Watts Creek Jellico Coal Company, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Watts Creek Jellico Coal Company
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Country | United States |
State | Kentucky |
County | Whitley |
Elevation | 945 ft (288 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CST) |
GNIS feature ID | 2710257 |
The Watts Creek Jellico Coal Company was a place in Whitley County, Kentucky, in the United States. It was known as an unincorporated community and a coal town. This means it was a settlement that grew up around a coal mining operation.
Contents
Understanding Coal Towns
A coal town is a community built specifically to support a coal mine. These towns were very common in areas where coal was found, like Kentucky.
Life in a Coal Town
In a coal town, most people worked for the coal company. The company often owned the houses, stores, and even the schools. This made the company a very important part of daily life.
Why Coal Towns Existed
Coal towns were created because mines were often in remote areas. Workers needed a place to live close to their jobs. The company provided everything needed for the miners and their families.
Unincorporated Communities Explained
Watts Creek Jellico Coal Company was also an unincorporated community. This is different from a city or town that has its own local government.
How Unincorporated Areas Work
An unincorporated community does not have its own mayor or city council. Instead, it is governed by the larger county or state. For Watts Creek Jellico Coal Company, this meant Whitley County managed its services.
Living in an Unincorporated Area
People in unincorporated areas still have access to services like roads and police. These services are provided by the county government. It's a way for people to live together without forming a separate town.
Location and Geography
This community was located in Whitley County, Kentucky. Kentucky is a state in the southeastern United States.
Whitley County's Landscape
Whitley County is known for its hills and natural beauty. It is part of the Appalachian Mountains region. This area has a long history of coal mining.
Elevation of the Area
The Watts Creek Jellico Coal Company area was at an elevation of 945 feet above sea level. This means it was quite high up compared to sea level.