The History of Corbin and Who We Are Today

Learn about how we got our start and how we've changed over the years.

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A City of Many Names

Corbin, Kentucky, is a city with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It hasn't always been known as Corbin, though. What we know of Corbin today started as a small village on the banks of Lynn Camp Creek and was known as Lynn Camp for quite some time. It was then officially named Cummins by the first postmaster in the area, James Eaton. Mr. Eaton named the town after his good friend Nelson Cummins, but was quickly told he needed to find a new name for the town due to another U.S Postal Office nearby with the same name. He then renamed the town after a minister, Reverend James Corbin Floyd.

The Railroad Expansion

As the years went on, Corbin grew and expanded with the rise of the L&N Railroad after the Civil War. The city of Corbin was an intersection for travelers coming from Louisville and Lexington. The traffic from the railroad led to blacksmiths, churches, medical services and more. The vast supply of coal and timber in the area mixed with the convenience that came with the railroad led to an increasing population in Corbin. More people meant more things to do and more reason to settle in the city.


Corbin quickly grew into a bustling railroad town, serving as a major hub for shipping coal and timber from the surrounding area. In the early 20th century, the town became known for its hospitality industry, with several hotels and restaurants catering to travelers passing through on the railroad.


One of the most significant events in Corbin's history occurred in 1940 when Colonel Harland Sanders opened his first restaurant, Sanders Cafe, which later became the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).


The Railroad Expansion

As the years went on, Corbin grew and expanded with the rise of the L&N Railroad after the Civil War. The city of Corbin was an intersection for travelers coming from Louisville and Lexington. The traffic from the railroad led to blacksmiths, churches, medical services and more. The vast supply of coal and timber in the area mixed with the convenience that came with the railroad led to an increasing population in Corbin. More people meant more things to do and more reason to settle in the city.


Corbin quickly grew into a bustling railroad town, serving as a major hub for shipping coal and timber from the surrounding area. In the early 20th century, the town became known for its hospitality industry, with several hotels and restaurants catering to travelers passing through on the railroad.


One of the most significant events in Corbin's history occurred in 1940 when Colonel Harland Sanders opened his first restaurant, Sanders Cafe, which later became the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).


Corbin Today

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Today, Corbin is still a hospitality hub and we're glad to welcome anyone in! Our unique and wide range of venues and meeting spaces make us the ideal place to host your next event. Whether you're on tour and bringing in crowds of thousands, hosting a business seminar of a few hundred, or planning a private event for a select few, Corbin has the meeting space you need.


Plus, we have one of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky, Laurel River Lake, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and our downtown is still booming like it did all those years ago. With over 50 restaurants, dozens of outdoor adventures, and plenty of places to stay, Corbin is a great place to spend any day. Your event is sure to be a huge success and your guests are guaranteed to leave happy when you meet in Corbin, KY.

Make history and book your next event in Corbin.

Make history and book your next event in Corbin.