Ghost Towns: Defoe, Kentucky

Nestled in a bend of the Castle Highway (US-421) on the southern edge of Henry County, Kentucky, is what remains of the town of Defoe (38.341118, -85.054278). Established in the early 19th-century on land that had originally been a part of the tract of land purchased in 1786 from Squire Boone by the Low Dutch Colony, the town was first called Sweet Home. The name stuck until 1886 when the citizens' petition for a post office was approved and, since another Sweet Home already existed in Kentucky, the town was renamed in honor of author Daniel Defoe.

Defoe, Kentucky

During the late 19th-century, Defoe boasted not only several residences but two smithys, a church, two stores, and a school. First built in 1845, the school remained - in various buildings - until 1948 when a fire destroyed the last structure. Although the blacksmith shops have disappeared, both store buildings remain and until the closing of the 20th-century were occupied by Payton's Flea Market and L & L Grocery.

Although the stores are now shuttered, the church remains active and several well-kept homes still line Castle Highway.