Barthell, Kentucky, McCreary County: Nestled deep within the Appalachian Mountains, Barthell was once a bustling coal mining camp that thrived in the early 20th century. Today, it is a fascinating ghost town, peering into a bygone era. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: McCreary County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 36.6647° N, 84.4843° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,070 feet (326 meters)
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Established: 1902
Disestablished: 1952
Comments: Barthell was one of the first coal mining camps built by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company and played a significant role in the region’s coal mining history. The town was named after the company’s founder, Justus S. Stearns.
At its peak, Barthell housed hundreds of miners and their families and boasted amenities such as a company store, school, and church. The mining operations ceased in the early 1950s, leading to the town’s eventual abandonment.
Remains: Today, Barthell has been partially restored and transformed into a historical site, known as the Barthell Coal Mining Camp. Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings, including the miners’ shanties, a company store, and an exhibition mine. The restoration efforts aim to preserve the town’s rich history and offer educational tours.
Current Status: Barthell is a tourist attraction and historical site that is open to the public for tours and educational purposes. It reminds visitors of the coal mining legacy that shaped much of Kentucky’s history.
Remarks: Barthell’s preservation as a historical site allows visitors to experience a slice of early 20th-century coal mining life. It reflects the resilience and determination of the miners and their families who lived and worked in the challenging conditions of Appalachia.
The town’s restoration efforts have been praised for their authenticity and dedication to maintaining the site’s historical integrity.
