Walton, Kentucky

Walton is a Boone county city, extending into Kenton county, about 14 miles southeast of Burlington. The location was first known as Gaines or Gaines Cross Roads, for an early settler. The Walton name comes from a legendary ship's captain, of whom nothing is known. Gaines and Walton were both stations on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and the Cincinnati Southern Railroad. Walton was the largest city in the county until the middle of the twentieth century.

Walton was incorporated in 1854.

A Gaines post office opened in 1815, was renamed Gaines Cross Roads in 1823, and was renamed again as Walton in 1840.

The population in 2020 was 5,478.

The circa 1814 Abner Gaines House, also known as the Gaines Tavern, is located in Walton. Gaines operated an early stage line between Cincinnati and Lexington.

MORE INFORMATION

• Walton, City of
• Walton-Verona Independent Schools

---

---

© 2025 David C. Elbon