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Allock, Kentucky facts for kids

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Allock
Allock is located in Kentucky
Allock
Allock
Location in Kentucky
Allock is located in the United States
Allock
Allock
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Kentucky
County Perry
Elevation
1,102 ft (336 m)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CST)
ZIP Codes
41710
GNIS feature ID 507388

Allock is a small, quiet place located in Perry County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community and was once a busy coal town. This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town, and its history is closely tied to coal mining. The post office in Allock closed in 1995.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it's not officially a city or a town. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the county it's in. For Allock, that's Perry County.

How is it Different from a City?

  • A city or town has its own local government. This government makes local laws and provides services.
  • These services might include police, fire departments, and trash collection.
  • An unincorporated community like Allock relies on the county for these services.
  • This means decisions for Allock are made at the county level.

Why are Some Places Unincorporated?

Many small communities start without a formal government. They might not have enough people to form one. Or, the people living there might prefer to be governed by the county. This setup can sometimes mean fewer local taxes.

Allock's History as a Coal Town

Allock is also known as a coal town. This means it grew up around the business of mining coal. For many years, coal mining was a very important industry in Kentucky. It provided jobs and helped build many communities.

What is a Coal Town?

  • A coal town is a community built specifically to support a coal mine.
  • Often, the mining company owned most of the houses and stores.
  • Workers and their families lived in these towns.
  • Life in a coal town revolved around the mine.

Coal Mining in Kentucky

Kentucky has a long history with coal. For a long time, coal was a major source of energy. It powered homes, factories, and trains. Many towns in eastern Kentucky, like Allock, were created because of the coal industry.

The Decline of Coal Towns

Over time, the demand for coal changed. New energy sources became popular. This led to many mines closing down. When mines closed, jobs disappeared. Many people moved away from coal towns to find new work. This caused some communities to shrink.

Allock Today

Today, Allock is a quiet reminder of its past. The post office, which was a central part of the community, closed in 1995. This often happens in smaller communities as populations change.

Location and Geography

Allock is located in the eastern part of Kentucky. It sits in Perry County. The area is known for its hills and natural beauty. According to records, Allock is about 1,102 feet (336 meters) above sea level. Its exact location is 37 degrees, 13 minutes, 44 seconds North and 83 degrees, 4 minutes, 24 seconds West.

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