Estill County, the fiftieth in order of formation, was established on February 19th, 1808, from parts of Clark and Madison counties. It was named in honor of Capt. James Estill, who was killed by Indians during Estill's Defeat on March 22, 1782 . The Estill County Fair Association was founded in 1949 within Estill County. The Estill County Fair has been a long standing tradition for over 70 years. The Fair originally showcased livestock and agricultural items.