Little Beech, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Little Beech
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Country | United States |
State | Kentucky |
County | Perry |
Elevation | 1,161 ft (354 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
GNIS feature ID | 2557173 |
Little Beech was once a small, quiet place in Perry County, Kentucky, in the United States. It was known as an unincorporated community. Sadly, Little Beech no longer exists. The community was completely destroyed by a process called strip mining.
Contents
What Was Little Beech?
Little Beech was a community where people lived and worked. It was located in the eastern part of Kentucky. This area is famous for its mountains and coal.
Understanding Unincorporated Communities
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own local government. It's not a city or a town with a mayor and city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the larger county it's part of. Little Beech was one such community.
Where Was Little Beech Located?
Little Beech was found in Perry County. This county is in the eastern part of Kentucky. The region is known for its rich natural resources. These resources include large amounts of coal.
What is Strip Mining?
Strip mining is a way to dig up minerals from the ground. It's also called surface mining. This method removes the top layers of earth and rock. It exposes the valuable minerals underneath. In Kentucky, the main mineral dug up this way is coal.
How Strip Mining Works
First, workers clear the land. They remove trees and soil. Then, they use huge machines to dig away the layers of rock and dirt. This process is called "overburden" removal. Once the coal is exposed, it is dug out. After the coal is removed, the land is sometimes put back together. However, it often looks very different.
The Impact of Strip Mining
Strip mining can change the landscape a lot. It can flatten mountains and fill valleys. It can also affect local water sources. For communities like Little Beech, it meant their homes and land were directly in the path of mining operations. This led to the community's destruction.
The Story of Little Beech's Disappearance
The land around Little Beech was rich in coal. Mining companies wanted to get this coal. To do this, they used strip mining. As the mining expanded, it took over the area where Little Beech stood. The community was eventually destroyed. This means the homes, buildings, and roads were removed. The land was changed by the mining. Little Beech became a place that only exists in history books. Its story shows how mining can impact small communities.