Princeton is a self-sufficient rural city with history roots
Princeton is an independent home rule city tucked between western Kentucky's swaths of farmland. The community has everything from major employers and shopping destinations to schools and varied neighborhoods. It also preserves its connection to significant historical events through site markers and annual festivals. Revitalization and tourism efforts help the city grow, and neighbors support one another. "It's your traditional midwestern town, but we go a little heavier on the southern charm," says Julie Poole, Princeton's city clerk. "It's a friendly place where people are outgoing and welcoming."
The city has varied neighborhoods and steady reconstruction
Neighborhoods near downtown are more densely packed but have quicker access to businesses and organizations. Farther from the city center, lots become more spacious, but neighbors remain close. Near the city limits, subdivisions can feel almost rural, with sprawling lawns and mature trees lining country roads. Across the city are bungalows, ranch-style houses, American Foursquares and Craftsman-style homes. Some houses sell for less than $100,000 based on size and condition, but most properties cost between $100,000 and $365,000.
In December 2021, a violent EF-4 tornado destroyed nearly 70 Princeton homes. "It caused a lot of damage, so we've been experiencing a mini housing renaissance in the years following," Poole says. The Hope Initiative non-profit has helped rebuild tornado-affected residential areas by reconstructing homes for tornado victims. Princeton is also at moderate risk of flooding, especially around downtown. Heavy rainfall periodically causes road closures and possible infrastructure damages.
Downtown is the city’s core, but more retail options are by Highway 62
The city's old-fashioned downtown holds a collection of small businesses, private organizations and city institutions. The Java Table serves hot and frozen drinks, while Omerta Sports Lounge has laid-back bar grub. Newsom's Hams Old Mill Store sells local cured meats, pimento cheeses, jellies and jams. Along Highway 62, a large retail center offers chain restaurants and equipment stores, like Falder's Farm, Home and Industry Supply. A Walmart Supercenter and the weekly Caldwell County Farmers Market also line the highway.
Caldwell County was a dry county until 2012, when Princeton changed it into a moist county. The city opened two liquor stores, and a few restaurants offer alcoholic drinks on their menus.
Parks, museums and galleries offer history, culture and recreation
The city has many parks, but Princeton-Caldwell City County Park is the hub for recreation. The park has pickleball, tennis and baseball facilities, plus a pool and splash pad open from May to September. Big Spring Park is Princeton's heart, as the entire city was built around the park's natural spring water cave. It is also a well-known Trail of Tears historic site. The private Princeton Golf Club regularly hosts tournaments and scrambles.
City attractions include the Adsmore Museum, which preserves the everyday lifestyle of a western Kentucky family from the early 1900s. "It got its name because every time people went to visit the family, they had added something new to the home," Poole says. At the Princeton Art Guild, people can browse rotating exhibitions and attend seasonal events.
Caldwell County schools and a career center sit side by side
Caldwell County Primary, Elementary, Middle and High schools are along Marion Road. Each school earns a B grade from Niche, except Caldwell County High, which receives a B-minus. Next to the high school is the Caldwell Regional Career Center, which offers courses in welding, carpentry and other trades. The city is also home to the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center.
Black Patch uprisings and music traditions live on through events
Princeton is considered the heart of Black Patch tobacco territory. The crop created an agricultural boom during the late 1800s and early 1900s, but big tobacco companies took advantage of small farmers. Thus came the Night Raiders — vigilantes that destroyed tobacco factories in protest. The Black Patch War became one of the largest civil uprisings in American history, and Princeton commemorates it with the Black Patch Festival. It features a big heritage parade, Black Patch pageants and a downtown street fair. The city also hosts the annual Pennington Folk Festival, a two-day lineup of bands using traditional Kentucky thumbpicking techniques.
Railways and highways intersect in Princeton, but employers are near
Residents are car-dependent but rarely commute. The city has several employers, including Caldwell Medical Center and manufacturers like TreeHouse Foods. Agriculture also remains a prominent industry. Nonetheless, drivers have easy access to Highway 62 and Interstate 69, which connect to Barkley Regional Airport roughly 55 miles away.
The community has two railroads. Three or four trains roll through the city each day, occasionally making stops at the railyard. "It's comforting for me to hear the low rumble of them passing by," Pool says.
