[2] The county was formed in 1884 and is named for James Proctor Knott, Governor of Kentucky (1883–1887).

The Knott County town of Pippa Passes is home to Alice Lloyd College.

[6] Big Lovely Mountain, 1,401 feet (427 m) As of the census of 2000, there were 17,649 people, 6,717 households, and 4,990 families residing in the county.

Knott County had historically voted very strongly for the Democratic Party.

However, in recent years, Knott County has voted more favorably for the Republican Party.

Thompson won re-election in 2006 and again in 2010, making him the first Republican to win election in a Knott County office.

Tourism is increasing in the county,[citation needed] especially the popularity of elk viewing.

[citation needed][18] There is an ATV Training Center dedicated to the safety of ATV usage amongst riders and the Knott County Sportsplex, a sports complex which has indoor basketball courts, outside baseball fields, a soccer field, and a fitness center.