Proud of its historical association with the L & N (CSX) railroad dating back to the 1800's, Corbin was incorporated as a city in 1902, with a City Manager form of government. The city was named in honor of Reverend James Corbin Floyd, a close friend of one of the founders. Corbin is located on the boundaries of three counties: Whitley, Knox and Laurel, and is home to a population of nearly 40,000 people within a five mile radius of downtown.
Corbin achieved international fame through the person of Colonel Harlan Sanders and the birth of the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Colonel Sanders began his road to fame at Sander's Court, perfecting his eleven herbs and spices into the culinary treat we all enjoy. The site has been converted into a museum and of course, still provides Kentucky Fried Chicken to our community today.
Corbin is also home to Cumberland Falls, the only falls in the northern hemisphere to display a moonbow, which can be viewed at certain times each month during the full moon cycle. Nearly one million tourists visit our community annually to see the natural phenomenon. The falls are 60 feet tall and 120 feet wide, providing a spectacular vista during all seasons of the year.
Corbin abounds in outdoor recreational activities, due to its proximity to the Daniel Boone National Forest, with it multiple hiking trails, campgrounds, and waterways. The Laurel River Lake is located within ten minutes of Corbin, and with its 220 miles of shoreline encompassing 6000 acres, provides recreation to boating and fishing enthusiasts. The lake is within the boundaries of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and is protected from the development of housing or businesses on the lake property, preserving its pristine beauty for future generations.
Visit Corbin to experience our great outdoor natural beauty while you enjoy our friendly home town atmosphere!