Evidence of Native American settling in Owensboro dates back to 12000 years. However, the indigenous people were ousted from the area following a series of failed rebellions against the British reign in the 18th century. William Smeathers, popularly known as Bill Smothers, was the first European descendant to settle in Owensboro in 1797, where he constructed a cabin on the bank of the Ohio River. The original settlers arrived on the south side of the riverbank from the northeast in flatboats drifting naturally with the swift river currents. The original site was referred to as "Yellow Banks" in reference to the soil color along Ohio River banks. Daviess County was the first to be created in 1815 through an act by the Kentucky General Assembly in honor of Joseph Hamilton Daviess, a fallen hero killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe. The General Assembly further planned for Owensborough town in memory of Col. Abraham Owen, who also died in Tippecanoe. The town was later renamed to its current name, Owensboro, in 1893. Agriculture and coal mining have played a significant role in the history of Owensboro. The southern region along the rolling hills of Panther Creek was rich in coal, which was mined for years. Established in 1884, Owensboro Wagon Company is one of the oldest manufacturing companies in the city.

Owensboro is a city famous for its softball tournament and parks. Smothers Park is one of the places to visit within the city for a lovely riverside picnic. The park, nestled on the banks of the scenic Ohio River, is packed with riverfront swinging benches, a vast playing ground, a memorial to honor prisoners of war and MIAs and a splash pad. The visitors also enjoy the magnificent fountains with water shows, a river overlook, a concession stand, a picnic area and a waterfall.

Hiking at Yellow Creek Park provides an opportunity to interact with wildlife such as muskrats, woodpeckers, turkeys, deer, and several others. Additionally, the park will give you a chance to engage in a vast array of outdoor recreation activities such as disk golf, picnicking, hiking and fishing.

The Town Square Mall, Owensboro, offers residents and visitors a convenient one-stop shopping facility housing two department stores, several places to eat and drink, and many small specialty stores with almost everything they need. You may also tour the Green River Distilling Company open to visitors all year round for tour and tasting. Since the late 19th century, the historical site has served many distilleries. In addition to watching the fascinating process of making bourbon whisky, you will have a chance to try out some of their best varieties of bourbon. The place is famous for its excellent whiskies.