The Art and History of Paducah, Kentucky

Exploring the Creative City of Paducah, Kentucky

Paducah is one of only nine cities in the United States to receive a UNESCO designation as a Creative City. Its unique location at the convergence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers has played a significant role in shaping its history. Founded in 1827 by William Clark, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the city was once a hub for steamboat travel and later became an important railway center. While I visited as a guest of Paducah, my opinions are entirely my own.

William Clark Market House Museum

Housed in a historic market house built in 1905, the William Clark Market House Museum offers a glimpse into Paducah’s founding, pioneer life, and regional development. The museum features exhibits on the Civil War, a 1913 LaFrance Fire Truck, a statue of Henry Clay carved by a twelve-year-old boy, and a room dedicated to Alben Barkley, Vice President under Truman. One of the most compelling exhibits is “Courage in Action: A Sailor’s Story,” which tells the personal story of Margaret Shoulta and her father, Allard Vessels.

Allard Vessels was aboard the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. He was playing a game of Acey Deucy with a shipmate when the bombs struck. Margaret shared how her parents met as children, fell in love, and married. She described how her father joined the navy, bought her mother’s engagement ring at the ship’s store, and sent it home to his parents. They brought the ring to her mother, Anita, on Sunday, December 7, 1941. When they turned on the radio, the news announced that Pearl Harbor had been attacked, and the Arizona had been sunk. Her father was one of only 334 survivors out of 1,511 men aboard. After the bombs detonated the magazine, he jumped into the water and began pulling men to shore.

A must-see item in this exhibit is the cloth Acey Deucy game board, tube, and roll-up where it’s stored. It’s a replica of the one Vessels was using when the bombs fell.

National Quilt Museum

The National Quilt Museum showcases over 650 quilts made after 1980, representing the best of contemporary quilting. Each year, the museum hosts a national quilt show. One of the highlights is the exhibit “Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry: A Life in Color–50 Years of Art Quilts.” Among my favorite pieces are “Aquarium, Through Thick & Thin” and “Branches.” Another exhibit, “Option Expedition,” by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, demonstrates how basic shapes can be transformed into beautiful quilts.

A tip for visitors is to check out the bronze sculpture on the museum lawn, “On the Trail of Discovery,” which portrays Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, a Native American man and child, and Clark’s dog, Seaman.

River Discovery Center

The River Discovery Center provides insight into how Paducah’s history was shaped by its location at the meeting point of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. The museum is housed in the oldest commercial building in Paducah, the Petter Building, originally constructed in 1843 as a branch of the Bank of Louisville. Exhibits include models of early steamboats, a Civil War display, and interactive experiences such as piloting a boat under different scenarios.

Visitors can also watch the video “Heart of a Nation” in the Founders Room, which further explores the city’s rich history.

Wall-to-Wall Floodwall Murals

Paducah’s life-sized panoramic murals along its floodwall are among the most popular art attractions in Kentucky. Created by renowned artist Robert Dafford and his team, these murals tell the story of Paducah from Native American times through the steamboat era, the train era, and into the 20th century. Each mural includes interpretive panels, making it a self-guided tour.

One of the earliest murals depicts the tribe that William Clark stayed with while planning the town. Another shows the older Market House before the current one was built. The murals extend several blocks and include scenes of early settlers, boat christenings, trains, and more.

A tip for visitors is to look for the Number 1518 steam engine, known as “the last Iron Horse” of the Illinois Central Railroad, located at the far end of the murals.

Paducah Art Experience

Beyond the floodwall murals, Paducah is filled with art. Live performances and artistic expression are abundant throughout the city. Carson Hall hosts Broadway plays, concerts, and local events. Maiden Alley Cinema shows foreign, independent, and documentary films. The Market House Theater offers musicals, dramas, comedies, and interactive murder mystery dinners. The Clemens Fine Arts Center presents concerts and live performances as part of West Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Art Galleries

For art lovers, Paducah offers numerous galleries to explore. PAPA Art Gallery, one of the first places I visited, is located next to the visitor center and showcases works from the Paducah Area Painters Alliance. Yiester Art Gallery, located in the 1905 Market House, hosts a variety of exhibitions. Bricolage Art Collective features local art and craft items on Market House Square.

Antique Shops

Paducah is a shopper’s paradise, especially for those who enjoy antique shopping. The Paducah Antique Mall offers a wide selection of items from 40 vendors across 7,500 square feet. Victorian Parlor, a tiny store on Broadway, features antique decor and interesting items. American Harvest Antiques specializes in early American country antiques.

Paducah Homegrown Farmer’s Market

The Paducah Homegrown Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday from early April through mid-October. Visitors can find fresh, local produce, baked goods, meats, eggs, dairy products, and some craft items. I enjoyed a delicious chocolate mini-pie and admired the beautiful produce on display.

Broussard’s

As someone from New Orleans, I couldn’t resist visiting Broussard’s, a Cajun/Creole restaurant that lived up to my expectations. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere felt like the French Quarter. I ordered steamed crab legs and finished with beignets, along with a Hurricane to drink.

Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront

For comfortable lodging, the Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront offers modern amenities and a scenic river view. The rooms are cozy, and the saltwater pool adds a nice touch to the stay.

Whether you're drawn to art, history, or culinary delights, Paducah offers something for everyone. From its UNESCO recognition to its vibrant cultural scene, this creative city is a must-visit destination.