[2] The county was formed in 1810 and named for William Grayson (1740–1790), a Revolutionary War colonel and a prominent Virginia political figure.

Only the western third of the county has coal; the rest lies in the Clifty Area, which has similar sandstone bedrock, some of it is bituminous but never commercially exploited as tar sands or rock asphalt.

The county lies in the Rough Creek Fault System, considered a potential hydrocarbon resource.

Three general meetings with guest speakers relevant to the county each year are held for the membership.

The house is open during the Twin Lakes National Fiddlers Contest (see below), the Hometown Christmas Parade as well as other special events.

Also in July, the City of Leitchfield hosts the annual Freedom Festival which features music, fireworks, and a carnival.

In late August and early September, Grayson County hosts the annual Grayson County Fair, which entertains locals and guests with music, a carnival, a Truck and Tractor Pull, a Demolition Derby, and ends on Labor Day with a parade through Leitchfield.

Many floats with the main subject of bees and honey are presented and advertise the many businesses in and surrounding Grayson County.

This festival celebrates the city and the contributions of Clarkson's Walter T. Kelley Beehive Factory.