The following is from an article in the Estill co. KY Historical and Genealogical Soc.
Newsletter, May 1981 and April 1983.
From a series of maps of KY, the evolution of the state and creation
of counties can be followed:
1780-1784: On November 1, 1780, Kentucky County, Virginia had been divided into Fayette,
Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties. (Kentucky county, Virginia consisted of all of present
day Kentucky).
1785-1786: The next four counties created were: Bourbon, Madison, Mercer and Nelson.
1787-1792: Nine counties were in existence in Kentucky County, Virginia when Kentucky
became a commonwealth. Kentucky is born June 1, 1792.
1792-1793: In the two years following statehood, seven new counties were formed:
Washington, Scott, Shelby, Logan, Clark, Hardin, and Green.
1798-1799: During this time 13 new counties were formed. (Unfortunately, the little map
going with this sentence was so poor I can't tell you what the new counties
were...I'll do more research...)
1800-1806: In the first six years of the 19th century, three new counties were created,
making a total of 45.
1807-1818: By 1818, The number of counties grew to 59. Estill county made her debut on
April 1, 1808. Estill county was the 50th county formed and was named for Capt. James
Estill with Irvine as the county seat. The parent counties were Madison and Clark. The
present boundary of Estill County enclosed 260 sq. miles and was assumed on March 1, 1870.
The law creating Estill County was enacted on Jan. 27, 1808.