Pike County, Kentucky

Pike County, Kentucky
source
County	Pike County
State	Kentucky
Founded	December 19, 1821
Seat	Pikeville
Largest city	Pikeville
Area total sq mi	789
Area land sq mi	787
Population as of	2020
Population total	58241
Population density sq mi	74

Pike County, Kentucky is a county located in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region of Kentucky, bordered by West Virginia to the east, Virginia to the southeast, and the Kentucky River to the northwest. The county seat, Pikeville, is situated near the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River and is home to the University of Pikeville and the Pikeville Cut-Through, a project initiated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The county is also close to the Breaks Interstate Park, which is managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Nearby cities include Elkhorn City, Phelps, and Mouthcard, which are connected by U.S. Route 23 and U.S. Route 119.

Geography

Pike 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 Pine Mountain range running along its western edge. The Big Sandy River forms the northern boundary of the county, while the Levisa Fork flows through the county seat, Pikeville. The county is also home to the Fishpond Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating, and is near the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, which offers hiking and camping opportunities. The Daniel Boone National Forest and the Jefferson National Forest are also nearby, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

History

Pike County was formed on December 19, 1821, from a portion of Floyd County, Kentucky, and was named after Zebulon Pike, an American explorer who led an expedition to the Western United States. The county played a significant role in the American Civil War, with the Battle of Pound Gap taking place near the Virginia border. The county was also home to the Hatfield-McCoy feud, a famous family feud between the Hatfield family and the McCoy family that lasted for many years. The county is also near the Huntington, West Virginia area, which was an important railroad hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and the Norfolk and Western Railway operating in the area.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Pike County was 58,241, with a population density of 74 people per square mile. The county is part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area and is near the Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky area. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European American, African American, and Native American residents. The county is also home to a number of Amish communities, particularly in the Elkhorn City area. Nearby cities include Prestonsburg, Paintsville, and Louisa, which are connected by U.S. Route 23 and U.S. Route 119.

Economy

The economy of Pike County is driven by a mix of coal mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is part of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region, which has been a major coal-producing area for many years. The county is also home to a number of manufacturing facilities, including those operated by General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The county's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities also make it a popular destination for tourism, with visitors drawn to the Breaks Interstate Park, the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, and the Fishpond Lake. The county is also near the Huntington, West Virginia area, which is home to the Marshall University and the St. Mary's Medical Center.

Education

Pike County is served by the Pike County Schools district, which operates a number of elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools throughout the county. The county is also home to the University of Pikeville, a private university that offers a range of academic programs. The county is also near the Big Sandy Community and Technical College, which offers vocational training and associate's degree programs. The county is also served by the Pike County Public Library, which provides access to a range of books, periodicals, and digital resources.

Government

Pike County is governed by a fiscal court, which is composed of a judge-executive and a number of magistrates. The county is also part of the Kentucky 7th congressional district and is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Thomas Massie. The county is also served by the Pike County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement throughout the county. The county is also near the Frankfort, Kentucky area, which is home to the Kentucky State Capitol and the Kentucky Governor's Mansion. The county is also part of the Eastern Kentucky Regional Jail Authority, which operates a number of jails and correctional facilities throughout the region. Category:Kentucky counties