Carlisle County, the 119th in order of formation, lies in the Jackson Purchase region of far western Kentucky. Bounded by Ballard, Graves, and Hickman counties, and by the Mississippi River, it has an area of 1910 square miles. The area, originally Chickasaw tribal lands acquired by Isaac Shelby and Andrew Jackson in 1818, was part of Hickman County from 1821 to 1842, when it was included in the creation of Ballard County. Carlisle County was created on May 3, 1886. The county was named for John G. CARLISLE, a statesman who served at many levels of government. The county seat is BARDWELL, incorporated in 1879.