Hart County was formed in 1819 from portions of Hardin and Barren counties. The county is named after former Captain Nathaniel G. S Hart who was a former Kentucky militia officer in the War of 1812. He was also wounded at the Battle of Frenchtown and later died in the Massacere of the River Raisin. With the county having a total area of 418 square miles, Hart County is home to 18,906 residents.