Paw Paw, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paw Paw
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 Paw Paw
Location in Kentucky
Paw Paw
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Pike |
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
41551
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| GNIS feature ID | 500279 |
Paw Paw is a small, unincorporated community located in Pike County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is known for its unique name, which comes from a special fruit tree.
Contents
About Paw Paw
Paw Paw is not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it is an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that are part of a larger county, in this case, Pike County.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own separate government like a city or town. The services for the community, like roads and police, are usually managed by the county government. It's like a neighborhood that's part of a bigger area.
Where is Paw Paw Located?
Paw Paw is found in the eastern part of Kentucky, a state in the southeastern United States. It's nestled within Pike County, an area known for its beautiful Appalachian landscapes and rich history. The community sits at an elevation of about 984 feet (300 meters) above sea level.
The Story Behind the Name
The community of Paw Paw was named after the common pawpaw tree. This tree is native to eastern North America, including parts of Kentucky. Its fruit is quite unique and has a long history.
What is a Pawpaw Fruit?
The pawpaw fruit is the largest edible fruit native to the United States. It looks a bit like a mango or a short, thick banana. When ripe, it has a creamy, custard-like texture and a sweet, tropical flavor, often described as a mix of banana, mango, and pineapple. The pawpaw tree itself is a small to medium-sized tree that grows in forests and along riverbanks. Native Americans and early settlers enjoyed this fruit for centuries.
