Since then, Burnside has annexed about eight miles of shoreline along Lake Cumberland in order to include Lee's Ford Marina on Fishing Creek, allowing it to sell alcohol.

The petition for the election was started by two Pulaski County clergymen in an attempt to reverse Burnside's "moist" status.

It was called Point Isabel, allegedly for a woman who jumped off a nearby cliff after breaking off a relationship.

The town boasted retail stores, saloons, a post office, restaurants, churches, a bank, hotels, and even Burnside Academy – the first Wesleyan preparatory school in the state.

In the early 1950s, the entire town was relocated to higher ground due to the impounding of Lake Cumberland.

American author Harriette Simpson Arnow who was known for her book The Dollmaker lived in Burnside as a child.

Burnside is one of several places that lay claim to be home to the first Boy Scout troop in the United States.

A sign at the edge of town declares Burnside "Birthplace of Boy Scouts in America", and an official state historical society marker commemorates the troop.