[6] The founding community traces back to the Hardin's Creek Meeting House, built by Presbyterians from Virginia.

Because of its style, architecture, and businesses, Lebanon had the reputation of being Kentucky's Philadelphia and was considered for the site of the state capitol.

[9] Many of its brick homes date from the antebellum period, including Hollyhill and Myrtledene (now a bed and breakfast).

A branch of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad was built to Lebanon in 1857, but growth of the town was halted by the Civil War.

Three battles were fought nearby, and control over the railroad branch passed between Union and Confederate hands several times.

Lebanon's Historic Homes and Landmarks Tour is also part of the Kentucky Civil War Heritage Trail and includes 24 listings.

The Shuck building, which is now Henning's Restaurant, was the office of General George H. Thomas, when he gathered an army of several thousand to go to Mill Springs to defend the Cumberland Valley.

Myrtledene was where General John Hunt Morgan rode his horse in the house and started up the stairs.

On the southern limits of Lebanon is the National Cemetery, where many of the Union soldiers who fell in the 1862 Battle of Perryville were laid to rest.

The clubs hosted famous acts such as Ike and Tina Turner, Nat King Cole, Jerry Lee Lewis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Steppenwolf, The Platters, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jackie Wilson, The Supremes, Ray Charles, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, B.B.

[17] In 2013, the Marion County High School women's basketball team won the KHSAA Girl's State Championship.

[20] Lebanon is renowned for its Ham Days Festival and Tractor Show which is held during the last weekend of September.

Call of the Wildman, an American reality television series that airs on the Animal Planet network, films near Lebanon.