Eastern Mountain Coal Fields
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Eastern Mountain Coal Fields is a region in Kentucky. It is one of the largest, including more than 30 counties and parts of counties. It is known for coal mining and agriculture, although most family farms in the region have disappeared since the 1940s and the introduction of surface mining in the 1950s. The region is part of Appalachia.
The Daniel Boone National Forest is located here in rough but beautiful terrain. There are many natural arches and sandstone cliffs that are excellent for rock climbing and rappeling. The Red River Gorge, contained by the National Forest, is known world wide in rock climbing circles.
The Sheltowee Trace Trail runs 420-430 km north and south through the Eastern Mountain Coal Fields region.
During the American Civil War this region leaned toward the Union due to its makeup at the time of mostly small farmers who had to compete against large plantations that used slave labor and held power in the state government. The city of Vanceburg has a monument to the Union soldiers from the area who died in combat in the war.
Eastern Kentucky has a rich musical heritage. A large number of nationally acclaimed country-music singers and musicians are from the area. These include:
- Loretta Lynn
- The Judds
- Ricky Skaggs
- Keith Whitley
- Patty Loveless
- Dwight Yoakam
- Tom T. Hall
- Billy Ray Cyrus
- Crystal Gayle
- Jean Ritchie
