River Mile: 497

Population: 3,479

U.S. Census Profile

Named for the goddess of the dawn in Roman mythology, Aurora was platted in 1819 and formally incorporated in 1845. The town prospered as a river port, with its prime location between Cincinnati and Louisville.  The town thrived anew when the railroad came through in 1859. Passenger service ceased in 1971, but the Craftsman-style station on 2nd Street retains its original ticket window and double doors, and serves as the local history library. The station is just one of many important 19th and 20th century buildings preserved in Aurora’s 25-block National Register-listed historic district. Another notable architectural attraction is the Hillforest mansion, which was built in 1855 in the Italian Renaissance style and sits blocks from the river and historic district.