American Indians were the first settlers of the area that would later become Owensboro City, Kentucky, dating back tens of thousands of years. Frontiersman William Smothers was the first European descendant to settle in the region after the last American Indian tribe, Shawnee, vacated the area before the end of the 1700s. In 1797, Smothers built a cabin on the south bank of the Ohio River, and more settlers arrived and named the site “Yellow Banks.” The General Assembly provided for a planned town in 1817 and specified the name to be Owensborough in memory of Colonel Abraham Own, but the spelling changed to Owensboro in 1893. Owensboro Wagon Company started in the late 1800s, and it became the most influential wagon company in the nation. Owensboro City experienced challenges such as public executions during the early 20th century, but the Kentucky General Assembly abolished the practice due to the embarrassment it caused. Following World War II, civil engineering projects transformed the city from a small industrial town to a modern, expanding community by the late 1960s. The city experienced rapid growth due to an increase in the number of companies. An influx of people in the region and economic development made Owensboro a destination for many people. Today, Owensboro City is one of the best places to live in Kentucky, United States. It has a rich history, charm, and southern lifestyle that offer visitors a unique experience.

Owensboro City is widely known because of its arts, performance, movie theaters, and concerts, but there are more things you can do in the area. Visit the Pioneer Village at Yellow Creek Park, featuring more than 150 acres of leisure and recreational challenges. Visitors can enjoy hiking, a swimming pavilion, a look-out tower, and multi-purpose sports areas. You cannot forget to expand your historical knowledge by visiting Temple Adath Israel, one of the oldest synagogue buildings that started operations in 1854. The building is still standing today, and it is on the National Historic register. Moreover, it would be best to visit the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which serves as the official State Music in Kentucky.

Owensboro is known as a festival city because it features festivals designed for individuals and families. Enjoy the Bar-B-Q Festival and experience great food, music, and dance. The Friday After 5 is another activity you do not want to miss because it features a weekly, summer-long series of open-air music concerts. The concerts are free for everyone, and you will have the opportunity to explore your musical side. Do not forget to visit the world’s tallest sassafras tree, which is older than the city itself. Historians believe that the tree is between 250 and 300 years old, measuring over 100 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference. The Historic Germantown Park will also be an excellent place to visit when you want to see antique shops, an art village, and restaurants in the city’s downtown.