Drift, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Drift, Kentucky
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 Drift, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
Drift, Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Floyd |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 569 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
41619
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| Area code(s) | 606 |
| GNIS feature ID | 491113 |
Drift, Kentucky, is a small community located in Floyd County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it does not have its own local government, like a city or town. Drift is also a historic "coal town," meaning its past was closely connected to the coal mining industry. In the year 2000, about 569 people lived in the area around Drift.
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Discovering Drift, Kentucky
Drift is an interesting place because of its unique status. An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it is not officially organized as a city or town. Instead, it is usually part of a larger county. This means the county government handles most services for the community.
A Look at Coal Towns
Drift is also called a coal town. This term refers to communities that grew up around coal mines. Many people who lived in these towns worked in the mines. Coal mining was a very important industry in Kentucky's history. It shaped the lives and economies of many places like Drift.
Where is Drift Located?
Drift is found in the eastern part of Kentucky. It is in Floyd County, which is known for its beautiful Appalachian Mountains scenery. The community is located at specific geographic coordinates: 37°28′49″N 82°44′52″W / 37.48028°N 82.74778°W. This location is about 715 feet (218 meters) above sea level.
How Did Drift Get Its Name?
The exact reason for Drift's name is a bit of a mystery! A post office was first opened in the community in 1909. People believe the name might have come from a local coal mine. In mining, a "drift" is a type of tunnel that goes into a mine. Another idea is that the name came from "driftwood" found in a nearby creek. Driftwood is wood that has been carried along by water.
