HISTORY
Somerset was first settled in 1798 and named after Somerset County, New Jersey where several early settlers previously lived. It was named the county seat in 1802 and incorporated as a city in 1887. Lake Cumberland was completed in 1950 creating one of the largest recreation destinations in the state attracting nearly 4 million visitors annually. Lake Cumberland contains approximately 65,000 acres.
CLIMATE
Weather is consistent with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and cool winters. Somerset rarely experiences very extreme weather meaning Somerset can be visited throughout the year. Rainfall averages 50 inches each year, while snowfall amounts are typically less than one foot annually.
RECREATION
Entertainment is one-of-a-kind with attractions such as Lake Cumberland, Master Musicians Festival, Moody Farms Equestrian Center and Somernites Cruise. With 1,255 miles of shoreline, Lake Cumberland is known as the top house boating destination in the US. Lake Cumberland has more shoreline than the state of Florida ! Numerous golf courses, Bear Wallow Farm, Big South Fork Scenic Railway, Mill Springs Battlefield and Lake Cumberland Speedway add to the exceptional variety of local recreation.
AMENITIES
In addition to tourism, Pulaski County features two industrial parks home to technology and knowledge-based companies. Toyotetsu America, Super Service, Bluegrass Oakwood and City of Somerset serve as major employers in the area.
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is another significant employer offering complete cardiac care, 24-hour emergency care, intensive care units, surgical services and a complete clinical laboratory. LCRH is a 295-bed, state-of-the-art facility.
Somerset Independent School System, Science Hill Independent School System and Somerset Christian School serve local students in K-12. Higher education is available at Somerset Community College as well as Campbellsville University and Eastern Kentucky University which both operate Somerset campuses. Lindsey Wilson College, Berea College and Centre College are all within 45 miles of Somerset, KY.