Murray is a city in Calloway County, Kentucky , United States. The population was 17,741 at the 2010 census and has a micropolitan area population of 37,191. It is the 22nd largest city in Kentucky. It is the county seat of Calloway County and is the home of Murray State University .
History Early history Calloway County courthouse on Murray's court square. The city now known as Murray began as a post office and trading center sometime in the 1820s. It was at that time called Williston in honor of James Willis, an early settler. Later, the name was changed to Pooltown after Robert Pool, a local merchant. The name was changed again to Pleasant Springs before its incorporation on January 17, 1844, when the present name was adopted to honor U.S. Congressman John L. Murray . Murray was not the original county seat of Calloway County. In 1822 Calloway County and Marshall County were but one single county with the county seat being Wadesboro.