Relive the stories of our settlers.
As the first town established in eastern Kentucky, Prestonsburg‘s history is as storied as the mountains themselves. The year was 1797 and a man by the name of John Graham from Virginia surveyed the land that became Prestonsburg. Graham’s vision of a settlement called Preston’s Station shaped the modern day spirit of our town.
Because Prestonsburg was the first town in eastern Kentucky, it’s only natural that its ties to important events in American history run deep. John James Floyd was only about 32 years old when he was fatally wounded during an ambush by Native Americans. Though he was young, the namesake of Floyd County made the most of his time as a surveyor, militiaman and adventurer — he was a part of the rescue party for Daniel Boone’s daughter, who was kidnapped by a local Indian tribe. Soon after, he became the county’s first appointed judge.
Samuel May House
Historic preservation
Samuel was an ambitious businessman and instrumental in the construction of the Mt. Sterling-Pound Gap Road, which paved the way for increased commerce to the area. In its heyday, this home was a social and political hub surrounded by almost 400 acres of land. By the 1830s, May became a state representative and went on to be a senator. It was from the balcony of his home that May is said to have delivered political speeches to citizens gathered on the lawn of the house, while in the meadow below he hosted horse races at his own personal racetrack.
1035 North Lake Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
(606) 886-1341
