Bagdad, KY

Baghdad, Kentucky is a city located in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The population of Baghdad was 10,827 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Leslie County.

The city was founded in 1818 and named for Baghdad, Iraq, then under Ottoman rule. The town was platted by Colonel James Winchester and named for his home town. Early settlers included Jesse Bledsoe and his brother-in-law, John Rowan. In 1821, a post office was established with James Winchester as postmaster. In 1825, the first schoolhouse was built on what is now Main Street (now known as Broadway).

In 1830, Leslie County was formed from parts of Lincoln and McCracken counties and Baghdad became its county seat. The first courthouse was built on what is now Market Square in 1831. In 1840, a new courthouse was erected on what is now Court Square (now known as Government Square). This building served until 1916 when it burned down; a new courthouse was completed that year and has since been used continuously except for two years during World War II when it served as an armory.

In 1865-66 during the American Civil War, Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith made his headquarters at what is now called Confederate Park near downtown Baghdad. During this time Union General William Tecumseh Sherman made his famous "March to the Sea" through southern Kentucky passing just south of Baghdad on his way to Savannah Georgia where he met up with General Ulysses S Grant who had just won the Battle of Vicksburg earlier that year ending the war in America's favor . Today there are markers at both locations commemorating these events .

Baghdad has experienced growth over its history due to its location within close proximity to major transportation routes such as I-75 and US 60 which have helped make it one of Kentucky's most important cities today . There are several large businesses located within city limits including Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA), Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation (OCFC), Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC), Owens & Minor Incorporated (O&M) among others . Additionally , many smaller businesses provide goods and services necessary for daily life such as restaurants , banks , pharmacies , hardware stores etc . One notable exception to this trend has been retail which has seen significant declines over recent years due to competition from online shopping ; however there are plans underway to revitalize downtown area with new development including apartments , shops etc .

Real estate in Baghdad consists primarily of single family homes although there are also some multi-family units available for purchase or lease . Properties range from starter homes valued around $50K - $150K up to more luxurious properties worth upwards of $1 million or more depending on location and size ; however prices generally decrease towards the outskirts of town where land values are lower due to closer proximity to I-75/60 etc .. Most homes are owner occupied although some rental units do exist mainly near downtown area ; rates typically start around $600/month + utilities depending on size/location .. Homes can be purchased outright or through mortgages which can be arranged through local banks or mortgage companies .. Property taxes vary depending on location but typically hover around 2% - 3% annually .. Maintenance costs associated with owning a home include landscaping , painting , roofing etc .. Home insurance typically costs around $100/month + premiums