Breathitt County, Kentucky

Breathitt County, Kentucky
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County	Breathitt County
State	Kentucky
Founded	April 1, 1839
Seat	Jackson
Largest city	Jackson

Breathitt County, Kentucky is a county located in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region of Kentucky, bordered by Lee County, Kentucky to the west, Wolfe County, Kentucky to the north, Magoffin County, Kentucky to the northeast, Knott County, Kentucky to the east, Perry County, Kentucky to the southeast, and Owsley County, Kentucky to the southwest. The county is named after John Breathitt, a former Governor of Kentucky who served from 1832 to 1834. Breathitt County is home to the North Fork of the Kentucky River, which flows through the county seat of Jackson, Kentucky, and is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. The county is also near the Red River Gorge, a popular destination for rock climbing and hiking.

Geography

Breathitt County is located in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region, which is part of the larger Appalachian Region. The county's terrain is characterized by mountains, hollows, and valleys, with the North Fork of the Kentucky River flowing through the county seat of Jackson, Kentucky. The county is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Nearby attractions include the Red River Gorge, a popular destination for rock climbing and hiking, and the Natural Bridge State Park, which features a natural rock bridge and offers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. The county is also near the Berea College-owned Berea Forest, which is a nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary.

History

Breathitt County was formed on April 1, 1839, from parts of Clay County, Kentucky, Perry County, Kentucky, and Wolfe County, Kentucky. The county was named after John Breathitt, a former Governor of Kentucky who served from 1832 to 1834. During the American Civil War, the county was a stronghold for the Union Army, with many residents supporting the Abraham Lincoln administration. The county was also home to the 14th Kentucky Infantry, a Union Army regiment that fought in several battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Stones River. The county has a rich coal mining history, with many coal mines operating in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county was also home to the Kentucky Coal Miners' Museum, which was dedicated to the history of coal mining in the region.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Breathitt County was approximately 12,597 people, with a population density of 34 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. The county is also home to a large Amish community, with many Amish families living in the area. The median household income in the county is approximately $24,000, with a per capita income of approximately $14,000. The county has a high poverty rate, with over 30% of the population living below the poverty line. Nearby cities include Lexington, Kentucky, Louisville, Kentucky, and Pikeville, Kentucky, which offer access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Economy

The economy of Breathitt County is primarily based on coal mining, with several coal mines operating in the area. The county is also home to a number of manufacturing facilities, including automotive and furniture manufacturers. The county has a growing tourism industry, with many visitors attracted to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is also home to a number of small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and service providers. Nearby institutions include the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University, which offer access to higher education and workforce development programs.

Education

Breathitt County has a number of public schools, including Breathitt County High School, Jackson City School, and Rousseau Elementary School. The county is also home to a number of private schools, including Christian Academy of Jackson and Jackson Christian School. The county has a number of libraries, including the Breathitt County Public Library and the Jackson Public Library. Nearby institutions include the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University, which offer access to higher education and workforce development programs. The county is also near the Hazard Community and Technical College, which offers vocational training and career development programs.

Government

Breathitt County is governed by a fiscal court, which is composed of a judge-executive and several magistrates. The county has a number of law enforcement agencies, including the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office and the Jackson Police Department. The county is also home to a number of emergency services, including the Breathitt County Emergency Management Agency and the Jackson Fire Department. The county is represented in the Kentucky General Assembly by Senator Brandon Smith and Representative Chris Fugate. The county is also represented in the United States Congress by Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Hal Rogers. Nearby institutions include the Kentucky State Capitol and the United States Capitol, which offer access to government services and public policy information. Category:Kentucky counties