Cities and Towns in Morgan County, Kentucky

Founded in 1822, Morgan County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Morgan County was formed from Bath County and Floyd County. The city of West Liberty is the county seat. With FIPS code of 175, Morgan County has a population of 13,820 and area of 381 square miles (987 km²).

List of all cities in Morgan County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Blairs Mill, KY	41472	606
Blaze, KY	41472	606
Caney, KY	41472	606
Cannel City, KY	41408	606
Cottle, KY	41472	606
Crockett, KY	41413	606
Dingus, KY	41472	606
Elamton, KY	41472	606
Elkfork, KY	41421	606
Ezel, KY	41425	606
Grassy Creek, KY	41352	606
Index, KY	41472	606
Lenox, KY	41472	606
Malone, KY	41451	606
Matthew, KY	41472	606
Mima, KY	41472	606
Mize, KY	41352	606
Moon, KY	41472	606
Ophir, KY	41459	606
Relief, KY	41472	606
Silverhill, KY	41472	606
Stacy Fork, KY	41472	606
West Liberty, KY	41472	606
White Oak, KY	41472	606
Wrigley, KY	41477	606
Yocum, KY	41472	606

Major Cities and Towns in Morgan County, Kentucky

West Liberty

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 6.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,400 residents
• Zip Code: 41472
• Latitude: 37.9144° N
• Longitude: 83.2616° W

City Location and History:

West Liberty, the county seat of Morgan County, is located in eastern Kentucky along the Licking River, about 90 miles east of Lexington. Established in 1823, the town was named “Liberty” to symbolize the spirit of freedom but was changed to “West Liberty” because another town with the same name existed further east in Kentucky. West Liberty’s growth initially centered around agriculture, timber, and later coal mining in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The town is known for its resilience after a devastating EF3 tornado struck in 2012, causing widespread damage but spurring an outpouring of community effort to rebuild. Today, West Liberty remains a small, tightly-knit community with deep historical roots and a scenic location in the Appalachian foothills.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

West Liberty is served by Morgan County High School, Morgan County Middle School, and several elementary schools, all part of the Morgan County School District. Major landmarks in the town include the Morgan County Courthouse, which stands as a historical centerpiece, and the Memory Hill Foundation Museum, which showcases artifacts from the region’s past. West Liberty also hosts the annual Sorghum Festival, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage. Another prominent site is the Morgan County Public Library, a key cultural hub for the community, while nearby scenic spots like Cave Run Lake and the Daniel Boone National Forest provide recreational opportunities.

Ezel

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 200 residents
• Zip Code: 41425
• Latitude: 37.8812° N
• Longitude: 83.4390° W

City Location and History:

Ezel is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Morgan County, about 12 miles west of West Liberty. It was founded in the mid-19th century and named after a biblical reference, highlighting the deeply religious nature of the early settlers. Historically, Ezel was a farming community, with agriculture being the mainstay of its economy. The town also became known for its sorghum production, a staple in the region’s agriculture. Over the years, Ezel has maintained its rural character, with close-knit families and generations of residents who continue to live off the land. Its peaceful atmosphere and remote location make it a quiet place to live, steeped in tradition.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Ezel is home to Ezel Elementary School, which serves as the educational hub for the community’s younger population. For high school, students generally travel to nearby West Liberty. One of the most notable landmarks in Ezel is the Ezel Presbyterian Church, which has been a center of worship for the community since its founding in the 19th century. The town also has several historical homes and small farms that reflect its agricultural heritage. Ezel’s proximity to natural attractions like the Red River Gorge and Cave Run Lake offers residents access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Cannel City

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 residents
• Zip Code: 41408
• Latitude: 37.8845° N
• Longitude: 83.2984° W

City Location and History:

Cannel City is an unincorporated community located in the southern part of Morgan County, about 10 miles south of West Liberty. The town was established in the late 19th century and became known for its cannel coal mines, which were a major source of employment and economic growth in the area. Cannel coal, known for its high quality and ability to burn cleanly, made the town a significant mining center in the region. The Elizabethtown, Lexington, and Big Sandy Railroad played a key role in Cannel City’s development by transporting coal and other goods. However, as the coal industry declined in the mid-20th century, Cannel City’s population also dwindled, and it became a quiet, rural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Cannel City is part of the Morgan County School District, with students attending schools in West Liberty. The community is known for its historical remnants of the coal mining era, including the old mining shafts and railroad tracks that once supported the local economy. One of the most significant landmarks in the area is the Cannel City Coal Company Store, which still stands as a reminder of the town’s coal-mining heritage. The surrounding natural beauty, including forests and the nearby Licking River, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and connects the town to its rugged Appalachian roots.

Index

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 100 residents
• Zip Code: 41444
• Latitude: 37.9123° N
• Longitude: 83.2431° W

City Location and History:

Index is a very small, unincorporated community located just north of West Liberty along the Licking River. The town’s history is closely tied to the development of the timber and coal industries in Morgan County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Index served as a stop along the river for the transport of timber and coal to larger markets. The town’s name likely reflects its geographic position as a “marker” along the river. While the community never grew into a large town, it played an essential role in the local economy during the height of the timber and coal booms. Today, Index is a peaceful residential area with a few historical buildings and a rural landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

As a small community, Index does not have its own schools; residents typically attend schools in nearby West Liberty, including Morgan County High School. Notable landmarks in the area include remnants of the old sawmills and mining operations that once defined the community. Index’s location along the Licking River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, and its proximity to the Daniel Boone National Forest allows residents to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. The town’s rural charm and historical significance make it a quiet but meaningful part of Morgan County’s broader history.

Wrigley

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 250 residents
• Zip Code: 41477
• Latitude: 37.9333° N
• Longitude: 83.2287° W

City Location and History:

Wrigley is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Morgan County, near the border with Elliott County. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Wrigley family, who were early settlers in the area. Wrigley’s history is rooted in agriculture and small-scale coal mining, similar to other communities in the region. During its early years, the town thrived as a farming center, with local residents growing tobacco, corn, and other crops. Over time, Wrigley has maintained its rural identity, with agriculture continuing to be an important part of the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Wrigley is part of the Morgan County School District, with students attending nearby schools in West Liberty. The town is home to the Wrigley Baptist Church, which has been a religious and social center for the community since its founding. Another notable site is the Wrigley General Store, a local gathering place that has served the town’s residents for decades. The scenic beauty surrounding Wrigley, including nearby Grayson Lake and the Appalachian foothills, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and camping. The rural landscape, combined with the town’s history, gives Wrigley a distinct, tranquil character.