Three Point Coal Camp, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Three Point Coal Camp
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 Three Point Coal Camp
Location in Kentucky
Three Point Coal Camp
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Harlan |
| Elevation | 1,427 ft (435 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CST) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2565835 |
Three Point Coal Camp was a small, former community in Harlan County, Kentucky, Kentucky, United States. It was known as an unincorporated community, which means it did not have its own local government like a town or city. Instead, it was part of the larger county. The post office for Three Point is now closed.
Contents
What Was a Coal Camp?
A coal camp was a special type of community. Mining companies built these camps. They were made for the coal miners and their families. These camps were often in remote areas. This was because coal mines were usually far from existing towns.
Why Coal Camps Were Built
Companies built coal camps for several reasons. They needed a place for miners to live close to their work. It was also a way for companies to control their workers. They provided housing, stores, and sometimes even schools.
Life in a Coal Camp
Life in a coal camp was unique. The mining company often owned everything. This included the houses, the stores, and even the doctors. Miners usually got paid in "scrip." This was like special money that could only be used at the company store.
Company Stores and Housing
The company store was a big part of camp life. Families bought all their food and supplies there. Houses were often simple and similar. They were built quickly to house many families. Life revolved around the mine's schedule.
The Decline of Coal Camps
Many coal camps, like Three Point, eventually closed down. This happened for several reasons. As mining methods changed, fewer miners were needed. Also, cars became more common. This meant miners could live further away. They no longer needed to live right next to the mine.
Three Point Today
Today, Three Point Coal Camp is no longer an active community. The post office has closed. It stands as a reminder of Kentucky's rich coal mining history. These camps played a big role in the state's past.
