Richmond (population 27,152) was named after the capital of Virginia. It was the scene of a major Civil War Confederate victory in 1862, when General Kirby Smith defeated General William Nelson's Union forces.
Although the main battleground is six miles south of town, a heavily contested retreat left many buildings bearing the marks of battle. A Civil War driving tour and audio narrative has been created.
The downtown area contains three National Register Historic Districts comprised largely of 19th-century structures, including the Irvinton House Museum that now serves as the Richmond Visitor Center, a first stop for heritage tourists.
The city is a farming, cattle ranching, and industrial center, as well as home to Eastern Kentucky University.
Designated a Preserve America Community in April 2004.