Cities and Towns in Lee County, Kentucky

Founded in 1870, Lee County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Lee County was formed from Breathitt County, Estill County, Owsley County, and Wolfe County. The city of Beattyville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Lee County has a population of 7,451 and area of 210 square miles (544 km²).

List of all cities in Lee County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Beattyville, KY	41311	606
Fillmore, KY	41311	606
Heidelberg, KY	41333	606
Lone, KY	41347	606
Old Landing, KY	41311	606
Primrose, KY	41362	606
Saint Helens, KY	41368	606
Tallega, KY	41311	606
Vada, KY	41311	606
Widecreek, KY	41311	606
Yellow Rock, KY	41311	606
Zoe, KY	41397	606

Major Cities and Towns in Lee County, Kentucky

Beattyville

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 2.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,300 residents
• Zip Code: 41311
• Latitude: 37.5748° N
• Longitude: 83.7063° W

City Location and History:

Beattyville, the county seat of Lee County, is located in eastern Kentucky at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Kentucky River. The town was established in 1850 and named after Samuel Beatty, a prominent landowner in the area. Beattyville played a significant role in the timber industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with logs being floated down the Kentucky River to larger markets. Over time, coal mining also became important to the local economy. Despite the decline of these industries, Beattyville has retained its status as a hub for the surrounding rural communities, offering services and amenities to residents in the region. The town is also known for its scenic beauty, nestled in the Appalachian foothills and surrounded by rivers, forests, and cliffs.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Beattyville is served by the Lee County School District, which includes Lee County High School and Beattyville Elementary School. The town’s notable landmarks include the Woolly Worm Festival, a popular annual event that celebrates the Appalachian tradition of using the woolly worm to predict winter weather. The Kentucky River serves as a focal point for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The Three Forks Historical Center in Beattyville offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s history, showcasing artifacts from the logging and coal mining eras. The town is also located near the Red River Gorge, a world-renowned destination for rock climbing and hiking.

Heidelberg

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 0.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 250 residents
• Zip Code: 41333
• Latitude: 37.5653° N
• Longitude: 83.7216° W

City Location and History:

Heidelberg is a small town in northern Lee County, located along the Kentucky River. The town was established in the late 19th century, primarily as a hub for the timber industry. Like many towns in the region, Heidelberg’s early growth was driven by the abundance of natural resources, with logs being transported down the river to larger markets. The town was also known for its riverboats and sawmills. Although the timber industry has since declined, Heidelberg has remained a small, quiet community with a close connection to the surrounding natural landscape. The Kentucky River continues to play a central role in the town’s identity, offering scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Students in Heidelberg attend schools in nearby Beattyville, including Lee County High School. The Kentucky River is one of Heidelberg’s most important landmarks, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking along its banks. The surrounding Appalachian foothills provide a picturesque setting for hiking and exploring the area’s natural beauty. Heidelberg is also known for its historic churches and small family farms, which have been passed down through generations. The town’s peaceful atmosphere and rural charm make it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet lifestyle in the Kentucky mountains.

St. Helens

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 400 residents
• Zip Code: 41368
• Latitude: 37.5794° N
• Longitude: 83.6542° W

City Location and History:

St. Helens is a small, unincorporated community in Lee County, located just north of Beattyville. The town was established in the early 20th century and has remained a rural, agricultural community. St. Helens grew as a result of the timber and coal industries, but like other parts of the county, its economic fortunes have shifted over time. Despite these changes, the town has retained its rural character, with many residents continuing to farm or work in local businesses. The surrounding hills and forests provide a scenic backdrop, making St. Helens a quiet, picturesque place to live.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Students from St. Helens attend schools in Beattyville, including Lee County High School. Landmarks in the community include several historic churches, which have long served as centers of worship and gathering for local residents. The Kentucky River flows nearby, providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. St. Helens is also close to the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering residents access to hiking trails, camping spots, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The town’s annual events and church festivals bring together the local community, celebrating the rural way of life that has defined the area for generations.

Tallega

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 100 residents
• Zip Code: 41339
• Latitude: 37.5990° N
• Longitude: 83.6590° W

City Location and History:

Tallega is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Lee County, near the border with Breathitt County. The town was originally established as a coal mining community in the early 20th century, with its name derived from the “Talega Coal Company” that operated in the area. Tallega’s economy was heavily dependent on coal mining, and like many towns in the Appalachian region, it faced significant challenges when the coal industry declined. Today, Tallega is a quiet, rural community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills and forests. Its history as a coal town remains a defining aspect of its identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Tallega’s students attend schools in Beattyville, including Lee County High School. The town is located near the Kentucky River, offering opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities. The area is known for its scenic views and proximity to natural landmarks such as the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park, which attract hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts. Tallega’s small size and remote location contribute to its peaceful atmosphere, making it a place where residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while being close to some of Kentucky’s most stunning landscapes.

Beatty Junction

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 100 residents
• Zip Code: 41311
• Latitude: 37.5753° N
• Longitude: 83.7191° W

City Location and History:

Beatty Junction is a small, unincorporated community located just outside Beattyville in Lee County. Historically, it served as a railroad junction for the lumber and coal industries that once thrived in the region. The town was named after its location near Beattyville, and for many years, it was a key point for transporting goods from the timber-rich forests and coal mines to larger markets via the railroad. As the demand for coal and timber waned, Beatty Junction transitioned into a quieter, rural community, with many residents moving to other areas for employment. Today, it remains a small residential area with a strong connection to its industrial past.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Beatty Junction’s students attend schools in nearby Beattyville, including Lee County High School. The Kentucky River flows near the town, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the natural surroundings. The community is also close to the Red River Gorge, which offers some of the best hiking and rock climbing in the region. Beatty Junction’s history as a railroad town is reflected in its old rail lines and buildings, which serve as reminders of the area’s industrial heritage. Despite its small size, Beatty Junction remains a place of historical significance in Lee County, with its residents enjoying a peaceful, rural lifestyle.