Midway, Kentucky Facts for Kids

Midway is a home rule-class city in Woodford County, Kentucky, in the United States. Its population was 1,741 at the time of the year 2020 U.S. census. It is part of the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The town sits just off Interstate 64 and among several major thoroughbred breeding operations, such as Three Chimneys Farm and former Gov. Brereton Jones’ Airdrie Stud. In 2003, faced with a declining downtown, the city began major streetscape renovation project as part of Main Street Kentucky. New period structures and lighting brought new life to the town. It is known for its distinctive shops and restaurants. An active business association holds events every month of the year, and the city is a starting point or waypoint for several road races that wind through the surrounding countryside.

History
Geography
Demographics
Arts and culture
Education
Climate
Notable people
See also

History

Before its European exploration, the area around Midway was inhabited by the Mound Builders. Two large and several smaller American Indian mounds have been identified on nearby farms.

The present city began as a small settlement known as Stevenson's at the time of its first post office in 1832. On January 31, 1835, the local farmer John Francisco sold his 216.375-acre (87.564 ha) farm to the Lexington and Ohio Railroad for $6,491.25. The railroad then used the land to establish Kentucky's first railroad town, naming it Middleway for its location relative to Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky. (The town is also equidistant between Versailles and Georgetown.) The major streets of Midway were named in honor of the railroad's original officials. It was renamed Midway in 1837.

Legendary thoroughbred racehorse Man o' War, foaled at Nursery Stud Farm in nearby Fayette, County, was trained and first ridden by Midway native Joseph Bryan Martin, who is buried in Midway, Cemetery.

Geography

Midway is located in the northern section of Woodford County in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, an area with farms that produce tobacco, corn, cattle, and horses. Midway is located at 38°9′2″N 84°40′59″W / 38.15056°N 84.68306°W / 38.15056; -84.68306 (38.150484, -84.683014). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²), all land.

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1860	402	—
1870	532	32.3%
1880	950	78.6%
1890	1,185	24.7%
1900	1,045	−11.8%
1910	937	−10.3%
1920	915	−2.3%
1930	808	−11.7%
1940	886	9.7%
1950	950	7.2%
1960	1,044	9.9%
1970	1,278	22.4%
1980	1,445	13.1%
1990	1,290	−10.7%
2000	1,620	25.6%
2010	1,641	1.3%
2020	1,718	4.7%
2022 (est.)	1,744	6.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,620 people, 623 households, and 409 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,484.3 people per square mile (573.1 people/km²). There were 672 housing units at an average density of 615.7 units per square mile (237.7 units/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.81% White, 7.72% African American, 0.31% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.

There were 623 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.96.

21.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,909, and the median income for a family was $60,326. Males had a median income of $35,795 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,528. About 2.0% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.6% of those under age 18 and 14.2% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Francisco's Farm Arts Festival The focus of the mid-May event is the outdoor exhibition of juried fine art and fine craft, giving the opportunity to meet and purchase art from the creators themselves. It is located at the campus of Midway University, 512 E. Stephens St., Midway.
Midway Fall Festival has been named one of Kentucky's top 20 festivals. The festival features crafts, food and other items from more than 200 vendors; demonstrators; entertainment, and children's activities.
Midway Independence Day Celebration is called "Sparks in the Park," at Walter Bradley Park, the city park on Dudley Street.

Education

Current schools

Northside Elementary serves Kindergarten o 5th grade (founded 1992)
Midway University, a private institution that went coed in 2016 (founded 1847 as the Kentucky Female Orphan School)

Defunct schools

Midway Elementary (Closed 1992, Succeeded by Northside Elementary)
Midway High School (Closed 1964, Succeeded by Woodford County High School)

Public library

Midway has a lending library, a branch of the Woodford County Public Library.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Midway has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Notable people

Noah Mullins, American football player.
Abraham Perry, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner
Sam Shepard, playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director
Davey Whitney, College basketball coach
Steve Zahn, actor

Midway, Kentucky facts for kids

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