National Register of Historic Places listings in Harlan County, Kentucky facts for kids
Harlan County, Kentucky, is home to some really special places! These places are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past. It helps people learn about history and makes sure these places are preserved for future generations. In Harlan County, there are 6 properties currently on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher level of importance!
Contents
- Special Historic Places in Harlan County
- Benham Historic District: A Coal Town's Story
- Cumberland Central Business District: The Heart of Town
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: A Famous Path
- Harlan Commercial District: Downtown History
- Lynch Historic District: Another Coal Town Gem
- Pine Mountain Settlement School: Learning in the Mountains
- A Place That Was Once Listed
- Images for kids
Special Historic Places in Harlan County
Benham Historic District: A Coal Town's Story
The Benham Historic District was added to the National Register on July 21, 1983. It's located in the town of Benham. This area is special because it shows what a coal mining town was like in the past. It includes streets like Kentucky Route 160, Central Avenue, and McKnight and Cypress Streets. Walking through Benham can feel like stepping back in time to when coal mining was a huge part of life here.
Cumberland Central Business District: The Heart of Town
The Cumberland Central Business District became a historic place on March 14, 1996. You can find it in Cumberland. This district includes the main business area of the town. It's roughly bordered by Freeman Street, Huff Drive, the Poor Fork of the Cumberland River, Cumberland Avenue, and West Main Street. This area shows how the town grew and developed as a center for shopping and business.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: A Famous Path
The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park was listed on October 15, 1966. This isn't just in Harlan County; it stretches across Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee! It's east of Middlesboro, along the Kentucky-Virginia state line. The Cumberland Gap is a famous natural pass through the Appalachian Mountains. Many pioneers, including Daniel Boone, used this path to travel west and settle new lands. It's a very important spot in American history.
Harlan Commercial District: Downtown History
The Harlan Commercial District was added to the list on March 20, 1986. It's in the city of Harlan itself. This district covers the main commercial area, roughly bounded by Mound, Second, Clover, and Main Streets. It shows the historic downtown area where businesses and shops have operated for many years, reflecting the growth of Harlan as a county seat.
Lynch Historic District: Another Coal Town Gem
The Lynch Historic District was recognized on September 15, 2003. This district is in Lynch, another important coal mining town. It's roughly bounded by the city limits, the L&N railroad bed, Big Looney Creek, and several streets like 2nd, Mountain, Highland Terrace, Liberty, and Church Streets. Like Benham, Lynch was a company town built around the coal industry, and its historic district preserves that unique history.
Pine Mountain Settlement School: Learning in the Mountains
The Pine Mountain Settlement School was listed on September 6, 1978. You can find it east of Bledsoe on Kentucky Route 510. This school is a very special place that was founded to provide education and community services to children and families in the remote Appalachian mountains. It has a long history of helping people and preserving the culture of the region.
A Place That Was Once Listed
Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if it's changed too much or if it's destroyed.
Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot (Harlan, Kentucky)
The Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot in Harlan was listed on March 13, 1980. It was located on River Street. However, it was removed from the list on December 30, 1985. This old train station was once an important part of transportation in Harlan.
Images for kids
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Location of Harlan County in Kentucky
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The City Hall in Benham, Kentucky.
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A view of Main Street in Cumberland.
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Main Street looking north in Harlan, Kentucky.
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A street view in Lynch, Kentucky.
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The beautiful Pine Mountain Settlement School.
