Cities and Towns in Whitley County, Kentucky
Founded in 1818, Whitley County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Whitley County was formed from Knox County. The city of Williamsburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 235, Whitley County has a population of 36,939 and area of 440 square miles (1,140 km²).
List of all cities in Whitley County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Corbin, KY | 40701 | 606 |
| 40702 | 606 | |
| Cumberland College, KY | 40769 | 606 |
| Cumberlnd Clg, KY | 40769 | 606 |
| Emlyn, KY | 40730 | 606 |
| Keavy, KY | 40701 | 606 |
| Meadow Creek, KY | 40759 | 606 |
| Nevisdale, KY | 40769 | 606 |
| Rockholds, KY | 40759 | 606 |
| Siler, KY | 40763 | 606 |
| Williamsburg, KY | 40769 | 606 |
| Woodbine, KY | 40701 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Whitley County, Kentucky
Williamsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,300
- Zip Code: 40769
- Latitude: 36.7431° N
- Longitude: 84.1600° W
Location and History
Williamsburg, the county seat of Whitley County, is located in southeastern Kentucky, near the Cumberland River and just north of the Tennessee border. Established in 1818, the town was originally named Whitley Courthouse but was renamed Williamsburg in 1882 after William Whitley, a pioneer and early settler in Kentucky. The town grew as a center for the timber and coal industries, benefiting from its location near the Cumberland River and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Today, Williamsburg serves as a gateway to the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Williamsburg is part of Whitley County School District, which includes Whitley County High School, Whitley County Middle School, and Williamsburg Independent School District. The city is also home to University of the Cumberlands, a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Notable landmarks include Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, known for the stunning Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the “Niagara of the South.” Kentucky Splash Water Park and Campground is a popular attraction for families during the summer. The city also hosts events like the annual Old Fashioned Trading Days, a festival celebrating local heritage with crafts, food, and music.
Corbin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 7.91 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,300 (Whitley County portion)
- Zip Code: 40701, 40702
- Latitude: 36.9481° N
- Longitude: 84.1047° W
Location and History
Corbin, located primarily in Whitley County, extends into Knox and Laurel counties in southeastern Kentucky. Founded in the late 1800s, Corbin initially grew as a railroad town with the arrival of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The city is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), where Colonel Harland Sanders developed his famous fried chicken recipe at the original Sanders Café. The coal and timber industries also contributed to Corbin’s growth during the 20th century. Today, Corbin remains a vibrant community with a rich history, combining small-town charm with its railroad and entrepreneurial past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Corbin is part of both the Corbin Independent School District and Whitley County School District, with Corbin High School, Corbin Middle School, and Whitley County High School serving the area. The Harland Sanders Café and Museum, a tribute to KFC’s origins, is a key landmark in the city, attracting visitors from around the world. Laurel Lake and the Daniel Boone National Forest offer numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. Corbin also hosts the NIBROC Festival each summer, celebrating the city’s history with parades, music, and family-friendly events.
Jellico (Kentucky portion)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (part of Tennessee/Kentucky border town)
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (total, with a small portion in Whitley County)
- Zip Code: 37762 (Tennessee)
- Latitude: 36.5875° N
- Longitude: 84.1278° W
Location and History
Jellico is a small border town located primarily in Tennessee but with a portion extending into Whitley County, Kentucky. The town was founded in the late 1800s, named after the Jellico coal seam that runs through the area. Jellico became a major coal-mining town, with the mineral playing a central role in its economy. The arrival of the railroad further boosted the town’s growth, allowing for easier transport of coal to larger markets. Today, Jellico is a quiet town that serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of both Tennessee and Kentucky, offering access to the nearby Cumberland Mountains and outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Although Jellico is primarily located in Tennessee, students in the Whitley County portion attend schools within the Whitley County School District. The town’s primary landmarks include Indian Mountain State Park, located just across the Tennessee border, which offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. Jellico’s history as a coal town is reflected in the Jellico Coal Mining Museum, which preserves artifacts and stories from the town’s past. The nearby Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is also a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic views and hiking trails through the Appalachian Mountains.
Pleasant View
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Code: 40769 (shares with Williamsburg)
- Latitude: 36.7461° N
- Longitude: 84.1567° W
Location and History
Pleasant View is a small, unincorporated community located just north of Williamsburg in Whitley County. Historically, Pleasant View has been an agricultural community, with farming and livestock playing a central role in the local economy. The community is known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere and close-knit residents. While Pleasant View has never grown into a large town, it remains an important part of Whitley County’s agricultural landscape. The rolling hills and farmland surrounding Pleasant View provide scenic beauty and a tranquil environment for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pleasant View is part of the Whitley County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Williamsburg, including Whitley County High School and Whitley County Middle School. While Pleasant View does not have any major landmarks, its proximity to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and the Daniel Boone National Forest provides residents with easy access to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The community is also near Kentucky Splash Water Park in Williamsburg, a popular local attraction. Pleasant View’s rural charm and scenic surroundings make it a peaceful place to live, with a focus on farming and family life.
Emlyn
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Code: 40730
- Latitude: 36.6889° N
- Longitude: 84.1539° W
Location and History
Emlyn is a small, unincorporated community located in southern Whitley County, near the Tennessee border and just south of Williamsburg. The community developed in the early 20th century as a coal-mining town, with many residents working in local mines. Although coal mining has declined in the region, Emlyn continues to be a small, rural community with a rich history tied to the industry. Its location near the Cumberland River and the Appalachian foothills provides residents with scenic views and a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Emlyn is part of the Whitley County School District, with students attending Whitley County High School and other schools in nearby Williamsburg. While Emlyn itself does not have major landmarks, its proximity to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers easy access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, and birdwatching. The community is also close to the Kentucky-Tennessee border, allowing residents to explore both states’ natural and cultural attractions. Emlyn’s coal-mining heritage is still evident in the area’s landscape, with old mining sites serving as a reminder of the community’s past.
