Whitesburg at a glance…

Welcome to the mountains, and to the friendly community of Whitesburg, Kentucky! Whitesburg, the county seat, is nestled at the base of the scenic Pine Mountain chain in Southeastern Kentucky near the Virginia border. We’re positioned 130 miles southeast of Lexington, Kentucky, and 95 miles north of Johnson City, Tennessee. Both of these cities offer major air transportation.

Population

With a population of 1,500 residents, Whitesburg offers the appeal of small-town living but is easily accessible to major urban areas. Letcher County is home to more than 27,000 people.

Industry

Coal mining is the area’s major industry, and Letcher County exports thousands of tons of coal each year.

Education

Letcher County has nine elementary schools, three county high schools, and an independent system. For technical training, the Letcher County Vocational Education Center provides specialized programs for high school students and graduates. Southeast Community College offers a variety of two-year programs. Within reasonable commuting distances are Clinch Valley College (a four-year institution that is part of the University of Virginia system), Hazard Community College, and Southeast Community College of Harlan, Kentucky.

Recreation

Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are plentiful in Appalachia. Lilly Cornett Woods and Bad Branch Falls are tranquil nature reserves with virgin forest growth and a variety of unique plant life. The Pine Mountain Wildlife Area and the Jefferson National Forest are also located minutes away from Whitesburg. All offer breath-taking hiking trails. Carr Fork Lake is a great place to enjoy swimming, boating, camping, and picnics. Breaks Interstate Park and Kingdom Come State Park provide resort living as well as playground, swimming, and hiking facilities.

Appalshop, a world-famous arts cooperative, is located in Whitesburg. Appalshop provides an art center for the community and offers musical entertainment, film, plays, and storytelling from local and visiting talent.

"Bigger city" recreation is a quick trip down Highway 23 in the tri-cities area of Kingston, Bristol, and Johnson City, Tennessee. Lexington, Kentucky, and Knoxville, Tennessee, are easy day trips.

Health Services

Along with Whitesburg ARH Hospital, local healthcare includes the ARH Whitesburg Clinic, the Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation, the Jenkins Community Hospital, Letcher Manor Nursing Home, and Golden Years Nursing Home. The Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center and ARH Psychiatric Center, in nearby Hazard, Kentucky, offer more regional coverage.

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