Breathitt County is located in the Eastern Coal Field region of Kentucky and is part of the larger Appalachian Mountains area. The county seat is Jackson, which is also the largest city in Breathitt County. The county was formed in 1839 and named after John Breathitt, who was the Governor of Kentucky from 1832 to 1834. It has a total area of 486 square miles, with about 90% of that consisting of forests and hills.
The terrain of Breathitt County includes rolling hills, valleys, and rugged mountains that are typical of this region. The highest point in the county is on High Knob Mountain at 2,854 feet above sea level. There are also several creeks and rivers running through Breathitt County including Troublesome Creek, Red Bird River, and Big Creek. See BEST-MEDICAL-SCHOOLS for rivers and lakes in Kentucky.
The climate in Breathitt County tends to be humid and subtropical with hot summers and cool winters. Temperatures can range from as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit in January to as high as 91 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Average annual precipitation ranges from 44 inches near the mountains to over 50 inches near the valleys due to higher levels of humidity there.
As for population numbers, Breathitt County has an estimated total population of 13,737 people according to 2019 census estimates. This number has seen a slight decline since 2000 when it had a population of 14,922 people living within its borders then. The racial makeup here consists mostly White (93%), American Indian (2%), African American (3%), Hispanic/Latino (1%), and Asian (<1%). Most residents here speak English with a small percentage speaking Spanish or other languages too.
Breathitt County has a strong sense of community pride that is evident by its many local festivals such as the annual Jackson Homecoming Festival held every Labor Day weekend or the Apple Festival held each October at nearby Hazard-Perry Park on Troublesome Creek Road. There are also plenty of outdoor recreational activities available here such as camping at nearby state parks like Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park or fishing & kayaking on Troublesome Creek.
Economy of Breathitt County, Kentucky
Breathitt County, Kentucky is home to a diverse and vibrant economy. The county is situated in the heart of Appalachia and has historically relied on mining, forestry, and agriculture as its primary sources of income. However, in recent years, the county has seen an influx of new businesses that are diversifying its economy.
The mining industry is still a major source of employment for many in Breathitt County. Coal has been mined here since the 19th century and continues to be one of the most important sources of income for many families. Additionally, timber harvesting is also an important industry here as it provides jobs for loggers and sawmill workers alike.
Agriculture has also played an integral role in Breathitt County’s economy for generations. Cattle farming is prevalent throughout the county with beef being one of the most popular products sold at local markets. Other crops such as corn, soybeans, hay, tobacco, and wheat are also grown here in abundance. Additionally, there are several small family-run farms that produce vegetables and fruits for sale at local farmers’ markets or direct to consumers through CSA programs or online stores.
In addition to traditional industries like farming and mining, Breathitt County’s economy has seen growth in recent years due to new business ventures like tourism and service-based businesses such as restaurants, lodging establishments, retail stores, medical clinics, professional services firms (such as accounting or legal), financial institutions (banks & credit unions). These businesses have created jobs throughout the county allowing people to stay close to home while still earning a living wage.
The county government has also taken steps towards economic development by offering incentives such as tax breaks or grants to businesses that invest in Breathitt County. This has helped attract new businesses which have had a positive impact on the local economy by creating jobs while also providing goods & services that may not otherwise be available locally.
Breathitt County’s economy is strong with a solid base provided by traditional industries like mining & agriculture coupled with newer business ventures such as tourism & service-based enterprises helping diversify its economic landscape further still.
Libraries in Breathitt County, Kentucky
According to babyinger, Breathitt County, Kentucky is home to several public libraries that serve the educational and recreational needs of its residents. The Breathitt County Public Library System consists of five branch locations located in Jackson, Crockettsville, Lost Creek, Quicksand, and Saul. All five branches offer a wide range of materials including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, audio books and more. The library also has an online catalog with access to digital resources like eBooks and audiobooks.
The main library in Jackson is the largest with a collection of over 95,000 items including books in both English and Spanish. It also offers extensive services for children including story times and summer reading programs as well as computer classes for adults. The library also has a meeting room that can be rented out for special events or meetings.
The other four branch libraries are smaller but still provide a great selection of materials as well as free Wi-Fi access. In addition to books and media they offer various programs such as book clubs, film showings, lectures from local authors or experts on topics like history or genealogy. All five branches have comfortable seating areas for reading or studying along with computers available for public use.
The Breathitt County Public Library System also offers a variety of outreach services such as bookmobile visits to schools and other community events throughout the county as well as homebound delivery service for those unable to make it into the library due to disability or illness. Additionally, they provide access to online databases such as Ancestry Library Edition which allows patrons to research their family history from the comfort of their own homes.
All five branches are open six days a week with extended hours during summer months when school is not in session allowing students more time to explore the library’s resources during their break from classes. Breathitt County’s public libraries offer something for everyone regardless of age or interests while providing an invaluable resource that helps enrich lives through knowledge.
Landmarks in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Breathitt County, Kentucky is a beautiful area located in the eastern part of the state, surrounded by mountains and lush forestland. It is home to a variety of historical sites, natural wonders, and outdoor recreation areas. From old coal mining towns to modern-day attractions, Breathitt County has something for everyone.
The most prominent feature of Breathitt County is the Daniel Boone National Forest. This expansive park encompasses over 708,000 acres and is home to many species of plants and animals. Visitors can hike through the forest along one of the many trails or take part in camping or fishing excursions.
The county also contains several historical landmarks including the Battle of Ivy Mountain Monument which marks a Civil War battle site from 1862. The monument stands at the highest point in Breathitt County as a reminder of those who fought in this important battle.
Another site worth visiting is John B. Stephenson Park which contains an old abandoned coal mining town called Upperville. The park also features an amphitheater where visitors can enjoy live concerts during summer months as well as a small museum dedicated to local history and culture.
If you’re looking for outdoor recreation, Breathitt County has plenty to offer including Cave Run Lake which offers excellent fishing opportunities as well as swimming and boating activities. There are also several golf courses located throughout the county including Crockettsville Country Club which features an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.
Finally, no visit to Breathitt County would be complete without exploring some of its unique natural wonders such as Big Bone Lick State Park or Natural Bridge State Resort Park both offering spectacular views of nature’s beauty at its finest.
Breathitt County has something for everyone with its unique blend of history, culture, outdoor recreation areas and natural wonders making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.