[3] It is part of the historic Jackson Purchase, territory sold by the Chickasaw people to General Andrew Jackson and Governor Isaac Shelby; this territory was located at the extreme western end of Kentucky.

Steamboats, barges, and the Illinois Central Railroad were the basis of the economy into the late 20th century.

In the 1920s, the Illinois Central built the largest operating, and maintenance base in the world here.

[4][5] The Battle of Paducah occurred during the American Civil War in McCracken County on March 25, 1864.

The railroads based operations and maintenance in Paducah, and the men in many families had careers as firemen, repairment, and related jobs.

29.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

These institutions include the St. Mary System and Community Christian Academy.

A new 43,000 square foot facility located on a 23-acre campus adjacent to WKCTC was opened in 2014.