Ridgeway, Kentucky facts for kids

Ridgeway is a small place in Harlan County, Kentucky, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place where people live close together, but it's not officially a city or town. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads and services for everyone living there. Many small places in the U.S. are unincorporated communities.

Where is Ridgeway Located?

Ridgeway is found in Harlan County, which is in the southeastern part of Kentucky. This area is famous for its beautiful mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains. Harlan County has a rich history, especially linked to coal mining. Many communities like Ridgeway grew up around these important industries.

A Glimpse into Ridgeway's History

Ridgeway had its own post office for a short time. It opened in 1925 and closed down in 1932. A post office is a place where people send and receive mail. Having a post office was often a sign that a community was growing and active. When it closed, it might have meant fewer people were living there or that mail services changed.

The Story Behind Ridgeway's Name

The community of Ridgeway got its name from a company called the Ridgeway Coal Company. Coal mining was a very big industry in Kentucky, especially in Harlan County, during the early 1900s. Coal companies often built towns or communities for their workers. This is how many places in the region got their names, showing their connection to the coal industry.