Beattyville, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beattyville, Kentucky
|
|
|---|---|
Lee County Courthouse in Beattyville
|
|
Location in Lee County, Kentucky
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Lee |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.30 sq mi (5.97 km2) |
| • Land | 2.29 sq mi (5.94 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 669 ft (204 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 2,176 |
| • Estimate
(2022)
|
2,146  |
| • Density | 946.1/sq mi (364.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
41311
|
| Area code(s) | 606 |
| FIPS code | 21-04546 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0510486 |
Beattyville is a city in Kentucky, United States. It is the main town and center of Lee County. The city was officially started in 1851 and became a city in 1872. It was named after Samuel Beatty, an early settler. In 2020, about 2,176 people lived there.
Contents
Where is Beattyville?
Beattyville is located in the middle of Lee County. It sits where the North and South Forks of the Kentucky River meet. The Kentucky River flows into the Ohio River. This area is part of central Appalachia, a mountain region.
Two main roads, Kentucky Route 11 and Kentucky Route 52, go through the city. These roads help people travel to nearby towns like Stanton, Manchester, Irvine, and Jackson. The city covers about 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles). A very small part of this area is water.
What is the Climate Like?
Beattyville has a climate with hot, humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
How Many People Live There?
Beattyville has grown over the years. In 1870, only 123 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to 2,176 people.
Most people living in Beattyville are White. A small number of people are African American or Asian. In 2000, about 30% of homes had children under 18 living there. The average age of people in the city was 40 years old.
Schools in Beattyville
Beattyville is part of the Lee County School District. Students in Beattyville can attend several schools:
- Lee County Elementary School
- Lee County Middle School
- Lee County High School
- Lee County Area Technology Center
- Lee County Alternative Education School
There are also two private schools in the area: Beattyville Christian Academy and Grace Baptist Academy.
Learning After High School
Beattyville itself does not have colleges or universities. However, there are several places for higher education within about an hour's drive:
- Hazard Community and Technical College (Lees College Campus)
- Kentucky Mountain Bible College
- Berea College
- Eastern Kentucky University
- National College (Richmond Branch)
Public Library
Beattyville has a lending library called the Lee County Public Library. It is a place where people can borrow books and other materials.
What is the Economy Like?
Beattyville's economy used to rely a lot on coal mining. However, that industry has mostly left the area.
Today, some of the main employers in Beattyville and Lee County include:
- Three Forks Regional Jail: This is a jail that serves several nearby counties.
- ACS (Affiliated Computer Systems): This company handles data and transactions.
- Lee County Public Schools: The school district is the biggest employer in Beattyville.
- Lee County Wood Products: This is a sawmill that processes wood.
- Kentucky River Community Care: This facility helps people with mental health needs.
- People's Exchange Bank: A bank that has a branch in Beattyville.
- Experience Works, Inc: A non-profit group that helps older adults find jobs.
- Lee County Care and Rehabilitation Center: A nursing home for elderly people.
The Lee Adjustment Center is a private prison in Beattyville. It was built to create jobs for local people. It houses inmates from Kentucky and other states.
Woolly Worm Festival
Since 1988, Beattyville has hosted the annual Woolly Worm Festival. It happens on the third weekend after the first Monday in October. The festival lasts for three days.
The festival is named after the woolly bear caterpillar, often called a "woolly worm." People used to believe that the colors on these caterpillars could predict how harsh the winter would be. More black meant a harder winter, and more brown meant a milder one.
During the festival, you can enjoy live music, many booths with goods and food, and even helicopter tours. A fun event is the "Woolly Worm Races." People try to get their caterpillars to climb a string to the top. The first one to reach the top wins a prize! The only rule is "No Touching" the caterpillar during the race.
The Woolly Worm Festival is a very popular event. It brings many visitors to Beattyville. The city is also close to Natural Bridge State Resort Park, another popular place for tourists.
City Services
The Beattyville City Police Department keeps the city safe. The Beattyville/Lee County Volunteer Fire Department helps with fires and other emergencies. Emergency medical services are also available through a special dispatch center. The city also provides water and sewer services.
Healthcare
Beattyville does not have its own hospital. People needing hospital care can go to nearby towns like Irvine, Jackson, Winchester, Richmond, Hazard, Manchester, or Lexington.
The Lee County Ambulance Service provides emergency medical help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They take patients to hospitals and also offer non-emergency transport.
Utilities
Electricity in Beattyville is provided by Kentucky Utilities. Other parts of Lee County get electricity from Jackson Energy or Licking Valley RECC. Natural gas is supplied by Columbia Gas of Kentucky and Delta Natural Gas Company. There are two water services: Beattyville Water Works for the city and most of the county, and Southside Water Association for the southern and eastern parts of Lee County.
Media
Beattyville is home to the television and radio station WLJC-TV/DT. The station's name, WLJC, stands for "Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ." It shows Christian programs and other family-friendly shows. Its signal reaches many towns in Kentucky.
See also
In Spanish: Beattyville (Kentucky) para niños
