White Star, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
White Star
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 White Star
Location in Kentucky
White Star
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Harlan |
| Elevation | 1,276 ft (389 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (EST) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2565852 |
White Star was a small, unincorporated community located in Harlan County, Kentucky, in the United States. It was also known as a Coal town. This means it was a community built mainly to support coal mining operations nearby. Many people who lived in White Star worked in the coal mines.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government. Unlike a city or town, it doesn't have a mayor or a city council. Services like roads, schools, and police might be managed by the larger county government. White Star was one such community in Kentucky.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
- They don't collect their own taxes for local services.
- County governments usually provide public services.
- Residents still follow state and county laws.
- These communities often grow around a specific industry, like mining.
White Star as a Coal Town
White Star was a classic example of a coal town. These towns were very common in places like Kentucky during the peak of coal mining. Companies often built these communities to house their workers and their families.
Life in a Coal Town
Life in a coal town like White Star was unique. The coal company often owned most of the homes, stores, and even the schools.
- Company Stores: Miners and their families often bought their groceries and supplies from a "company store."
- Housing: Homes were usually built by the company and rented to the miners.
- Community Focus: The entire community's life revolved around the coal mine. When the mine was busy, the town thrived.
Why Coal Towns Were Built
Coal towns were built for several reasons:
- Location: Mines were often in remote areas, far from existing towns.
- Workforce: Companies needed a way to keep their workers close to the mines.
- Control: Companies could control housing and services, which helped manage their workforce.
White Star's Location
White Star is located in the eastern part of Kentucky. This region is known for its mountains and rich coal deposits. The community's elevation is about 1,276 feet above sea level. Its exact location can be found using geographic coordinates: 36°49′39″N 83°22′00″W.
Harlan County's History
Harlan County has a long history tied to coal mining. Many communities like White Star grew and changed with the coal industry. As coal mining declined in some areas, so did the populations of these towns.
