Paradise, Kentucky, Muhlenberg County, is a ghost town with a haunting past that still captures the imagination of many. Once a bustling community, it was known for its coal mining and the natural beauty of its surroundings. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Muhlenberg County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.2453° N, 86.9817° W
Elevation: Approximately 400 feet
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: Early 1800s
Disestablished: 1967
Comments: Paradise was a small town that flourished with the coal mining industry. The town gained notoriety due to a song by John Prine, aptly titled “Paradise,” which lamented the environmental impact of coal mining and the subsequent demise of the town.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) purchased the town in the 1960s to make way for coal power plant developments that promised economic growth but at the expense of the town’s existence.
Remains: The town of Paradise no longer exists as it once did. Only a few remnants suggest its past, including the abandoned foundations of buildings and some gravestones from the local cemetery. The TVA primarily uses the land for power generation and other industrial uses.
Current Status: Paradise is considered a ghost town. The TVA’s power plant, Paradise Fossil Plant, was operational but has since been decommissioned, further emphasizing the town’s ghostly status. The surrounding area is largely undeveloped and serves as a reminder of the town’s history.
Remarks: Paradise’s story serves as a poignant example of the cost of industrial progress and the fleeting nature of some communities. The town’s legacy lives on through music and the memories of those who once called it home.
The combination of environmental impact and economic decisions led to Paradise’s disestablishment, reflecting a common narrative among many ghost towns across America.
