Loretto, Kentucky

Loretto, Kentucky is a home rule-class city located in Marion County, Kentucky, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 713. Loretto is best known for being the home of the Maker's Mark bourbon whiskey distillery.

History

Loretto was established in 1866 and named after the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic congregation founded in nearby Nerinx, Kentucky in 1812. The city was incorporated in 1866.

Geography

Loretto is located in the southern part of Marion County, at the intersection of Kentucky Route 49 and Kentucky Route 52. The city is approximately 8 miles east of Raywick, Kentucky and 9 miles west of Springfield, Kentucky.

Economy

The economy of Loretto is largely driven by the bourbon whiskey industry, with the Maker's Mark distillery being a major employer in the city. The distillery is a popular tourist attraction and is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Education

Education in Loretto is provided by the Marion County Public Schools district. The city is home to Loretto Elementary School, which serves students in grades K-5.

Notable people

• Bill Samuels, Sr., founder of Maker's Mark bourbon whiskey, was born in Loretto.
• Thomas Craycroft, a prominent 19th-century businessman and politician, lived in Loretto.

See also

• List of cities in Kentucky
• Marion County, Kentucky
• Maker's Mark