Leatherwood, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leatherwood
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![]() Coal facility in Leatherwood, Kentucky.
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Country | United States |
State | Kentucky |
County | Perry |
Elevation | 1,719 ft (524 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
GNIS feature ID | 513280 |
Leatherwood is a small, unincorporated community located in Perry County, Kentucky, in the United States. It was once known by the name Toner. An unincorporated community means it's a place with a shared identity but doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. The post office in Leatherwood has been closed for some time.
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Welcome to Leatherwood!
Leatherwood is a quiet spot in the beautiful state of Kentucky. Even though it's small, it has an interesting history, especially linked to the coal industry. Many communities in this part of the country grew because of coal mining.
What is Leatherwood?
As an unincorporated community, Leatherwood is a group of homes and buildings that are part of a larger county. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, it's governed by Perry County. Think of it like a neighborhood that's not officially a city, but still a recognized place where people live.
A Town Built on Coal
Leatherwood's past is closely tied to coal. For many years, coal mining was a very important industry in Kentucky. Towns like Leatherwood often grew up around coal mines. People moved there to work in the mines, and businesses opened to serve the miners and their families.
What is a Coal Tipple?
You might see pictures of a "coal tipple" in Leatherwood. A coal tipple is a structure used to load coal into railroad cars or trucks. Miners would bring coal out of the ground, and then it would be sorted and moved through the tipple. This made it easier to transport the coal to other places where it was needed. It was a key part of the coal mining process.
Life in a Coal Town
In the past, life in a coal town like Leatherwood would have revolved around the mines. Many families had at least one member working in the coal industry. These towns often had company stores, schools, and churches built by the mining companies. When the mines closed or slowed down, it often had a big impact on the community.
Where is Leatherwood?
Leatherwood is located in the eastern part of Kentucky. This region is known for its mountains and valleys, which are rich in natural resources like coal. It's part of Perry County, Kentucky, which is one of the many counties in the state.