpkinFest | url=http://www.owensboropumpkinfest.org | access-date=July 3, 2007}}</ref> The event was started by the ] to raise awareness and funds.<ref>{{cite web| title=Glenmary Sisters | publisher=Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America | url=http://www.glenmarysisters.org| access-date=July 3, 2007}}</ref>
*Owensboro Multicultural Festival is held each year to celebrate diversity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Josh |date=2022-08-14 |title=Multicultural Festival returns Saturday with theme of 'We're better together' |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2022/08/multicultural-festival-returns-saturday-with-theme-of-were-better-together/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=The Owensboro Times |language=en-US}}</ref> *Owensboro Multicultural Festival is held each year to celebrate diversity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Josh |date=August 14, 2022 |title=Multicultural Festival returns Saturday with theme of 'We're better together' |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2022/08/multicultural-festival-returns-saturday-with-theme-of-were-better-together/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=The Owensboro Times |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Points of interest=== ===Points of interest===
Line 372: Line 410:
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* Largest ] tree<ref>{{cite web|title=Owensboro's Sassafras Tree|url=https://visitowensboro.com/listing/owensboros-sassafras-tree/|website=visitowensboro.com|publisher=Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau|access-date=22 July 2017}}</ref> (located on Frederica Street next door to the Daviess County Public Library) * Largest ] tree<ref>{{cite web|title=Owensboro's Sassafras Tree|url=https://visitowensboro.com/listing/owensboros-sassafras-tree/|website=visitowensboro.com|publisher=Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau|access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> (located on Frederica Street next door to the Daviess County Public Library)
* Owensboro Museum of Science and History * Owensboro Museum of Science and History
* RiverPark Center * RiverPark Center
Line 381: Line 419:


==Sports== ==Sports==
The ] baseball team compete in the collegiate wood-bat Ohio Valley League. The Oilers were the KIT League's 2008 playoff champions and the 2006 KIT League season champions. The team is named for the baseball minor league farm team "Owensboro Oilers" which existed in the 1940s.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} The Owensboro Oilers baseball team compete in the collegiate wood-bat Ohio Valley League. The Oilers were the KIT League's 2008 playoff champions and the 2006 KIT League season champions. The team is named for the baseball minor league farm team "]" which existed in the 1940s.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Many of the city high schools produced talented college and professional athletes. Many of the city high schools produced talented college and professional athletes.


Line 397: Line 435:
In 2006, plans were announced for a research center operated by the ] to be located at the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center, a part of the Owensboro Medical Health System, to study how to make the first ever ] ], called ], from tobacco plants. U of L researcher Dr Albert Bennet Jenson and Dr Shin-je Ghim discovered the ] in 2006. If successful, the ] would be made in Owensboro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060531/NEWS01/605310428|title=Two at UofL help invent vaccine – Courier Journal}}</ref> In 2006, plans were announced for a research center operated by the ] to be located at the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center, a part of the Owensboro Medical Health System, to study how to make the first ever ] ], called ], from tobacco plants. U of L researcher Dr Albert Bennet Jenson and Dr Shin-je Ghim discovered the ] in 2006. If successful, the ] would be made in Owensboro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060531/NEWS01/605310428|title=Two at UofL help invent vaccine – Courier Journal}}</ref>


Owensboro has a lending library, the Daviess County Public Library.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/pages/librarydirectory.aspx | title=Kentucky Public Library Directory | publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives | access-date=5 June 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111202017/https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/pages/librarydirectory.aspx | archive-date=2019-01-11 }}</ref> Owensboro has a lending library, the Daviess County Public Library.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/pages/librarydirectory.aspx | title=Kentucky Public Library Directory | publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives | access-date=June 5, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111202017/https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/pages/librarydirectory.aspx | archive-date=January 11, 2019 }}</ref>


==Media== ==Media==
===Print and online===
The daily newspaper is the '']'', owned by Paxton Media Group of ].<ref>{{cite web| title=Messenger-Inquirer Website| publisher=Messenger-Inquirer | url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com|access-date=2007-07-03}}</ref> The daily newspaper is the '']'', owned by Paxton Media Group of ].<ref>{{cite web| title=Messenger-Inquirer Website| publisher=Messenger-Inquirer | url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com|access-date=July 3, 2007}}</ref>


''The Owensboro Times'' is a local online news site.<ref>{{cite web | title = About The Owensboro Times | publisher = The Owensboro Times | url = https://www.owensborotimes.com/about-us/ | accessdate = May 30, 2021}}</ref> ''The Owensboro Times'' is a local online news site.<ref>{{cite web | title = About The Owensboro Times | publisher = The Owensboro Times | url = https://www.owensborotimes.com/about-us/ | accessdate = May 30, 2021}}</ref>


===Radio===
Radio stations include ], ], ], ], ] and ] broadcasting from Owensboro. One, ], is actually licensed to Owensboro, although its studios are now located in Evansville. Radio stations include ], ], ], ], ] and ] broadcasting from Owensboro. One, ], is actually licensed to Owensboro, although its studios are now located in Evansville.


===Television===
Although no television stations are based in the city, it is part of the Evansville television market, which is the 100th-largest in the United States, according to ].<ref>{{cite web | title=Nielsen Media Research Local Universe Estimates | publisher=Audience Research & Development | url=http://www.ar-d.com/pdf/DMAListing_2005-2006.pdf | access-date=2006-12-28 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104062114/http://www.ar-d.com/pdf/DMAListing_2005-2006.pdf | archive-date=2007-01-04 }}</ref> However, in early 2007, ] affiliate ] opened a bureau in Owensboro which covers news on the Kentucky side of the market. Many of the local television stations often promote themselves as serving ], Owensboro, Kentucky, and ]. Although no television stations are based in the city, it is part of the Evansville television market, which is the 100th-largest in the United States, according to ].<ref>{{cite web | title=Nielsen Media Research Local Universe Estimates | publisher=Audience Research & Development | url=http://www.ar-d.com/pdf/DMAListing_2005-2006.pdf | access-date=December 28, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104062114/http://www.ar-d.com/pdf/DMAListing_2005-2006.pdf | archive-date=January 4, 2007 }}</ref> However, in early 2007, ] affiliate ] opened a bureau in Owensboro which covers news on the Kentucky side of the market. Many of the local television stations often promote themselves as serving ], Owensboro, Kentucky, and ].


==Infrastructure== ==Infrastructure==
Line 447: Line 488:
* ], collegiate basketball coach * ], collegiate basketball coach
* ], professional basketball player * ], professional basketball player
* ], mixed martial arts
* ], former NASCAR driver * ], former NASCAR driver
* ], NFL player * ], NFL player
Line 486: Line 528:
* ], U.S. Army brigadier general who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor * ], U.S. Army brigadier general who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor
* ], noted Boy Scouts of America member and Scoutmaster * ], noted Boy Scouts of America member and Scoutmaster
* ], reproductive freedom advocate<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tweddell |first=Vince |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Born in Henderson, Duvall will speak Monday at Democratic National Convention |url=https://the-hendersonian.com/born-in-henderson-duvall-will-speak-monday-at-democratic-national-convention/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=The Hendersonian |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ], publisher and owner of the '']''
* ], U.S. naval commander * ], U.S. naval commander
* ], Vietnam War Medal Of Honor recipient * ], Vietnam War Medal Of Honor recipient
Line 492: Line 536:


==Sister cities== ==Sister cities==
Owensboro has two ], as designated by ]:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/usa/KY |title=Online directory: Kentucky, USA |publisher=Sister Cities International |access-date=2007-06-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002205137/http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/USA/KY |archive-date=2006-10-02 }}</ref> Owensboro has two ], as designated by ]:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/usa/KY |title=Online directory: Kentucky, USA |publisher=Sister Cities International |access-date=June 11, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002205137/http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/USA/KY |archive-date=October 2, 2006 }}</ref>


*{{flagdeco|Czech Republic}} ], ], Czech Republic *{{flagdeco|Czech Republic}} ], ], Czech Republic
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{{Commons category}} {{Commons category}}
{{NIE Poster|Owensboro}} {{NIE Poster|Owensboro}}
* *
*
* from the Kentucky Atlas and Gazetteer, a ] website
* , from the ] * , from the ]


{{Owensboro, Kentucky}} {{Owensboro, Kentucky}}

Revision as of 00:14, 25 December 2024

"Owensboro" redirects here. For other uses, see Owensboro (disambiguation). Not to be confused with the similarly-named cities of Owenton, Kentucky or Owingsville, Kentucky

City in Kentucky, United States
Owensboro, Kentucky
City
Corner of West 3rd and St. Ann Streets in OwensboroCorner of West 3rd and St. Ann Streets in Owensboro
Flag of Owensboro, KentuckyFlagOfficial seal of Owensboro, KentuckySeal
Nickname: BBQ Capital of the World
Motto: "Progress 1817"
Location of Owensboro in Daviess County, Kentucky.Location of Owensboro in Daviess County, Kentucky.
Owensboro is located in KentuckyOwensboroOwensboroShow map of KentuckyOwensboro is located in the United StatesOwensboroOwensboroShow map of the United States
Coordinates: 37°45′28″N 87°7′6″W / 37.75778°N 87.11833°W / 37.75778; -87.11833
CountryUnited States
StateKentucky
CountyDaviess
Settled (as Yellow Banks)1797
Established (as Owensborough)1817
Incorporated1850
Government
 • MayorTom Watson
 • Mayor Pro TemMark Castlen
 • City ManagerNate Pagan
Area
 • City22.10 sq mi (57.24 km)
 • Land20.65 sq mi (53.49 km)
 • Water1.45 sq mi (3.76 km)  6.47%
Elevation394 ft (120 m)
Population
 • City60,183
 • Estimate 60,037
 • Density2,914.15/sq mi (1,125.16/km)
 • Metro116,506
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP codes42301-42304
Area code(s)270 & 364
FIPS code21-58620
GNIS feature ID0500082
Highways
Websitewww.owensboro.org

Owensboro is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Daviess County, Kentucky, United States. It is the fourth-most populous city in the state. Owensboro is located on U.S. Route 60 and Interstate 165 about 107 miles (172 km) southwest of Louisville, and is the principal city of the Owensboro metropolitan area. The 2020 census had its population at 60,183. The metropolitan population was estimated at 116,506. The metropolitan area is the sixth largest in the state as of 2018, and the seventh largest population center in the state when including micropolitan areas.

History

Evidence of Native American settlement in the area dates back 12,000 years. Following a series of failed uprisings with British support, however, the last Shawnee were forced to vacate the area before the end of the 18th century.

The first European descendant to settle in Owensboro was frontiersman William Smeathers or Smothers in 1797, for whom the riverfront park is named. The settlement was originally known as "Yellow Banks" from the color of the land beside the Ohio River. In 1817, Yellow Banks was formally established under the name Owensborough, named after Col. Abraham Owen. In 1893, the spelling of the name was shortened to its current Owensboro.

Several distillers, mainly of bourbon whiskey, have been in and around the city of Owensboro. The major distillery still in operation is the Glenmore Distillery Company, now owned by the Sazerac Company. The other distillery, Green River Distilling Company, started in 1885 and is also Owensboro based. It is still in operation today.

On August 14, 1936, downtown Owensboro was the site of the last public hanging in the United States. A 26 year old African American man, Rainey Bethea, was convicted and sentenced for the rape and murder of 70-year-old Lischa Edwards in a very short time (only 37 days lapsed between the crime and the execution). A carnival atmosphere was in place with vendors selling hotdogs, attended by a large crowd including children and many reporters. The execution was presided over by a female sheriff, Florence Shoemaker Thompson, who gained national media attention for her role in the process, although she declined to spring the trap. Before Bethea was dead, the crowd had already begun to tear at his clothes and even his body for souvenirs. The Kentucky General Assembly quickly abolished public executions after the embarrassment this caused.

The end of the Second World War brought civil engineering projects which helped turn Owensboro from a sleepy industrial town into a modern, expanding community by the turn of the 1960s. Many of the projects were set in motion by Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry, a firm of consulting engineers then engaged in a runway redesign at the County Airport; the "Depp" in question was a member of an old and prominent Kentucky family which includes the town's most famous son, actor Johnny Depp.

Manufacturing

Dudley Morton Memorial at the American Legion Hall

As of 1903, Owensboro was home to several stemmeries. Pinkerton Tobacco produced Red Man (now America's Best Chew) chewing tobacco in Owensboro. Swedish Match continues to make America's Best Chew in a plant outside city limits.

The Owensboro Wagon Company, established in 1884, was one of the largest and most influential wagon companies in the nation. With eight styles or sizes of wagons, the company set the standard of quality at the turn of the 20th century.

Frederick A. Ames came to Owensboro from Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1887. He started the Carriage Woodstock Company to repair horse-drawn carriages. In 1910, he began to manufacture a line of automobiles under the Ames brand name. Ames hired industrialist Vincent Bendix in 1912, and the company became the Ames Motor Car Company. Despite its product being called the "best $1500" car by a Texas car dealer, the company ceased production of its own model in 1915. The company then began manufacturing replacement bodies for the more widely sold Ford Model T. In 1922, the company remade itself and started to manufacture furniture under the name Ames Corporation. The company finally sold out to Whitehall Furniture in 1970.

The start of the Kentucky Electrical Lamp Company, a light bulb manufacturing company was in 1899; it eventually was acquired by Kentucky Radio Company (Ken-Rad) in 1918 and later acquired by General Electric in 1945 and in 1987 acquired by MPD, Inc., created the light bulbs that illuminated the first night game in the history of Major League Baseball on May 24, 1935, between the Reds and Phillies at Cincinnati's Crosley Field. The Owensboro plant was a major part of General Electric's vacuum tube manufacturing operations, producing both receiving types and military/industrial ceramic types. In 1961, engineers at the General Electric plant in Owensboro introduced a family of vacuum tubes called the Compactron.

In June 1932, John G. Barnard founded the Modern Welding Company in a small building located near the Ohio River at First and Frederica Streets where the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum sits today. Today, Modern Welding Company has nine steel tank and vessel fabrication subsidiaries located throughout the United States, and five welding supply stores located in Kentucky and Indiana. The company is the country's largest supplier of underground and above ground steel storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007.

Texas Gas Transmission Corporation was created in 1948 with the merger of Memphis Natural Gas Company and Kentucky Natural Gas Corporation and made its headquarters in Owensboro. Since that time, Texas Gas changed ownership four times. The company was bought by CSX Corp. in 1983, by Transco Energy Corp. in 1989, by Williams in 1995, and by Loews Corporation in 2003.

Geography

Military memorial on the riverfront

Owensboro is located at the crook of a bend in the Ohio River, 37 miles (60 km) southeast of Evansville, Indiana.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Owensboro has a total area of 20.4 square miles (52.9 km), of which 19.1 square miles (49.5 km) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km), or 6.47%, is water.

Climate

Owensboro has a humid subtropical climate which is characterized by hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Day-to-day temperature differences can be high during the winter. Summers, in comparison, are much more stable. Severe weather, including the threat of tornadoes, is not uncommon throughout much of the year, with several notable events occurring throughout the city's history. One such event occurred on December 9, 1952, when F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring three people.

Climate data for Owensboro, Kentucky (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1896–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 76
(24) 		80
(27) 		89
(32) 		92
(33) 		96
(36) 		107
(42) 		107
(42) 		105
(41) 		104
(40) 		95
(35) 		87
(31) 		76
(24) 		107
(42)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 45.7
(7.6) 		50.5
(10.3) 		60.0
(15.6) 		71.9
(22.2) 		80.1
(26.7) 		88.5
(31.4) 		92.0
(33.3) 		91.5
(33.1) 		85.6
(29.8) 		74.6
(23.7) 		60.9
(16.1) 		49.2
(9.6) 		70.9
(21.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 36.0
(2.2) 		40.1
(4.5) 		48.6
(9.2) 		59.3
(15.2) 		68.2
(20.1) 		76.7
(24.8) 		80.3
(26.8) 		79.0
(26.1) 		72.1
(22.3) 		60.7
(15.9) 		49.5
(9.7) 		38.9
(3.8) 		59.1
(15.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 26.2
(−3.2) 		29.7
(−1.3) 		37.2
(2.9) 		46.8
(8.2) 		56.3
(13.5) 		64.8
(18.2) 		68.6
(20.3) 		66.5
(19.2) 		58.5
(14.7) 		46.7
(8.2) 		38.2
(3.4) 		28.6
(−1.9) 		47.3
(8.5)
Record low °F (°C) −23
(−31) 		−21
(−29) 		−7
(−22) 		22
(−6) 		31
(−1) 		38
(3) 		44
(7) 		42
(6) 		27
(−3) 		17
(−8) 		−7
(−22) 		−16
(−27) 		−23
(−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.41
(87) 		4.11
(104) 		4.64
(118) 		4.51
(115) 		5.84
(148) 		3.01
(76) 		3.76
(96) 		3.31
(84) 		3.46
(88) 		3.46
(88) 		4.06
(103) 		4.21
(107) 		47.78
(1,214)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 2.4
(6.1) 		4.0
(10) 		0.6
(1.5) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0.0
(0.0) 		1.4
(3.6) 		8.8
(22)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 8.4 9.5 10.7 9.8 11.0 8.6 7.9 6.9 7.6 7.9 9.4 9.9 107.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 1.1 1.1 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.7 3.5
Source: NOAA

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1830229—
18501,215—
18602,30890.0%
18703,43748.9%
18806,23181.3%
18909,83757.9%
190013,18934.1%
191016,01121.4%
192017,4248.8%
193022,76530.7%
194030,24532.9%
195033,65111.3%
196042,47126.2%
197050,32918.5%
198054,4508.2%
199053,549−1.7%
200054,0671.0%
201057,2655.9%
202060,1835.1%
2022 (est.)60,037−0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2010, there were 58,083 people and 23,380 households within the city. The population density was 2,999.1 people per square mile (1,158.0 people/km). There were 26,072 housing units at an average density of 1,394.7 per square mile (538.5/km). The racial makeup of the city was 87.5% White, 7.3% African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 23,380 households, out of which 23.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,289, and the median income for a family was $41,333. Males had a median income of $33,429 versus $21,457 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,183. About 12.2% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.9% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.

Metropolitan area

According to the 2007 census, the Owensboro Metropolitan Area includes Daviess, Hancock, and McLean counties.

Economy

Top employers

According to Owensboro's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Owensboro Health 4,862
2 U.S. Bank Home Mortgage 1,475
3 Owensboro Public Schools 869
4 Toyotetsu Mid-America 850
5 Specialty Foods Group 642
6 Total Packaging LLC 480
7 UniFirst 434
7 City of Owensboro 434
9 Sazerac Distilleries 424
10 Mizkan America Inc. 391

Arts and culture

Owensboro was named an All-America City in 2013. Owensboro placed fourth on Area Development's Top 20 Southern Cities, with a 9th-place ranking for its "recession busting factors" among the Top 25 Small Cities.

Religion

Owensboro and Daviess County are served by many churches.  According to statistics from U.S. Religion Census data from 2020, collected by The Association of Religion Data Archives, approximately 63.9% of the county population is affiliated with a religious organization.  Evangelical Protestants make up the largest contingent at 35.1%, with Southern Baptists being the largest single denomination in the county in terms of both number of congregations and adherents.  Catholics are the second largest single denomination in number of adherents, representing 22.1%.

The following is a breakdown of measurably significant 2020 statistics:

Evangelical Protestant 35.1
Catholic 22.1
Mainline Protestant 5.3
Latter Day Saints 0.5
Jehovah’s Witnesses 0.3
Black Protestant 0.3
Islam 0.2
Other Christians 0.1

Owensboro and Daviess County are home to several historic churches.  Bethlehem Methodist Church on the east side of the county was organized in 1806, making it the oldest in the county.  Nearby Yelvington Baptist Church dates back to 1813, making it the second oldest church in the county.  Bethabara Baptist in Philpot dates back to 1825, while Pleasant Grove Baptist in Sorgho traces its origins back to 1835.  First Baptist Church in Owensboro also dates back to 1835, as does Fourth Street Baptist Church.

St. Lawrence Parish in eastern Daviess County dates to 1822, making it the oldest Catholic parish in the county.  St. Stephen Parish dates to 1839, and is the oldest parish in Owensboro. In 1937, Pope Pius XI established the Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro, which spans approximately the western third of the state. It includes 32 counties and covers approximately 12,500 square miles (32,000 km).

The Daviess-McLean Baptist Association, dating back to 1844, is the regional hub for 50+ Southern Baptist churches in Daviess, McLean, and northern Ohio County.

Owensboro is also home to Temple Adath Israel. Organized in 1858 and built in 1877, it is among the oldest Jewish synagogues in the United States.

Owensboro is also the location of the Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.

Music

Owensboro is home to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Previously known as the International Bluegrass Music Museum). The museum is dedicated to the history and preservation of Bluegrass music, as well as hosting the Bluegrass Hall of Fame to celebrate the best of Bluegrass musicians. The venue also hosts many music events throughout the year.

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum won the Governor's Award for Community Arts in 2013

Events

Owensboro Bar-B-Q Festival
Owensboro BBQ Festival, 2008
  • Owensboro is the "Barbecue Capital of the world"; it holds its International Bar-B-Q Festival and competition every second weekend in May.
  • Owensboro hosts "ROMP", "River of Music Party", a bluegrass music festival. ROMP has grown to 25,000 visitors a year.
  • Lanham Brothers Jamboree is an event held every second Saturday from April through September at the Diamond Lake Resort Theater in Owensboro.
  • During the summer, the city offers "Friday After 5", a free 16-week series of outdoor concerts on the downtown riverfront, which resumed after a pandemic break.
  • The "Owensboro PumpkinFest" is held each September at the Sportscenter/Moreland Park complex. The festival includes food vendors, crafts people, carnival rides, children and adult activities and games, and contests using pumpkins. The event was started by the Glenmary Sisters to raise awareness and funds.
  • Owensboro Multicultural Festival is held each year to celebrate diversity.

Points of interest

Sports

The Owensboro Oilers baseball team compete in the collegiate wood-bat Ohio Valley League. The Oilers were the KIT League's 2008 playoff champions and the 2006 KIT League season champions. The team is named for the baseball minor league farm team "Owensboro Oilers" which existed in the 1940s. Many of the city high schools produced talented college and professional athletes.

Government

Daviess County Courthouse constructed in 1964

Owensboro has operated under a City Manager form of government since 1954. Citizens elect a mayor and four city commissioners who form the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners is the legislative body of the city government and represents the interests of the citizens. The Board of Commissioners hires a city manager who administers the day-to-day operations of the city.

The mayor is elected for a term of four years. Each city commissioner is elected for a term of two years. The term of the city manager is indefinite and based on performance.

Education

The Owensboro Public Schools, Daviess County Public Schools, and the Diocese of Owensboro's Catholic School System oversee K-12 education in and around Owensboro.

Owensboro is home to two private, four-year colleges, Brescia University (Catholic) and Kentucky Wesleyan College, and one public community college, Owensboro Community and Technical College. A campus of Daymar College is also located in Owensboro, and Western Kentucky University has a regional campus there.

In 2006, plans were announced for a research center operated by the University of Louisville to be located at the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center, a part of the Owensboro Medical Health System, to study how to make the first ever human papilloma virus vaccine, called Gardasil, from tobacco plants. U of L researcher Dr Albert Bennet Jenson and Dr Shin-je Ghim discovered the vaccine in 2006. If successful, the vaccine would be made in Owensboro.

Owensboro has a lending library, the Daviess County Public Library.

Media

Print and online

The daily newspaper is the Messenger-Inquirer, owned by Paxton Media Group of Paducah, Kentucky.

The Owensboro Times is a local online news site.

Radio

Radio stations include WBIO, WXCM, WLME, WOMI, WVJS and WBKR broadcasting from Owensboro. One, WSTO-FM, is actually licensed to Owensboro, although its studios are now located in Evansville.

Television

Although no television stations are based in the city, it is part of the Evansville television market, which is the 100th-largest in the United States, according to Nielsen Media Research. However, in early 2007, NBC affiliate WFIE-TV opened a bureau in Owensboro which covers news on the Kentucky side of the market. Many of the local television stations often promote themselves as serving Evansville, Indiana, Owensboro, Kentucky, and Henderson, Kentucky.

Infrastructure

Owensboro Bridge and the Indiana riverbank as seen from Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro

Transportation

I-165, US 60, and US 431 serve Owensboro, with US 431 terminating at the former US 60 Bypass (now signed US 60). US 231 and US 60 form a partial beltway around Owensboro. KY 81, KY 56, KY 331, KY 298, KY 54, and KY 144 also serve the city.

Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport serves, along with Evansville Regional Airport, as one of the region's primary commercial airports.

The Owensboro Transit System (OTS) offers bus transit to residents, and the Green River Intra-County Transit System (GRITS) offers specialized bus services to residents with disabilities who are not able to ride fixed-route public transportation buses.

Notable people

Politicians

Sports

Entertainers

Authors and journalists

Others

Sister cities

Owensboro has two sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

See also

References

  1. ^ Commonwealth of Kentucky. Office of the Secretary of State. Land Office. "Owensboro, Kentucky". Accessed September 18, 2013.
  2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  3. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Kentucky: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  4. "Summary and Reference Guide to House Bill 331 City Classification Reform" (PDF). Kentucky League of Cities. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  5. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  6. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014 – United States – Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area (GCT-PEPANNRES)". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  7. "Owensboro-Daviess County History".
  8. "After 75 years, last public hanging haunts Kentucky city (photos)". New Haven Register. August 11, 2011.
  9. "Lynchings & Hangings". Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  10. Andrew B. Ludwig; WM. Young (1903). Biennial Report of the Labor Inspector of the State of Kentucky. Geo. G. Fetter.
  11. "Swedish Match – Swedish Match Owensboro Factory". www.swedishmatch.com. September 19, 2011.
  12. "F.A. Ames Company, 1911–1941; Ames Body Corporation, 1915–1922; Owensboro, Kentucky". www.coachbuilt.com.
  13. Leonard Rex, "The seizure of the Ken-Rad Plant-1944". Daviess County Historical Quarterly, April 1984, pp 27–31
  14. Suzi Bartholomy, "Thackers mark anniversary of landmark baseball game", Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. Wednesday, May 26, 2010
  15. "Modern Welding Company | About Us". Modweldco.com. December 7, 2008. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  16. "Texas Gas – History". Txgt.com. November 15, 2005. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  17. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Owensboro city, Kentucky". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  18. "Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service. Retrieved May 23, 2022."Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service. Retrieved May 23, 2022."Indiana Event Report: F3 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  19. "Station: Owensboro, KY". U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1981-2010). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  20. "Monthly Highest Max Temperature and Monthly Lowest Min Temperature for Owensboro 1 W, KY". Applied Climate Information System. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  21. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Kentucky: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  22. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  23. "City of Owensboro ACFR" (PDF).
  24. "allamericacityaward.com". Archived from the original on June 25, 2013.
  25. "Owensboro.org". Archived from the original on January 28, 2010.
  26. "Congregational Membership Reports | US Religion". thearda.com. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  27. "Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Oral History Project". kentuckyoralhistory.org. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  28. "Home - Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum". Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  29. "KY: Kentucky Arts Council - Governor's Awards in the Arts: Past Recipients". artscouncil.ky.gov. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  30. 2013 Governor's Awards in the Arts recipient International Bluegrass Music Museum, retrieved February 25, 2024
  31. Cissell, Brian; Onyett, Travis (May 12, 2023). "BBQ and Barrels Festival kicks off in Owensboro". www.14news.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  32. "Home". ROMP Fest 2018 - June 27–30, 2018.
  33. "ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival". Visit Owensboro, KY. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  34. "Lanham Brothers Jamboree – Fun, Family, Entertainment".
  35. "Friday After 5". Downtown Owensboro, Inc. Retrieved July 3, 2007.
  36. Birgy, Barb (March 6, 2023). "Friday After 5 Announces Epic 2023 Lineup". WBKR. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  37. "Owensboro PumpkinFest". Retrieved July 3, 2007.
  38. "Glenmary Sisters". Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America. Retrieved July 3, 2007.
  39. Kelly, Josh (August 14, 2022). "Multicultural Festival returns Saturday with theme of 'We're better together'". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  40. "Owensboro's Sassafras Tree". visitowensboro.com. Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  41. Mark W. Gordon, "Rediscovering Jewish Infrastructure: Update on United States Nineteenth Century Synagogues", American Jewish History 84.1 (1996) 11–27. 2019 article update.
  42. "Two at UofL help invent vaccine – Courier Journal".
  43. "Kentucky Public Library Directory". Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Archived from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  44. "Messenger-Inquirer Website". Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved July 3, 2007.
  45. "About The Owensboro Times". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  46. "Nielsen Media Research Local Universe Estimates" (PDF). Audience Research & Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 4, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2006.
  47. Tweddell, Vince (August 17, 2024). "Born in Henderson, Duvall will speak Monday at Democratic National Convention". The Hendersonian. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  48. "Online directory: Kentucky, USA". Sister Cities International. Archived from the original on October 2, 2006. Retrieved June 11, 2007.

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  1. Louisville
  2. Lexington
  3. Bowling Green
  4. Owensboro
  5. Covington
  6. Georgetown
  7. Richmond
  8. Florence
  9. Elizabethtown
  10. Hopkinsville
  11. Nicholasville
  12. Independence
  13. Frankfort
  14. Jeffersontown
  15. Henderson
  16. Paducah
  17. Radcliff
  18. Ashland
  19. Erlanger
  20. Madisonville
  21. Winchester
  22. Mount Washington
  23. St. Matthews
  24. Fort Thomas
  25. Murray
  26. Shelbyville
  27. Danville
  28. Shively
  29. Berea
  30. Glasgow
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