Utica, KY

Utica is a city located in the Utica-Rome Metropolitan Statistical Area in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 27,814. The city is home to Eastern Kentucky University and has been nicknamed "The Athens of the Appalachians."

Utica was founded in 1819 as a small trading post on the Ohio River by James Winchester and his brother-in-law, John Rowan. The city grew rapidly as a result of its location at the intersection of two major transportation routes - the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and the Ohio & Mississippi Canal. By 1860 Utica had become one of Kentucky's largest cities with a population of 10,000.

During World War II, Utica was one of several locations in Kentucky used for military training camps due to its proximity to Camp Shelby and Camp Dickerson. The city also experienced significant growth after World War II as a result of increased industrialization and suburbanization. By 1970, Utica had reached its peak population with over 30,000 residents. However, since that time Utica has experienced significant decline as a result of economic recession and suburban sprawl throughout much of eastern Kentucky. As of 2010, the city's population has decreased to 27,814 residents