Wolfe County, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wolfe County
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Wolfe County courthouse in Campton
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Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
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 Kentucky's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Kentucky |
| Founded | 1860 |
| Named for | The Wolfe family out of Western North Carolina |
| Seat | Campton |
| Largest city | Campton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 223 sq mi (580 km2) |
| • Land | 222 sq mi (570 km2) |
| • Water | 0.6 sq mi (2 km2) 0.3% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,562 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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6,282  |
| • Density | 29.43/sq mi (11.361/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 5th |
Wolfe County is a county located in the state of Kentucky in the United States. As of the 2020 census, about 6,562 people lived there. The main town and center of the county government is Campton.
The county is named after Nathaniel Wolfe. He was one of the first people to graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law. He was also a lawyer who supported the Union during the American Civil War.
Contents
History of Wolfe County
Wolfe County was officially created on March 5, 1860. It was formed using parts of four other counties: Breathitt, Morgan, Owsley, and Powell counties. It was named after Nathaneal Wolfe, who was a member of the state's law-making group.
Campton's Story
Campton, the county seat, got its name from being a "camp town." A small stream called Swift Creek flows through Campton. This creek is named after Jonathan Swift. Legend says that Swift buried treasure in the area a long time ago, but it has never been found!
Geography of Wolfe County
Wolfe County covers a total area of about 223 square miles (578 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 222 square miles (575 square kilometers), is land. Only a small part, about 0.6 square miles (1.6 square kilometers), is water.
Neighboring Counties
Wolfe County shares its borders with several other counties:
- Menifee County (to the north)
- Morgan County (to the northeast)
- Magoffin County (to the east)
- Breathitt County (to the southeast)
- Lee County (to the southwest)
- Powell County (to the northwest)
Protected Natural Areas
Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest is located in Wolfe County. This is a large protected area where people can enjoy nature.
The county is also home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park. This park is famous for its amazing natural rock formations, including a huge stone arch. You can also find Torrent falls here.
People of Wolfe County
In 2000, there were about 7,065 people living in Wolfe County. There were 2,816 households, which are groups of people living together in one home.
Most of the people in the county were White (99.24%). A small number were Black or African American, Native American, or Asian.
The population was spread out by age. About 25.90% of the people were under 18 years old. About 12.70% were 65 years old or older. The average age in the county was 36 years.
Fun Events
Each year, the county hosts the Swift Silver Mine Festival. This festival happens on Labor Day weekend. It includes a parade and many vendors selling things in downtown Campton. It's a fun event for everyone!
Communities in Wolfe County
Wolfe County has different types of communities:
City
- Campton (This is the county seat, where the main government offices are.)
Census-designated place
- Hazel Green (This is a special area that the government counts as a place, but it's not an official city.)
Other Small Towns and Places
Famous People from Wolfe County
- Pete Center: He was a baseball player who pitched for the Cleveland Indians team in the 1940s.
- Edgar Tolson: He was a folk artist. His wooden figures were so impressive that they were shown at a big festival in Washington D.C.
- South Trimble: He was a politician who was born near Hazel Green.
- Tyler Booth: He is a country music singer who grew up near Campton, Kentucky.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Wolfe para niños
