From fueling two World Wars to powering the nation with our coal, Harlan County has played a key role in American history. Take a look at some of the most monumental events and facts about our County:
- A visit from President Franklin Roosevelt:
- Shortly after graduating from Harvard, Franklin Roosevelt visited Harlan County with his uncle, Warren Delano Jr., who was vice president of the Kentenia Corporation and the director of L&N Railroad. The young Roosevelt was instrumental in the creation of a railroad in Harlan County.
- The first woman elected to the Harlan County Board:
- Sudie Ward became the first woman to be elected to public office in Harlan County. She was elected as a trustee of the Harlan Common Graded School District which later became the Harlan Independent School District. She was elected to office before women even had the right to vote.
- Trent Noah becoming a Kentucky Men’s Basketball player:
- This event is our most recent, but one of our most monumental. Becoming one of only a few Harlan Countians to represent our County in the SEC, Trent Noah will have the opportunity to represent us all in Kentucky Blue this upcoming season!
- The discovery of coal in Harlan County:
- In 1750, coal was discovered in Kentucky, and was used to power the first Industrial Revolution. After this discovery, thousands flocked to our county for work and to have the opportunity to start a new life in the frontier.
- Jordan Smith winning the Voice:
- Music filled Harlan County in 2015 when Harlan Countian Jordan Smith won Season 9 of the Voice.
- Bloody Harlan:
- During the Great Depression, coal miners participated in strikes, unions, and skirmishes towards mine owners, who cut wages by 10%. These demonstrations quickly became violent, giving it the infamous name Bloody Harlan.
- The moment when Mount Pleasant became Harlan:
- Did you know that we were not always called Harlan? In 1912, our name was changed from Mount Pleasant to Harlan.
- Samuel Howard becoming the first white settler in Harlan:
- Also a Revolutionary War veteran, Samuel Howard is considered the founder of Harlan County. Samuel was one of the men that helped to build the Harlan County Courthouse and a plaque there has his name listed on it.
- Wallace ‘Wah Wah’ Jones:
- Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones was a two-sport All-American at the University of Kentucky, playing for legendary coaches Adolph Rupp and Bear Bryant, winning two national championships and a NIT. Jones is the only player at the University of Kentucky to have his jerseys retired in both basketball and football.
The future opening of the Harlan County Museum:
Within the next few months, Harlan County will be opening its historic museum! There, you will be able to immerse yourself in our rich history and learn more about our incredible county.
