Metcalfe County was named in 1860 for Thomas Metcalfe, who lived from 1780 to 1855. Born in Virginia, he was a captain in the Kentucky Volunteers during the War of 1812, served in Congress from 1819 to 1828, was Governor from 1828 to 1832, served in the Kentucky Senate from 1834 to 1838, and served in the U.S. Senate from 1848 to 1849, completing Crittenden's term. Known as "Old Stone Hammer," he laid the foundation in 1797 of the Governor's Mansion, now the home of Lieutenant Governors. Metcalfe County was formed from parts of Adair, Barren, Cumberland, Green, and Monroe counties.