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Letcher County, Kentucky

Letcher County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,548. Its county seat is Whitesburg. It was created in 1842 from Harlan and Perry counties, and named for Robert P. Letcher, Governor of Kentucky from 1840 to 1844.

Settlement and early history
The area now known as Letcher County was first settled in the early–1800s by the Caudill, Dixon, Stamper, Collier, Lewis, Whitaker, Wright, Craft, Brown, Halcomb, Holbrook, and Bentley families. These early families were later joined by the Maggard, Banks, Day, Fields, Morgan, Blair, Breeding, Frazier, Baker, Hogg, Combs, and Mullins families. The first permanent settlement in the county was settled in 1803, at the mouth of Pert Creek, in modern-day Whitesburg. In 1804, George Ison II and his family settled in the area of Linefork. Later, Benjamin Webb brought a group of settlers from Maryland, and settled at the mouth of Boone Fork in modern-day Kona, but later moved down towards the mouth of Bottom Fork in modern-day Mayking. Most communities and geographic features in the area were named after these early pioneer families. Most of these early communities were economically supported by timber logging.

Formation
In 1842, the residents of modern-day Letcher County petitioned the state legislature for a new county, as at that time they belonged to Harlan, Perry, and Pike counties. The legislature met in January 1842, and decided to form the new county. The county was formed, as Kentucky's 95th county, from portions of Harlan, Perry, and Pike counties, and named for Robert P. Letcher, who was the governor of Kentucky at that time. Its county seat, Whitesburg, was called Summit City before becoming the county seat. The city was renamed from Summit City to Whitesburg in 1842, in honor of John D. White, who introduced the county's enactment bill in the Kentucky General Assembly. The state government commissioned members of the general assembly to draw the boundaries for the new county. These men were Nathaniel Collins, Stephen Hiram Hogg, Benjamin Adams, and Benjamin Webb. In 1858, 60 square miles from Perry County were added to the county's original 340 square miles. In April 1884, a ten-mile section from Pike County was added, and a month later, Letcher County contributed 80 square miles toward the creation of Knott County.

History of the courthouse
At first, residents could not agree where the county seat would be located. Some residents wanted the seat to be in Mayking, others wanted the seat to be in Camp Branch or Indian Bottom. The debate was settled when Stephen Hiram Hogg donated his land in Whitesburg for the building of the courthouse. The first court session was held in a log cabin owned by Mose Adams at the Adams settlement, which was located two-miles up the North Fork Kentucky River from Whitesburg. John A. Caudill was hired to build the new courthouse and completed it in 1844. The first courthouse built by Caudill was built of logs, and had plank trimming. It was demolished in 1897, due to its failing condition. Lemuel R. Perry was commissioned to construct the new courthouse. The new courthouse was built of bricks, and had a large cupola, with a bell inside to call the jury into session. This new courthouse was heated by stoves and fireplaces until an addition was built in the late–1930s, by the Works Progress Administration. By the 1960s, the courthouse was deemed too small, and prisoners in the jails at the top floor would often escape by pushing apart the bars, climbing out the window, and sliding down a rope of bedsheets. The Area Redevelopment Administration provided funding to build a new one.

William Banton Moore, an architect from Louisville, was hired to design the new courthouse. Ramsey and Clubb, a construction company from Shelbyville, Kentucky, was hired to build it. It was completed in 1965, and a dedication ceremony was held with governor Bert Combs in attendance. The new courthouse had a contemporary design with blue and beige panels. It also had a jail located on the top floor and a public library at the bottom. The construction of the new courthouse costed about US$650,000. Many locals were dissatisfied with the look of the new courthouse, believing it looked too much like a gas station. By the 1990s, the courthouse was in disrepair, and state officials were threatening to close the top floor. Local government officials were able to obtain federal funding, and the building was remodeled in 1998. The jail, which was located at the top floor of the building, was moved to the bottom floor, and a statue honoring veterans was moved to the front of the building. This is the current version of the Letcher County courthouse.

Coal
Due to its rugged terrain, Letcher County was one of the most remote counties in Kentucky, and until the arrival of coal, its population never peaked above 10,000. In the early–1900s, coal mining began in the county. This caused an economic boom as many small communities grew to large coal towns supported by coal companies. By 1940, the county's population had grown to over 40,000. Between 1990 and 2014, Letcher County produced over 600,000,000 ST of coal.

Modern period
Harry M. Caudill's 1963 book, Night Comes to the Cumberlands: A Biography of a Depressed Area, brought the county to national attention. The CBS documentary Christmas in Appalachia (1964) hosted by Charles Kuralt also brought the nation's attention to Letcher County as citizens sent clothes and gifts in response to the conditions of those featured. On March 9, 1976, in the community of Oven Fork, an explosion caused by coal dust and gasses occurred at the Scotia Mine, resulting in the deaths of 15 miners. Two days later another explosion occurred, killing 11 more miners. Investigators concluded that the explosions were caused by methane gases that were ignited by a spark caused by a battery-powered device. The accidents are often considered two of the worst mining disasters in U.S. history. The two explosions led to the passage of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

In July–August 2022, floods came through Eastern Kentucky. A total of 45 people died, three of those deaths occurred in Letcher County. As a result of the floods, many people were left homeless.

Geography
Letcher County is located in the far southeast of Kentucky. Most of its border is defined by mountains. The 125-mile long Pine Mountain divides the county, and defines part of the county's border with Harlan County and Virginia. To the south, Black Mountain marks its border with Virginia.

The county's terrain is defined by rugged mountains and blanketed by forests. Jefferson National Forest covers a significant portion of the county. The county's highest point is Black Mountain, located in the southeastern corner of the county, with an elevation of 3,700 feet. The northern part of the county is drained by Rockhouse Creek, which empty's into the North Fork Kentucky River near Blackey, Kentucky. The central portion of the county is drained by the North Fork Kentucky River, which flows from its start at the Kentucky–Virginia border, to where it meets the South Fork Kentucky River in Lee County, Kentucky, to form the Kentucky River. The southern part of the county is drained by the Poor Fork, which flows from its start on Pine Mountain, to Baxter in Harlan County, Kentucky, where it meets Martin's Fork to form the Cumberland River. The western portion of the county is drained by Elkhorn Creek, which flows from its start near Jenkins, Kentucky, to its confluence with Russell Fork in Pike County, Kentucky.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 339 sqmi, of which 338 sqmi is land and 1.1 sqmi (0.3%) is water.

Fishpond Lake
Fishpond Lake is a 28.8 acre man-made body of water near Jenkins, in Payne Gap, Kentucky. It was formed in 1961 by the impoundment of Fishpond Branch. At its deepest it is 79 feet and averages around 33 feet. The lake is home to several species of fish including rainbow trout, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. It is the only large body of water (other than rivers) in Letcher County.

Pioneer Horse Trail controversy
In an effort to bring tourists to Letcher County and to revitalize the local economy, the Pioneer Horse Trail was constructed on Pine Mountain. The trail, part of an "adventure tourism" initiative spearheaded by then Governor Steve Beshear, Beshear's wife Jane, and Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo, was completed in 2009. However, controversy arose about whether the environment would be harmed during construction. In the summer of 2008, the Letcher County Fiscal Court had signed an agreement with state officials stating that the county would do an environmental impact study before construction would begin. Documents obtained by the Lexington Herald-Leader under Kentucky's Open Records Act showed that construction actually began before the study was to take place. County-owned bulldozers started clearing trees in part of a wildlife management area in which heavy equipment was not permitted. Environmental groups asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if any species on the threatened or endangered list were harmed.

Adjacent counties

 * Knott County (northwest)
 * Pike County (northeast)
 * Wise County, Virginia (southeast)
 * Harlan County (south)
 * Perry County (southwest)

National protected area

 * Jefferson National Forest (part)

State protected area

 * Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve
 * Lilley Cornett Woods Experiment Station (Eastern Kentucky University)

State Parks

 * Kingdom Come State Park (part)
 * Pine Mountain Trail State Scenic Trail (part)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,277 people, 10,085 households, and 7,462 families residing in the county. The population density was 75 /sqmi. There were 11,405 housing units at an average density of 34 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 98.71% White, 0.51% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.03% from other races, and 0.35% from two or more races. 0.44% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 10,085 households, out of which 32.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.00% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.94.

The age distribution was 23.70% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 28.70% from 25 to 44, 25.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $21,110, and the median income for a family was $24,869. Males had a median income of $30,488 versus $17,902 for females. The per capita income for the county was $11,984. About 23.70% of families and 27.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.90% of those under age 18 and 21.20% of those age 65 or over.

Letcher County Public Schools
Most K-12 students in the county, with the exception of those living in the far eastern part of the county surrounding Jenkins, are served by the Letcher County Public Schools. The district operates six elementary/middle schools, one high school, one vocational school, and an alternative education center. The current superintendent of Letcher County Schools is Denise Yonts. The schools located in the district are:

 * Arlie Boggs Elementary School – Eolia
 * Cowan Elementary School – Whitesburg
 * Fleming-Neon Middle School – Fleming-Neon
 * Letcher County Central High School – Whitesburg
 * Letcher Elementary and Middle School – Blackey
 * Martha Jane Potter Elementary – Whitesburg
 * West Whitesburg Elementary – Whitesburg
 * Whitesburg Middle School – Whitesburg
 * Letcher County Alternative Education Center – Whitesburg
 * Letcher County Area Technology Center – Whitesburg

Jenkins Independent Schools
Students in the Jenkins area are served by the Jenkins Independent Schools, which operates one elementary school and a combined middle and high school with grades 7–12. The current superintendent of Jenkins Independent Schools is Damian Johnson. The schools located in the district are:

 * Burdine Elementary School – Burdine
 * Jenkins Middle and High School – Jenkins

Presidential elections
Letcher County has a somewhat similar political history to West Virginia. Under the Fourth Party System it was a reliable Republican county, voting Republican in every election from 1884 to 1928. However, with increasing unionization under the New Deal it turned for the next sixty to seventy years into a fairly solid Democratic county, apart from the 1956 and 1972 landslides and the candidacy of John F. Kennedy. However, since 2004 as the Democratic Party has become opposed to coal production due to global warming issues, it has now become a solidly Republican county.

Governor
In the 2023 Kentucky Gubernatorial Election, popular incumbent Governor Andy Beshear won Letcher County by a margin of 4 points, marking the first instance since 2011 that a Democrat clinched victory in the county in any statewide race.

Senate
Letcher County is a solid Republican county in Senate elections, having re-elected Republican incumbent Rand Paul in 2022 with 67.6% (3,873 votes) of the vote over Democrat Charles Booker. In 2020, the county re-elected Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell with 71% (6,441 votes) of the vote over Democrat Amy McGrath.

House
Letcher County is a part of Kentucky's 5th congressional district, which is represented by 22-term Republican Hal Rogers. It re-elected Rogers in 2022, with 79% (4,538 votes) of the vote over Democrat Conor Halbleib.

State senate
Letcher County is a part of Kentucky's 29th state Senate district, which is represented by Republican Johnnie L. Turner. It voted to elect Turner in 2020, who won the election with 54.8% (4,900 votes) of the vote over 20-year Democratic incumbent Johnny Ray Turner.

State house
Letcher County is a part of Kentucky's 94th house district, which is represented by Republican Jacob Justice of Elkhorn City. In 2022, it voted to re-elect Democratic incumbent Angie Hatton, who won the county with 60.7% of the vote.

Judge/executive
The Judge/Executive is responsible for executing legislation, executing laws passed by the state, informing the fiscal court with the operations of the county departments, boards, and commissions, demanding all offices, departments, boards, commissions, to make an annual financial report to the fiscal court, submitting an annual budget to the fiscal court, administering budget plans passed by the fiscal court, informing the fiscal court with the financial state and needs of the county, and supervising, appointing, removing, or suspending county officials. The current judge/executive is Republican Terry Adams.

County attorney
The County Attorney is the legal counsel for the county government. The county attorney's role is to give legal advice to the fiscal court and county officials, and act as a legal representative to county departments, board, or commissions. The current county attorney is Democrat Jamie Hatton.

Commonwealth attorney
The Commonwealth Attorney is responsible for attending each circuit court held in their judicial circuit. The Commonwealth attorney has the ability to prosecute violations, and present evidence to a grand jury. The current Commonwealth attorney is Edison G. Banks II.

Property valuation administrator
The property valuation administrator has the ability to assess property within the county and prepare property records. The current property valuation administrator is Democrat Ricky Rose.

Sheriff
The sheriff has the responsibility to collect taxes, election duties, provide service to courts, and enforce laws. The sheriff has the ability to make arrests within their county, and collect taxes from properties, the county, and school districts. The current sheriff is Democrat Mickey Stines.

Court clerk
The court clerk has the ability to issue and register and record legal records, register voter polls, and conduct election and tax duties. The current county clerk is Democrat Winston Meade.

Circuit court clerk
The circuit court clerk is responsible for managing records of the circuit court. The current circuit court clerk is Mike Watts.

Jailer
The jailer manages the county jail, and all prisoners in the jail. The jailer has the ability to transport prisoners, manage the jail budget, prepare bail, work and education release for prisoners, do community service, and manage all the deputies. The current jailer is Democrat Bert Slone.

Coroner
The main responsibility of the coroner is to decide and certify the cause of death. The current coroner is Democrat Perry M. Fowler.

Circuit court
Letcher County is a part of the 47th Judicial District. The circuit court deals with civil issues, capital offenses, felonies, land disputes, and probate cases. The circuit court can also supply injunctions, writs of prohibition, and writs of mandamus. The circuit court has the ability to dissolve marriages, hear cases of child custody, visitation, distribution of property, adoption, and parental rights. The circuit judge serves an eight-year term. The current circuit judge is James W. Craft II.

District judge
The district judge manages juvenile issues, city and county laws, misdemeanors, violations, traffic offenses, probate of wills, arraignments, domestic violence and abuse, and small civil issues. The current district judge is Kevin R. Mullins.

Magistrate
Letcher County is divided into five magisterial districts. The magistrates are representatives of the fiscal court, and works with the Judge/Executive in managing the county government. Magistrates also serve as Justice of the peace and, if permitted by the Judge/Executive, can perform marriages. The current magistrates are:

 * District 1 – Jack Banks
 * District 2 – Sherry Sexton
 * District 3 – Maverick Cook
 * District 4 – William "Cheddy" Smith
 * District 5 – Bennie McCall

School board
Letcher County is divided into five school board districts. Members of the school board serve staggered four year terms and are not subject to term limits. The current members of the school board are:

 * District 1 – Lena Parsons
 * District 2 – Robert Kiser
 * District 3 – William Smith
 * District 4 – Mendy Boggs
 * District 5 – Shawn Gilley

Voter registration
As of April 2024, Letcher County has 8,677 Democratic voters, 5,906 Republican voters, 351 third party voters, 368 Independent voters, 37 Libertarian voters, 2 Green voters, and 2 Constitution voters.

Coal companies in Letcher County

 * Alpha Natural Resources
 * James River Coal Company
 * Rhino Resource Partners
 * United Coal Company

Television
Two Public-access television cable TV channels serve Letcher County. The Letcher County Government Channel is Government-access television (GATV), operated by the Letcher County Fiscal Court and airs government meetings, local events, and emergency information. LCPS-TV is operated by the Letcher County Public Schools and airs school announcements, events, and Educational access television programs.

Radio

 * WTCW
 * WXKQ-FM
 * WMMT (FM), community radio station owned by Appalshop
 * WIFX-FM
 * WNKW

Newspapers
Two newspapers serve Letcher County. The Mountain Eagle is a weekly newspaper located in Whitesburg. It has been in operation since 1907 and is currently owned, edited, and published by the Gish family. The Letcher County Community News-Press is a weekly newspaper located in Cromona, near Fleming-Neon, that has been in operation since 1988.

Transportation
Public transportation is provided by LKLP Community Action Partnership with demand-response service and scheduled service from Whitesburg to Hazard.

Highways

 * US_23.svg U.S. Highway 23 – Crosses the eastern part of the county and runs west of Jenkins.
 * US_119.svg U.S. Highway 119 – Diverges off from U.S. 23, connects Jenkins to Whitesburg, crosses Pine Mountain, runs across the southern part of the county, and crosses into Harlan County.
 * Elongated_circle_15.svg Kentucky Route 15 – Diverges off from U.S. 119, connects Whitesburg to Isom, and runs somewhat northwest into Knott County.

Cities

 * Blackey
 * Fleming-Neon
 * Jenkins
 * Whitesburg (county seat)

Census-designated places

 * Mayking
 * McRoberts
 * Millstone
 * Payne Gap

Other unincorporated places

 * Beefhide (partial)
 * Burdine
 * Deane
 * Dongola
 * Dunham
 * Eolia
 * Ermine
 * Gaskill
 * Gilley
 * Hemphill
 * Isom
 * Jeremiah
 * Letcher
 * Oven Fork
 * Partridge
 * Seco

List

 * Kenny Baker (June 26, 1926 – July 8, 2011) was an American fiddle player best known for his 25-year tenure with Bill Monroe and his group The Blue Grass Boys.
 * Martha Carson (Country/gospel music singer, 1920–2004)
 * Harry M. Caudill (1922–1990), author, historian, professor, lawyer, legislator, and environmentalist
 * Jean Chapel (Country music singer, 1925–1995)
 * Hoover Dawahare (November 2, 1928 – March 16, 2004), former member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
 * Jessamyn Duke (mixed-martial artist, professional wrestler)
 * Emery L. Frazier (Mayor, state representative, Chief Clerk of the U.S. Senate, Secretary of the U.S. Senate, 1896–1973)
 * Tom Gish, died 2008, publisher of the Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg, grew up in the county
 * Jack K. Hale (1928–2009), mathematician
 * Angie Hatton (born October 28, 1972), member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023.
 * James P. Lewis (September 8, 1869 – May 22, 1942) former secretary of state of Kentucky from 1916 to 1920.
 * Paul Mason (July 5, 1935 – December 7, 1998) was an American politician and activist who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 91st district from 1987 until his death in 1998.
 * Francis Gary Powers (August 17, 1929 – August 1, 1977) was an American pilot whose CIA U-2 spy plane was shot down while over the Soviet Union, causing the 1960 U-2 incident.
 * Lee Sexton (Country, bluegrass, old-time musician)
 * Gary Stewart (Country music singer and musician)
 * Jim Webb (September 24, 1945 – October 22, 2018) was an Appalachian poet, playwright, and essayist.
 * Sheila Wellstone (August 18, 1944 – October 25, 2002), politician and wife of U.S. senator from Minnesota Paul Wellstone.

title: Letcher County, Kentucky


text:
Leslie County, Kentucky

Leslie County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Its county seat and largest city is Hyden. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,513. It was formed in 1878 from portions of Clay, Harlan, and Perry counties, and named for Preston Leslie, governor of Kentucky from 1871 to 1875.

History
Leslie County was formed in 1878 from portions of Clay, Harlan, and Perry counties, and named for governor Preston Leslie. Its county seat, Hyden, is named for state senator John Hyden, who was one of the commissioners that helped form the county.

On December 30, 1970, a blast occurred at the Finley Mine on Hurricane Creek. The blast resulted in the deaths of 38 men. Following the recovery of bodies, an investigation revealed a failure to enforce new safety laws. Traces of dynamite and Primacord, were found inside the mine.

After resigning the presidency, Richard Nixon made his first public appearance, in July 1978, at the Leslie County dedication of a recreation facility named for him. County Judge-Executive C. Allen Muncy claimed the Nixon invitation prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to obtain indictments of him and his associates on vote-fraud charges; while on appeal for his conviction, he won renomination in the Republican primary but lost the 1981 general election to independent Kermit Keen.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 404 sqmi, of which 401 sqmi is land and 3.6 sqmi (0.9%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Perry County (northeast)
 * Harlan County (southeast)
 * Bell County (southwest)
 * Clay County (west)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,401 people, 4,885 households, and 3,668 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 /sqmi. There were 5,502 housing units at an average density of 14 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 97.18% White, 0.07% Black or African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races; 0.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,885 households, out of which 35.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.30% were married couples living together, 12.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.90% were non-families. 22.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.60% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 30.90% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 11.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $18,546, and the median income for a family was $22,225. Males had a median income of $28,708 versus $18,080 for females. The per capita income for the county was $10,429. About 30.20% of families and 32.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.80% of those under age 18 and 27.00% of those age 65 or over.

Life expectancy and health
Of 3,142 counties in the United States in 2014, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ranked Leslie County 3,120 in the average life expectancy at birth of male residents and 3,130 in the life expectancy of female residents. Life expectancy in Leslie county ranked in the bottom 10 percent among U.S. counties. Males in Leslie County lived an average of 70.0 years and females lived an average of 74.7 years compared to the national average for life expectancy of 76.7 for males and 81.5 for females. In the 1980-2014 period, the average life expectancy in Leslie County for females decreased by 4.0 years while male longevity decreased by 0.1 years compared to the national average for the same period of an increased life expectancy of 4.0 years for women and 6.7 years for men. Factors contributing to the short, and declining, life expectancy of residents of Leslie county included obesity, smoking, and low amounts of exercise.

In 2020, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranked Leslie country 107 of 120 counties in Kentucky in "health outcomes," as measured by length and quality of life.

Coal companies in Leslie County

 * James River Coal Company

Transportation
Public transportation is provided by LKLP Community Action Partnership with demand-response service and scheduled service from Hyden to Hazard.

City

 * Hyden (county seat)

Unincorporated communities

 * Asher
 * Bear Branch
 * Big Rock
 * Causey
 * Chappell
 * Cinda
 * Confluence
 * Cutshin
 * Essie
 * Frew
 * Grassy
 * Hare
 * Hell for Certain
 * Helton
 * Hoskinston
 * Kaliopi
 * Middlefork
 * Mozelle
 * Roark
 * Sizerock
 * Smilax
 * Stinnett
 * Thousandsticks
 * Toulouse
 * Warbranch
 * Wendover
 * Wooton
 * Yeaddis

Politics
Leslie County is one of forty-four United States counties to have never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since its creation in 1878. In 1892, 1908, and 1916 it was the most Republican county in the nation. Leslie's fierce Unionist sympathies, so strong that areas surrounding it contributed more troops to the Union Army relative to population than any other part of the United States, meant that between 1896 and 1928 no Democrat could receive even ten percent of the county's vote, and none received so much as twenty-five percent until Lyndon Johnson managed over 47 percent in his landslide national triumph against Barry Goldwater in 1964.

Despite Goldwater's relatively poor performance, every Republican candidate since the county's formation has obtained an absolute majority in Leslie County, and only William Howard Taft in the divided 1912 election, George H. W. Bush in 1992, and Bob Dole in 1996 have otherwise received under seventy percent for the GOP. Both Mitt Romney and Donald Trump received almost ninety percent of the vote in this county, making Leslie the strongest GOP county in Kentucky (see chart below).

Notable people

 * Elmer Begley, secretary of state of Kentucky from 1968 to 1970
 * Roger Bowling, songwriter
 * Hugh X. Lewis, country music singer-songwriter
 * William Lewis, former U.S. Representative from Kentucky
 * Bobby Osborne, bluegrass musician
 * Sonny Osborne, bluegrass musician
 * Willie Sandlin, soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Leslie County, Kentucky


text:
Lee County, Kentucky

Lee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,395. Its county seat is Beattyville. The county was formed in 1870 from parts of Breathitt, Estill, Owsley and Wolfe counties. The county was named for Robert E. Lee. The area of Kentucky where Lee County is located was a pro-union region of Kentucky but the legislature that created the county was controlled by former Confederates. The town of Proctor, named for the Rev. Joseph Proctor, was the first county seat. The first court was held on April 25, 1870, in the old Howerton House. The local economy at the time included coal mining, salt gathering, timber operations, and various commercial operations. It had a U.S. post office from 1843 until 1918.

The county seat, Beattyville, was first known as Taylor's Landing, as it was a ferry landing on the Kentucky River. It was renamed to Beatty in 1850 after early settler Samuel Beatty. The town incorporated in 1872 as Beattyville and was chosen as the new county seat due to its location on the river, which aided transportation and trade.

Although Lee County had taverns in the 19th century, it was a prohibition or dry county until 2019 when the county voted to go wet. The City of Beattyville and Lee County Fiscal Court established alcoholic sale rules for their jurisdictions including prohibiting sales of alcohol on Sunday.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 211 sqmi, of which 209 sqmi is land and 2.4 sqmi (1.1%) is water.

Eastern Kentucky Coal Field
Lee County lies within the Eastern Coal Field region of Kentucky. The very rugged terrain essentially defines the area. Roughly half of the county lies within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Timber and coal remain economically significant, as do oil and gas. Harmful effects from unregulated strip mining and clear cut logging practices are still being corrected. The proliferation of kudzu, an invasive vine has proved difficult to address. However, the growing environmental movement and the developing tourism industry have created energy to take more action to control this pest.

Adjacent counties

 * Powell County (north)
 * Wolfe County (northeast)
 * Breathitt County (southeast)
 * Owsley County (south)
 * Jackson County (southwest)
 * Estill County (northwest)

National protected area

 * Daniel Boone National Forest (part)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,916 people, 2,985 households, and 2,122 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 /sqmi. There were 3,321 housing units at an average density of 16 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 95.10% White, 3.79% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.06% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. 0.37% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,985 households, out of which 32.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.80% were married couples living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.90% were non-families. 26.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.70% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 109.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $18,544, and the median income for a family was $24,918. Males had a median income of $25,930 versus $19,038 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,325. About 25.20% of families and 30.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.00% of those under age 18 and 22.90% of those age 65 or over.

Life expectancy
Of 3,142 counties in the United States in 2013, Lee County ranked no. 3,111 for the life expectancy of males and 2,989 for longevity of females. Males in Lee County lived an average of 68.5 years and females lived an average of 76.7 years compared to the national average for life expectancy of 76.5 for males and 81.2 for females. Moreover, the average life expectancy in Lee Country was stable for males and declined by 1.5 years for females between 1985 and 2013, compared to a national average for the same period of an increased life span of 5.5 years for men and 3.1 years for women. High rates of smoking and obesity, and a low level of physical activity appear to be contributing factors to the low life expectancy for both sexes.

Economy
Lee County, Kentucky is often listed as one of the poorest counties in the United States. In 2014, 35 percent of its population lived in poverty and the median family income was $23,968 compared to 14.8 percent poor and a $53,482 median family income for the United States as a whole.

City

 * Beattyville (county seat)

Unincorporated communities

 * Airedale
 * Athol
 * Bear Track
 * Belle Point
 * Canyon Falls
 * Congleton
 * Cressmont
 * Crystal
 * Delvinta
 * Earnestville
 * Enoch
 * Evelyn
 * Fillmore
 * Fincastle
 * Fixer
 * Greeley
 * Heidelberg
 * Idamay
 * Leeco
 * Lower Buffalo
 * Maloney
 * Monica
 * Mount Olive
 * Old Landing
 * Primrose
 * Proctor
 * Saint Helens
 * Standing Rock
 * Tallega
 * White Ash
 * Williba
 * Willow Shoals
 * Yellow Rock
 * Zacharia
 * Zoe

title: Lee County, Kentucky


text:
Lawrence County, Kentucky

Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,293. Its county seat is Louisa. The county is named for James Lawrence, and co-founded by Isaac Bolt, who served as a Lawrence County Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. Lawrence County is the home of bluegrass music and country music star Tyler Childers. It is the birthplace of the late Chief Justice of the United States Frederick Moore Vinson and former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton. In regard to alcoholic beverage sales, Lawrence County is considered a "moist" county, meaning alcohol sales are only allowed within the city limits of Louisa. There are no alcohol sales within the rest of the county. Only two stores sell liquor (to prevent a monopoly), and most convenience stores sell beer and malted beverages.

History
Lawrence County was established in 1821 from land given by Floyd and Greenup Counties. Four courthouses have served Lawrence County; the first was completed in 1823.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 420 sqmi, of which 416 sqmi is land and 4.5 sqmi (1.1%) is water.

The bridge from Louisa, in eastern Lawrence County, to Fort Gay, West Virginia is something of a geographic and architectural oddity. The quarter-mile concrete span spans across the Levisa Fork and the Tug River that come together and form the Big Sandy River, connects two states and has a right turn at its halfway point, which connects traffic to the Point Section neighborhood of Louisa.

Yatesville Lake State Park
Yatesville Lake was opened in 1992 and is a 2,300 acre reservoir managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Yatesville Lake provides flood control for the region as well as recreational opportunities. The Corps manages a boat ramp at the Rich Creek area.

Bordering Counties

 * Carter County (northwest)
 * Boyd County (north)
 * Wayne County, West Virginia (east)
 * Martin County (southeast)
 * Johnson County (south)
 * Morgan County (southwest)
 * Elliott County (west)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,569 people, 5,954 households, and 4,477 families in the county. The population density was 37 /sqmi. There were 7,040 housing units at an average density of 17 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 98.93% White, 0.10% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.41%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 5,954 households 35.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.30% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.80% were non-families. 22.40% of households were one person and 10.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.02.

The age distribution was 25.30% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 28.70% from 25 to 44, 24.70% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.00 males.

The median household income was $21,610 and the median family income was $26,113. Males had a median income of $30,735 versus $19,174 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,008. About 25.30% of families and 30.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.00% of those under age 18 and 27.30% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Lawrence County is a state bellwether in presidential elections, having voted for Kentucky's statewide winner in every election since 1956.

Cities

 * Blaine
 * Louisa (county seat)

Unincorporated communities

 * Buchanan
 * Cherryville
 * Fallsburg
 * Kise
 * Mazie
 * Ulysses
 * Lowmansville
 * Webbville
 * Zelda

title: Lawrence County, Kentucky


text:
Laurel County, Kentucky

Laurel County is a county located in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 62,613. Its county seat is London. After a special election in January 2016 alcohol sales are permitted only in the city limits of London. The ordinance went into effect on March 27, 2016, 60 days after results of the election. Laurel County is included in the London, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Laurel County, the 80th county to be organized in Kentucky, was established by an act of the general assembly, December 21, 1825, from parts of Rockcastle, Clay, Knox and Whitley Counties. Laurel County was named from the Laurel River, noted for dense laurel thickets along its banks.

Laurel County was the location of the Battle of Wildcat Mountain, a pivotal yet little known battle during the American Civil War that kept Confederate armies from advancing on Big Hill, a major stronghold during the war.

After a fire damaged the courthouse in 1958, a new structure was completed in 1961.

The first Kentucky Fried Chicken was started in southern Laurel County by Colonel Harland Sanders just north of Corbin. Nowadays, visitors are welcomed to the original cafe and museum where they can eat at, tour, and learn about the start of the worldwide franchise. Due to the history of chicken in the county, The World Chicken Festival is celebrated every year in London, the county seat, drawing crowds of up to 250,000 people over the four-day festival.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 444 sqmi, of which 434 sqmi is land and 9.7 sqmi (2.2%) is water. Part of Laurel River Lake is in Laurel County.

Adjacent counties

 * Jackson County (northeast)
 * Clay County (east)
 * Knox County (southeast)
 * Whitley County (south)
 * McCreary County (southwest)
 * Pulaski County (west)
 * Rockcastle County (northwest)

National protected area

 * Daniel Boone National Forest (part)

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 62,613 people, 22,573 (2015–2019) households, and families residing in the county. The population density was 121 /sqmi. There were 22,317 housing units at an average density of 51 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 95.66% White, 1.63% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. 0.55% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

As of the census of 2010, Laurel County was 97.00% White or European American, 0.3% Native American and 0.7% Black or African American.

There were 20,353 households, out of which 35.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.60% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.50% were non-families. 21.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 25.40% under 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 11.50% who were 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,015, and the median income for a family was $31,318. Males had a median income of $27,965 versus $19,757 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,165. About 17.80% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.80% of those under age 18 and 20.10% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Like all of the eastern Pennyroyal Plateau and adjacent parts of the Western and Eastern Coalfields, Laurel County was strongly pro-Union during the Civil War. The county – in common with all adjacent areas – has been rock-ribbed Republican ever since. The only Democrats to receive forty percent of the county's vote since then have been Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1932 landslide and Lyndon Johnson during an equally large landslide in 1964, although with the Republican Party mortally divided Woodrow Wilson did obtain a nine-vote plurality in 1912.

Education
Two public school districts serve K–12 students in the county:
 * Laurel County School District – Operates one preschool, 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.
 * East Bernstadt Independent School District – Operates a single K–8 school. High school students in the district may attend high school in either of the Laurel County district's.

Cities

 * Corbin (Mostly in Whitley County; part also in Knox County)
 * London

Census-designated places

 * East Bernstadt
 * North Corbin

Other unincorporated communities

 * Keavy
 * Lake
 * Lily

Notable residents

 * Nationally bestselling author Silas House was born and raised in Laurel County.
 * Former University of Kentucky basketball star Jeff Sheppard who briefly played in the NBA
 * 2000 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Darrell Scott, who has written hit songs for the Dixie Chicks, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Patty Loveless, and many others, was born in London.
 * Chera-Lyn Cook, the first from Southeast Kentucky to win the title of Miss Kentucky. Cook was talent winner and 4th runner-up to Miss America 1999.
 * Flem D. Sampson, the 42nd governor of the State of Kentucky is from Laurel County.

title: Laurel County, Kentucky


text:
LaRue County, Kentucky

LaRue County is a county in the central region of the U.S. state of Kentucky, outside the Bluegrass Region and larger population centers. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,867. Its county seat is Hodgenville, which is best known as the birthplace of United States President Abraham Lincoln. The county was established on March 4, 1843, from the southeast portion of Hardin County. It was named for John P. LaRue, an early settler. LaRue County is included in the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Louisville/Jefferson County-Elizabethtown-Bardstown, KY-IN Combined Statistical Area. It is a dry county.

Geography
The low rolling hills of LaRue County have been largely cleared and devoted to agriculture or urban development, with only the drainages of the eastern portions still wooded. The highest point (1100 ft ASL) is a small hill near its border with Taylor County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 264 sqmi, of which 262 sqmi is land and 2.1 sqmi (0.8%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Nelson County − northeast
 * Marion County − east
 * Taylor County − southeast
 * Green County − south/CST Border
 * Hart County − southwest/CST Border
 * Hardin County − northwest

National protected area

 * Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,373 people, 5,275 households, and 3,866 families in the county. The population density was 51 PD/sqmi. There were 5,860 housing units at an average density of 22 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 94.65% White, 3.54% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. 1.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,275 households, out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.70% were non-families. 23.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94.

The county population contained 25.00% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,056, and the median income for a family was $37,786. Males had a median income of $30,907 versus $20,091 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,865. 15.40% of the population and 12.60% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 18.90% are under the age of 18 and 16.40% are 65 or older.

Cities

 * Hodgenville (county seat)
 * Upton (mostly in Hardin County)

Census-designated places

 * Buffalo
 * Magnolia

Unincorporated communities

 * Athertonville
 * Ginseng
 * Gleanings
 * Lyons
 * Malt
 * Mount Sherman
 * Tanner
 * Tonieville
 * White City

Churches

 * Hodgenville Pentecostal Church (HPC)
 * Hodgenville United Methodist Church
 * Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
 * LaRue Baptist Church, an Independent Baptist church
 * Victory Baptist Church
 * First Baptist Church of Hodgenville (relocated from Downtown Hodgenville to near Lincoln Parkway on the edge of the city limits.)
 * First Baptist Church on Lincoln Blvd, Hodgenville
 * Buffalo Baptist Church, Buffalo
 * Mt. Tabor Baptist Church
 * Union Christian Church
 * Magnolia Baptist Church
 * Roanoke House of Prayer
 * Lane Lincoln Baptist Church
 * Athertonville Baptist Church
 * Oakhill Baptist Church
 * South Fork Baptist Church
 * Wesley Meadows United Methodist Church
 * Levelwoods United Methodist Church
 * Parkway Baptist Church
 * Steadfast Baptist Church

Lincoln Days
The county sponsors the annual Lincoln Days celebration on the first full weekend of October, Friday through Sunday. Highlights include the Lincoln Look-A-Like contests, rail-splitting competitions, a parade, shopping booths and concerts by local talent (mostly country, bluegrass and Southern gospel).

Politics
LaRue County has leaned heavily Republican in presidential elections since the turn of the century. Three-quarters of the county's overall vote went to Donald Trump in the 2016 election.

title: LaRue County, Kentucky


text:
Knott County, Kentucky

Knott County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,251. Its county seat is Hindman. The county was formed in 1884 and is named for James Proctor Knott, Governor of Kentucky (1883–1887). as of 2024 the county is now wet. Its county seat is home to the Hindman Settlement School, founded as America's first settlement school. The Knott County town of Pippa Passes is home to Alice Lloyd College.

History
Knott County was established in 1884 from land given by Breathitt, Floyd, Letcher, and Perry counties. The 1890s-era courthouse, the second to serve the county, burned in 1929.

The first elected county officials were county clerk Lewis Hays (an early settler of The Forks of Troublesome defeating fellow early settler F. P. Allen), county judge David Calhoun, county attorney Fielding Johnson, sheriff Madison Pigman, jailer Isom Slone, and county assessor Hiram Maggard. The political lines drawn in the early politics of the county were largely along divisions between the early settler families of The Forks, inherited from Civil War differences.

In a later election Anderson Hays ran against Clabe Jones, who had been on opposite sides in the Civil War, with Jones winning the election. This caused a feud that lasted several years, with fights and deaths in Hindman.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 353 sqmi, of which 352 sqmi is land and 1.3 sqmi (0.4%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Magoffin County (north)
 * Floyd County (northeast)
 * Pike County (east)
 * Letcher County (south)
 * Perry County (southwest)
 * Breathitt County (northwest)

Summits
Big Lovely Mountain, 1,401 ft

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,649 people, 6,717 households, and 4,990 families residing in the county. The population density was 50 /sqmi. There were 7,579 housing units at an average density of 22 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 98.27% White, 0.73% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,717 households, out of which 34.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.60% were married couples living together, 12.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 23.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.50% under the age of 18, 10.80% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $20,373, and the median income for a family was $24,930. Males had a median income of $29,471 versus $21,240 for females. The per capita income for the county was $11,297. About 26.20% of families and 31.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.80% of those under age 18 and 23.10% of those age 65 or over.

Knott County Schools

 * Knott County Central High School
 * Knott County Area Technology Center
 * Beaver Creek Elementary
 * Carr Creek Elementary
 * Cordia School
 * Emmalena Elementary
 * Hindman Elementary
 * Jones Fork Elementary

Private schools

 * Bethel Christian Academy
 * Hindman Settlement School
 * June Buchanan School

Higher education

 * Knott County Campus of Hazard Community and Technical College
 * Alice Lloyd College

Politics
Knott County had historically voted very strongly for the Democratic Party. In 1992, 75% of Knott County residents voted for Democrat Bill Clinton for US president, the highest percentage for Clinton of any county in the state. However, in recent years, Knott County has voted more favorably for the Republican Party. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain became the first Republican to win Knott County in a presidential election by winning 52.6% of the vote to Barack Obama's 45%.

When Governor Ernie Fletcher appointed Republican Randy Thompson as County Judge Executive in 2005, it was the first time the county ever had a Republican Judge Executive. Thompson won re-election in 2006 and again in 2010, making him the first Republican to win election in a Knott County office. Randy Thompson was later convicted in federal court of running a vote buying scheme and sentenced to 40 months in the federal prison system.

Coal companies in Knott County

 * Alpha Natural Resources
 * James River Coal Company

Areas of interest
Tourism is increasing in the county, especially the popularity of elk viewing. Knott County and its surrounding counties are home to 5,700 free ranging elk, the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi River. There is an ATV Training Center dedicated to the safety of ATV usage amongst riders and the Knott County Sportsplex, a sports complex which has indoor basketball courts, outside baseball fields, a soccer field, and a fitness center.

Television
Hometown24

Radio

 * WKCB-FM
 * WKCB-AM
 * WWJD-FM

Newspapers

 * Troublesome Creek Times

Cities

 * Hindman (county seat)
 * Pippa Passes
 * Vicco (part)

Unincorporated communities

 * Anco
 * Bath
 * Bearville
 * Betty
 * Breeding Creek
 * Carrie
 * Dema (part)
 * Elic
 * Elmrock
 * Emmalena
 * Fisty
 * Garner
 * Handshoe
 * Hollybush
 * Indian Grave
 * Irishmans
 * Jones Fork
 * Kite
 * Leburn
 * Littcarr
 * Mallie
 * Mousie
 * Pine Top
 * Raven
 * Redfox
 * Ritchie
 * Sassafras
 * Slone Fork
 * Soft Shell
 * Spider
 * Talcum
 * Tina
 * Topmost
 * Vest
 * Wiscoal

Transportation
Public transportation is provided by LKLP Community Action Partnership with demand-response service and scheduled service from Hindman to Hazard.

Notable residents

 * Lige Clarke (1942−1975), LGBT activist, journalist and author
 * Rebecca Gayheart (born 1971), actress and model
 * Carl Dewey Perkins (1912−1984), politician and member of the United States House of Representatives
 * James Still (1906–2001), author folklorist
 * David Tolliver, musician; member of country band Halfway to Hazard

In popular culture

 * 20th Century Fox filmed several scenes in the county for a nationally released movie Fire Down Below

title: Knott County, Kentucky


text:
Kenton County, Kentucky

Kenton County is a county located in the northern part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 169,064, making it the third most populous county in Kentucky (behind Jefferson County and Fayette County). Its county seats are Covington and Independence. It was, until November 24, 2010, the only county in Kentucky to have two legally recognized county seats. The county was formed in 1840 and is named for Simon Kenton, a frontiersman notable in the early history of the state.

Kenton County, with Boone and Campbell Counties, is part of the Northern Kentucky metro area, and is included in the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Kenton County was established on January 29, 1840, from land given by Campbell County. It was named in honor of Simon Kenton, a pioneer of Kentucky.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 164 sqmi, of which 160 sqmi is land and 4.1 sqmi (2.5%) is water. The county is located at the confluence of the Licking River and Ohio River, in the outer Bluegrass area of the Bluegrass region of the state. The elevation in the county ranges from 455 to 960 ft above sea level.

Adjacent counties

 * Hamilton County, Ohio (north)
 * Campbell County (east)
 * Pendleton County (southeast)
 * Grant County (southwest)
 * Boone County (west)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 151,464 people, 59,444 households, and 39,470 families living in the county. The population density was 935 /sqmi. There were 63,571 housing units at an average density of 392 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 93.99% White, 3.84% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. 1.10% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

There were 59,444 households, out of which 33.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.10% were married couples living together, 12.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.60% were non-families. 27.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.11.

The age distribution was 26.30% under 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 31.90% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 11.10% who were 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $43,906, and the median income for a family was $52,953. Males had a median income of $37,845 versus $27,253 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,085. About 7.10% of families and 9.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.00% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.

Public schools
Kenton County has five school districts providing education, from the extremely rural southern areas to the highly urbanized north. The districts are:
 * Kenton County School District
 * Covington Independent Public Schools
 * Beechwood Independent School District (serves Fort Mitchell)
 * Ludlow Independent Schools
 * Erlanger-Elsmere Schools

Private schools
The Catholic educational system is as extensive as the public system. These schools are operated by the Diocese of Covington's Department of Schools. The Diocese runs 17 schools in Kenton County.

Higher education
Thomas More University is the only institute of higher learning wholly in the county itself. Northern Kentucky University had a Covington campus located at 1401 Dixie Highway until it closed at the end of 2008. NKU's main campus is not far from Kenton County – only about 4 miles from the Licking River. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System also operates the Gateway Community and Technical College. Classes are provided at GCTC locations in Boone County, Covington, Park Hills and Edgewood.

Libraries
Kenton County is served by a county library with branches in Covington, Erlanger, and Independence. The Erlanger Branch has grown to be the busiest branch library in the state of Kentucky.

In 2008, Kenton County Public Library received the highest score of any Kentucky library ranked by Hennen's American Public Library Ratings.

Cities

 * Bromley
 * Covington (county seat)
 * Crescent Springs
 * Crestview Hills
 * Edgewood
 * Elsmere
 * Erlanger
 * Fairview
 * Fort Mitchell
 * Fort Wright
 * Independence (county seat)
 * Kenton Vale
 * Lakeside Park
 * Ludlow
 * Park Hills
 * Ryland Heights
 * Taylor Mill
 * Villa Hills
 * Walton

Unincorporated communities

 * Atwood
 * Latonia Lakes
 * Nicholson
 * Visalia

Visalia and Latonia Lakes have been dissolved as cities within Kenton County.

title: Kenton County, Kentucky


text:
Johnson County, Kentucky

Johnson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,680. Its county seat is Paintsville. The county was formed in 1843 and named for Richard Mentor Johnson, a colonel of the War of 1812, United States Representative, Senator, and Vice President of the United States.

Johnson County is classified as a moist county, which is a county in which alcohol sales are not allowed (a dry county), but containing a "wet" city, in this case Paintsville, where alcoholic beverage sales are allowed.

Formation
Johnson County was formed on February 24, 1843, by the Kentucky General Assembly from land given by Floyd, Lawrence, and Morgan counties. At that time, its county seat of Paintsville had already been a chartered city for nine years. Homes had been built in Paintsville as early as the 1810s.

Many of the families at the beginning of Johnson County's formation were of Scottish, Irish, English, or German descent. Also, a fact lost to most historians is the large population of French Huguenots who were confused as English because they fled via England en route to the United States. Many of these settlers migrated from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia following their participation in the Revolutionary War.

For about its first twenty-five years, Johnson County and Paintsville struggled along. Roads and highways were nonexistent. Mail and supplies reached Johnson County from the Bluegrass region by horseback and steamboat. Years later, stage coaches began to connect eastern Kentucky and Johnson County to the bluegrass region and the rest of civilization.

Civil War era
As Johnson County and its county seat had begun to thrive, in 1860 the Civil War became a disrupter. Like other border areas, brothers fought against brothers, tearing families apart. Johnson County was not only part of a border state during the Civil War, but it was a border county as well.

Sometime between 1860 and 1862, the county enacted an ordinance that neither the Union or Confederate flags were to be flown within the county. This was repealed quickly after Colonel James Garfield's Union brigade marched through Paintsville, (with the United States Flag being raised above the town courthouse) on its way to defeat the Confederate cavalry at the Battle of Middle Creek in Floyd County.

John C. C. Mayo
Following the Civil War, Thomas Jefferson Mayo moved to Paintsville to fulfill a role as a gifted and talented teacher. He fathered John C. C. Mayo, an important figure in the development of eastern Kentucky. The county citizenry is divided on their loyalty to his memory. Some would say he was a benefactor who assisted in the development of Paintsville, and as a result, Johnson County. That he helped develop banks, churches, streets, public utilities and railroad transportation. Others would say he was directly responsible for the huge influence coal companies had over the county's vast coal resources and the reason the region remains so economically depressed to this day.

Coal was important for Johnson County and the rest of eastern Kentucky even before the Civil War, but its development halted at the start of the war. Financing was slow to return to the coal industry in eastern Kentucky and this inhibited development in Johnson County. The people were suspicious of outsiders and Mayo, a school teacher, was a known quantity and one of their own. So he was invaluable in helping the coal industry to gain a firm foothold in the coal fields of eastern Kentucky and to the industrialized north which spurred the development of railroads in the area. Carpetbaggers from the North became a common sight in the area. It was during this time that many of the citizens of Johnson County were given misleading information and sold all mineral rights to their property for pennies on the dollar of what the rights were worth. In some cases, for a new shotgun. It was also during this time that many people lost their property due to a strange rash of fires in several county seats, destroying deeds and records of ownership, which paved the way for land-grabbers to take what the owners did not want to relinquish.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway first opened its Paintsville depot on September 1, 1904, following 25 years of work connecting it to Lawrence County. The rails were paid for by donations, stocks and bonds, and the hard work of local citizens. History shows that the rail companies leaked information and frequently changed planned routes to create bidding wars and to finance the rails. Following the development of the railroad, tens of thousands of tons of coal were being transported out of eastern Kentucky by 1910.

Mayo went on to be a political lobbyist, and eastern Kentucky's only member of the Democratic National Committee. He had influence in electing Kentucky's governors, members of Congress and the election of President Woodrow Wilson.

He died on May 11, 1914, after becoming ill following a trip to Europe. During his life, he built a historic mansion in Paintsville which has become known as Mayo Mansion.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 264 sqmi, of which 262 sqmi is land and 2.2 sqmi (0.8%) is water.

The county's highest point is Stuffley Knob, with an elevation of 1,496 ft. Its lowest point is the Levisa Fork on the Lawrence County border, with an elevation of about 550 ft.

Adjacent counties

 * Lawrence County (north)
 * Martin County (east)
 * Floyd County (south)
 * Magoffin County (southwest)
 * Morgan County (northwest)

Major highways

 * US 23.svg U.S. Route 23
 * US 460.svg U.S. Route 460
 * Elongated circle 40.svg Kentucky Route 40
 * Elongated circle 321.svg Kentucky Route 321
 * Elongated circle 3.svg Kentucky Route 3

Air
Big Sandy Regional Airport, located in adjacent Martin County, is the nearest airport. It is used as a general aviation airport.

The nearest airport that provides commercial aviation services is Tri-State Airport, which is located 55 mi northeast in Ceredo, West Virginia.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 23,445 people, 9,103 households, and 6,863 families residing in the county. The population density was 90 /sqmi. There were 10,236 housing units at an average density of 39 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 98.64% White, 0.25% Black or African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,103 households, out of which 34.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.50% were married couples living together, 11.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.60% were non-families. 22.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.00% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 25.70% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 93.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $24,911, and the median income for a family was $29,142. Males had a median income of $29,762 versus $20,136 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,051. About 21.70% of families and 26.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.50% of those under age 18 and 19.30% of those age 65 or over.

Government

 * County Judge/Executive: Mark McKenzie
 * Commissioner District 1: Jessica Click
 * Commissioner District 2: Mike Jarrell
 * Commissioner District 3: Tim Salyer
 * County Attorney: Michael S. Endicott
 * County Court Clerk: Sallee Holbrook
 * Circuit Court Clerk: Penny Adams Castle
 * PVA: Michael "Dip" Stafford
 * Sheriff: Doug Saylor
 * Jailer: Steve Rose
 * Coroner: J.R. Frisby
 * Constable District 1: James Castle
 * Constable District 2: Bruce Ritz
 * Constable District 3: David Pridemore
 * County Surveyor: Clarence Scarberry

Politics
Johnson County is at present and historically a powerfully Republican county. No Democrat has ever won a majority of the county's vote since at least 1880, though Bill Clinton did gain narrow pluralities in 1992 and 1996, and Lyndon Johnson lost to Barry Goldwater by a mere twenty-two votes in 1964.

Public
Johnson County is home to two public school districts.

Johnson County Schools

The Johnson County School District, which operates schools throughout the county, including the city of Paintsville, operates the following schools:

Porter Elementary, W.R. Castle Elementary, Highland Elementary, Flat Gap Elementary, Central Elementary, Johnson County Middle School, and Johnson Central High School.

Central Elementary was ranked top-performing elementary school in 5-6 statewide CTBS/CATS testing. Central Elementary was also the top-performing elementary school (based on national CTBS testing) in the Southeastern US.

Johnson County Middle School's academic team has won the most State Governor's Cups. It has won the Cup in 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. It has won numerous state Quick Recall awards and its Future Problem Solving team has won state and international awards and acclaim.

Johnson Central High School performs well in various areas and is well known statewide for their academic, football, and basketball teams. The high school was recently named a U.S. News & World Report Top American High School, being given a bronze award. Johnson Central offers many clubs including STLP, FBLA, DECA, Beta, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and FCCLA. Johnson Central is also home to a new Career Technology Center.

Paintsville Independent Schools
The Paintsville Independent School District also operates two schools: Paintsville Elementary School, a K-6 facility, and the 7-12 Paintsville High School. Paintsville High also has earned numerous sport titles. The school has won boys' state championships in football, basketball, baseball and golf. Note that in Kentucky, the only sports in which schools are divided into enrollment classes are football, cross-country and track.

Both the Johnson County and Paintsville Independent districts met all of the No Child Left Behind standards set by the national government.

Private

Two private schools also operate in the county: Our Lady of the Mountain School (K-8) and Johnson County Christian School.

Colleges

 * Big Sandy Community and Technical College manages two campuses in Johnson County: Mayo and Hager Hill.

Kentucky Apple Festival
In the same year as Mayo's death (1914), the first county fair was held in Paintsville, where the first Apple King was also crowned.

In 1962, Johnson County hosted the first Kentucky Apple Festival, which has been held annually in Paintsville since. The streets of downtown Paintsville are closed to vehicular traffic and festivities to include live music and entertainment, along with various competitions.

Parks and recreation

 * Paintsville Lake State Park

This scenic state park contains a 1140 acre lake, a 12404 acre wildlife management area, a marina, a 4 lane boat dock, a restaurant, a convenience store, boat rentals, multiple picnic shelters, playgrounds, and both developed and primitive camp sites. It is located on route 2275 at Staffordsville, just a few miles out of Paintsville.

The Paintsville Recreation Center contains a basketball court, a playground, and a volleyball court. Located on Preston Street in Paintsville.
 * Paintsville Recreation Center

 * Paintsville Country Club & Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course was established on September 27, 1929, making it one of the oldest golf courses in Eastern Kentucky. The country club was built in 1930 by the WPA and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Kentucky Route 1107 in Paintsville.

Museums

 * U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum

This museum has many exhibits that tell the stories of the country music stars that grew up near U.S. Route 23 in Eastern Kentucky. Located at 120 Staves Branch in Paintsville.

 * The Coal Miners' Museum

This museum tells the history of the local area's coal mining industry. Located on Millers Creek Road in Van Lear.

Historical sites

 * Mayo Mansion

This 43-room mansion was built by John C. C. Mayo between 1905 and 1912 and now serves as Our Lady of the Mountains School. Located on Third Street in Paintsville.

 * Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church

The church was also constructed by John C. C. Mayo, who hired 100 Masons from Italy to construct it. The church has an organ donated by Andrew Carnegie and has several large stained glass windows. The church opened in the fall of 1909. Located on Third Street in Paintsville, beside Mayo Mansion.

Jenny Wiley is a historical figure who was captured by Native Americans in Virginia. After she escaped captivity, she reunited with her husband and lived in Johnson County until her death in 1831. Her grave is located just off Highway 581 at River.
 * Jenny Wiley Gravesite

Points of interest
Childhood home of country music superstar, Loretta Lynn Located at Butcher Hollow in Van Lear.
 * Loretta Lynn Homeplace

This 420 ft pedestrian only swinging bridge is the world's longest plastic bridge. The deck of the bridge is made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer. It crosses the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River and connects the communities of River and Offutt. Located on Kentucky Route 581 at River.
 * Forrest and Maxie Preston Memorial Bridge

 * Mountain Homeplace

The Mountain Homeplace gives a unique look at a replica of an Eastern Kentucky farming community from the mid-nineteenth century. It contains a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a blacksmith shop, a cabin, a barn, and farm grounds. There are also demonstrations of old time skills and crafts. It is located near the dam at Paintsville Lake State Park.

Miscellaneous
Johnson County is also the former home of the Enterprise Association of Regular Baptists, which was organized on October 26, 1894, at Enterprise (now known as Redbush), Kentucky. The association now resides at 1560 Nibert Road, Gallipolis, Ohio, 45631.

City

 * Paintsville

Unincorporated communities

 * Asa
 * Boonscamp
 * Chandlerville
 * Collista
 * Denver
 * Dobson
 * East Point
 * Elna
 * Flat Gap
 * Fuget
 * Hager Hill
 * Hargis
 * Keaton
 * Kerz
 * Leander
 * Low Gap
 * Manila
 * Meally
 * Nero
 * Nippa
 * Odds
 * Offutt
 * Oil Springs
 * Redbush
 * River
 * Riceville
 * Sip
 * Sitka
 * Staffordsville
 * Stambaugh
 * Swamp Branch
 * Thealka
 * Thelma
 * Tutor Key
 * Van Lear
 * Volga
 * West Van Lear
 * Whitehouse
 * Williamsport
 * Winifred
 * Wittensville

Notable residents

 * Loretta Lynn, legendary country singer. The title song on her 2004 album, Van Lear Rose, references her upbringing in the city of Van Lear located in Johnson County.
 * Tyler Childers, singer-songwriter. Went to Paintsville High School.
 * Crystal Gayle, country singer and younger sister of Loretta Lynn.
 * Chris Stapleton, Grammy award-winning country musician
 * Jenny Wiley, held captive by Native Americans.
 * John C. C. Mayo, entrepreneur, assisted in bringing railroad service to eastern Kentucky.
 * Jim Ford, singer-songwriter
 * Hylo Brown, bluegrass and country music singer
 * Johnnie LeMaster, former major league baseball player primarily with the San Francisco Giants
 * John Pelphrey, basketball standout for University of Kentucky, and former University of Arkansas head basketball coach
 * Willie Blair, former Major League Baseball player

title: Johnson County, Kentucky


text:
Jessamine County, Kentucky

Jessamine County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 52,991. Its county seat is Nicholasville. The county was founded in December 1798. Jessamine County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is within the Inner Blue Grass region, long a center of farming and blooded stock raising, including thoroughbred horses. The legislature established a commercial wine industry here in the late 18th century.

History
Jessamine County was established in 1798 from land given by Fayette County. Jessamine was the 36th Kentucky county in order of formation. The county is claimed to be named for a Jessamine Douglass, the daughter of a pioneer settler, who was either killed by Native Americans or committed suicide after being unlucky in love, but that story is dismissed by modern scholars, who say the name is from Jessamine Creek and the jasmine flowers that grow next to it. Most of the early pioneers were from Virginia, who came through the mountains after the American Revolutionary War.

In the late 18th century, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill to establish a commercial vineyard and winery, based in Nicholasville and the first in the United States, known as First Vineyard. Wine making based on European grapes became widespread in the United States. After the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, the county voted to prohibit alcohol sales. Voters in the city of Nicholasville allowed package alcohol sales. In 2020, voters voted to allow alcohol sales, reversing the county's dry policy. The Chrisman Mill Vineyards is authorized to operate and sell its product in the "dry" portion of the county.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 175 sqmi, of which 172 sqmi is land and 2.4 sqmi (1.4%) is water. In 2000, nearly 129 sqmi of the county's total area was dedicated to agriculture.

The county's entire southern border is formed by the Kentucky River. Jessamine County's river bank extends roughly 42 mi long due to meandering, and the river's scenic Palisades feature heavily along this border.

Adjacent counties

 * Fayette County (northeast)
 * Madison County (southeast)
 * Garrard County (south)
 * Mercer County (southwest)
 * Woodford County (northwest)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 39,041 people, 13,867 households, and 10,663 families residing in the county. The population density was 226 /sqmi. There were 14,646 housing units at an average density of 85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 94.44% White, 3.13% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 13,867 households, out of which 38.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.90% were married couples living together, 11.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.10% were non-families. 18.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.05.

The age distribution was 26.40% under the age of 18, 11.60% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 9.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,096, and the median income for a family was $46,152. Males had a median income of $32,340 versus $23,771 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,842. About 8.40% of families and 10.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.70% of those under age 18 and 9.90% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
The Lexington Area MPO is responsible for transportation planning for Fayette and Jessamine counties. This includes activities such as carpool matching, administering a commuter vanpool program, air quality forecasting, bicycle and pedestrian planning, congestion management, and developing transportation plans and documents.

Cities

 * Nicholasville (county seat)
 * Wilmore

Census-designated place

 * High Bridge

Other communities

 * Brannon Woods
 * Keene

Education
Jessamine County Schools provides public education.

Elementary schools

 * Brookside Elementary
 * Jessamine Early Learning Village
 * Nicholasville Elementary
 * Red Oak Elementary
 * Rosenwald-Dunbar Elementary
 * Warner Elementary
 * Wilmore Elementary

Middle schools

 * East Jessamine Middle
 * West Jessamine Middle

Middle/High School

 * The Providence School

High schools

 * East Jessamine High
 * West Jessamine High
 * Jessamine Career and Technology Center (JCTC)

Adult Education

 * Jessamine County Adult Education

Post-secondary institutions

 * Asbury University
 * Asbury Theological Seminary

title: Jessamine County, Kentucky