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Whick, Kentucky facts for kids

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Whick
Whick is located in Kentucky
Whick
Whick
Location in Kentucky
Whick is located in the United States
Whick
Whick
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Kentucky
County Breathitt
Elevation
807 ft (246 m)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CST)
ZIP codes
41390
GNIS feature ID 516291

Whick is a small, quiet place in Breathitt County, Kentucky, United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community" and used to be a "coal town." This means it's a community without its own local government, and coal mining was once very important here. The post office in Whick closed in 2004.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own city government. Instead, it's usually managed by the larger county it's part of. This means there isn't a mayor or a city council just for Whick.

How Unincorporated Communities Work

  • Local Services: Services like police, fire, and roads are often handled by the county government.
  • No Local Taxes: Residents usually don't pay specific city taxes, only county and state taxes.
  • Community Identity: Even without a city government, these places often have a strong sense of community. People might share local schools, churches, or community centers.

Whick's History as a Coal Town

Whick was once a "coal town." This means its economy and daily life were closely linked to coal mining. Many people in the community worked in the coal mines or in businesses that supported the mining industry.

The Importance of Coal Mining

For many years, coal mining was a major industry in Kentucky. Coal towns like Whick grew up around the mines. They provided homes and services for miners and their families.

Changes in Coal Towns

Over time, as coal mining changed or became less common, many coal towns saw big changes. The closing of Whick's post office in 2004 shows how the community has changed. Post offices are often important centers in small towns.

Where is Whick Located?

Whick is located in Breathitt County, which is in the eastern part of Kentucky. This area is known for its beautiful hills and valleys.

Geography and Surroundings

  • Elevation: Whick is about 807 feet (246 meters) above sea level.
  • Coordinates: You can find Whick on a map using its coordinates: 37°25′18″N 83°22′34″W. These numbers help pinpoint its exact location on Earth.

What is a ZIP Code?

Whick has a ZIP code of 41390. A ZIP code is a special set of numbers used by the United States Post Office. It helps mail get to the right place quickly and easily.

Why ZIP Codes are Important

  • Mail Delivery: They make sure your letters and packages go to the correct address.
  • Location Identification: ZIP codes also help identify specific areas for things like mapping or statistics.
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