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Pathfork, Kentucky
View of eastern Pathfork above one of the mountains
View of eastern Pathfork above one of the mountains
Pathfork, Kentucky is located in Kentucky
Pathfork, Kentucky
Pathfork, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
Pathfork, Kentucky is located in the United States
Pathfork, Kentucky
Pathfork, Kentucky
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Kentucky
County Harlan
Area
 • Total 1.25 sq mi (3.24 km2)
 • Land 1.24 sq mi (3.22 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
1,240 ft (380 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 326
 • Density 262.27/sq mi (101.26/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
40863
Area code(s) 606
GNIS feature ID 489796

Pathfork is a small community in Harlan County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a recognized place, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Pathfork is located on the south bank of Wallins Creek.

Pathfork: A Kentucky Community

Pathfork is found in the eastern part of Kentucky. It's part of Harlan County, which is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys. The community's main roads are East Hwy 72 and Ky 2005. These roads help connect Pathfork to other areas, including US 119 and the city of Harlan.

Life and History in Pathfork

Life in Pathfork has changed a lot over the years. For a long time, the community depended heavily on coal mining. This industry provided many jobs and was a big part of the local economy.

Coal Mining's Past

In the past, coal mining was very important to Pathfork. Many people worked in the mines, and it shaped the community. However, in recent years, the coal industry has faced challenges. This is because people are using more natural gas and renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power. This change has affected many coal towns, including Pathfork. To remember its mining history, the community created a special place called the Coal Miner's Memorial Park.

Community Spirit

Even though the economy has changed, Pathfork remains a close-knit community. There are four churches in the area: Insull Holiness, Pathfork Holiness Church, Pathfork Baptist, and Blackstar Pentecostal Church. These churches are important gathering places for the people who live there.

How Many People Live Here?

The number of people living in Pathfork has changed over time. In 2010, about 379 people lived in the community. By 2020, the population was 326. This information comes from the United States Census, which counts how many people live in different places across the country every ten years.

Historical population
Census Pop.
2020 326
U.S. Decennial Census

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Pathfork (Kentucky) para niños

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