Pathfork, Kentucky
Encyclopedia
Pathfork is an unincorporated community
in Harlan County
, Kentucky
, United States
, located to the south of Wallins Creek
. The only roads connected to the town is an old gravel road that leads south of Harlan, Kentucky
, and U.S. Route 119
that slightly travels through Bell County
, causing some confusion whether it is a part of Harlan County or Bell County.
, which can be seen directly on the mountain above Pathfork. A coal mine also blocks the road ahead of Blackstar that originally led to Harlan, Kentucky
. A small community park, known as Coal Miner's Memorial Park was created, to honor the community's ties to coal mining.
Few events happen in Pathfork, though there is a small set of fireworks shown by grocery store owner Jimmy Green on Independence Day
. Though the community has an increased rate in drug use, alcohol, and vanity, there are four churches in the town:Insull Holiness, Pathfork Holiness Church, Pathfork Baptist and Blackstar Pentecostal Church.
Crime rates are low in Pathfork, though a double-homicide was committed in early 2002 which was reported by several news stations. In fall of 2009, two young adults accidentally shot a gas line, causing authorities to evacuate half of the town for a several hours.
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
in Harlan County
Harlan County, Kentucky
Harlan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1819. As of 2000, the population was 33,200. Its county seat is Harlan...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, located to the south of Wallins Creek
Wallins Creek, Kentucky
Wallins Creek is a city in Harlan County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 257 at the 2000 census and was estimated at 235 in 2007.- History :...
. The only roads connected to the town is an old gravel road that leads south of Harlan, Kentucky
Harlan, Kentucky
Harlan is a city in Harlan County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 2,081 at the 2000 census and was estimated at 1,880 in 2007. It is the county seat of Harlan County.-History:...
, and U.S. Route 119
U.S. Route 119
U.S. Route 119, commonly abbreviated as US 119, is a spur of US 19. It is a north–south route that was an original United States highway of 1926. It is often referred to as Corridor G east of US 23 and KY 80 in Kentucky to Interstate 64 at Charleston, West Virginia.- Kentucky :US 119 is a two...
that slightly travels through Bell County
Bell County, Kentucky
Bell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed August 1, 1867, from parts of Knox and Harlan Counties and augmented from Knox County in 1872. As of 2010 the population was 69,060. Its county seat is Pineville...
, causing some confusion whether it is a part of Harlan County or Bell County.
Overview
The town relies deeply on coal miningCoal mining in the United States
Coal mining in the United States is a major industry, and reached an all-time high of 1.06 Gt in 2008, being mined in 25 states. The US was a net exporter of coal in 2008, with the surplus of exports over imports equalling 4% of the total mined.- Coal mining areas :Twenty-six states produce coal...
, which can be seen directly on the mountain above Pathfork. A coal mine also blocks the road ahead of Blackstar that originally led to Harlan, Kentucky
Harlan, Kentucky
Harlan is a city in Harlan County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 2,081 at the 2000 census and was estimated at 1,880 in 2007. It is the county seat of Harlan County.-History:...
. A small community park, known as Coal Miner's Memorial Park was created, to honor the community's ties to coal mining.
Few events happen in Pathfork, though there is a small set of fireworks shown by grocery store owner Jimmy Green on Independence Day
Independence Day (United States)
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
. Though the community has an increased rate in drug use, alcohol, and vanity, there are four churches in the town:Insull Holiness, Pathfork Holiness Church, Pathfork Baptist and Blackstar Pentecostal Church.
Crime rates are low in Pathfork, though a double-homicide was committed in early 2002 which was reported by several news stations. In fall of 2009, two young adults accidentally shot a gas line, causing authorities to evacuate half of the town for a several hours.