History of Bell County, Kentucky

Bell County, located in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that spans from its early days as a Native American territory to its establishment as a vital coal-producing region. Founded in 1867 and named after the prominent politician and soldier, John Bell, the county is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. It has witnessed significant historical events, including the Civil War, the rise of the coal industry, and the development of the railroads. Today, Bell County continues to preserve its heritage through local landmarks and a strong sense of community while adapting to modern challenges.

History of Bell County, Kentucky

Origins of Bell County

Native American History

Before European settlers arrived in Bell County, the land was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Chickasaw. These tribes were part of the larger group of Native Americans who lived in the Appalachian region, utilizing its abundant resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The river valleys and mountains of Bell County provided an ideal environment for these tribes, offering fertile land and an abundance of wildlife.

The arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century brought significant disruption to the Native American communities. In 1792, Kentucky became a state, and settlers began to push into the area that would eventually become Bell County. The tribes were gradually displaced, with the Cherokee people being among the last to leave the region due to pressure from the U.S. government. The forced relocation of the Cherokee in the 1830s, known as the “Trail of Tears,” resulted in the majority of native populations being sent to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).

European Settlement and Early Development

European settlers, primarily of English and Scotch-Irish descent, began arriving in the Bell County area in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first permanent settlers established homesteads in the fertile river valleys, and by the early 19th century, the area was being developed for agriculture, particularly tobacco and corn. The town of Pineville, the future county seat, was established in 1795, serving as a trading hub for early settlers.

In the 19th century, Bell County was part of the larger Knox County, and its land was sparsely populated. The county’s natural resources, such as timber and iron ore, were extracted and used by the growing community. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that Bell County began to develop more rapidly, spurred by the industrialization of coal mining.

Establishment of Bell County

Bell County was officially established on March 4, 1867, by the Kentucky state legislature. It was named after John Bell, a prominent political figure who served as a U.S. Senator and the presidential candidate for the Constitutional Union Party in 1860. Initially, the county’s economy was based on farming and small-scale industries, but the discovery of coal in the region would dramatically change the county’s future.

The creation of Bell County divided parts of the existing Knox and Harlan counties. Pineville, the county seat, became the center of political and commercial life, and the construction of a railroad line in the late 1800s further boosted the county’s economy, allowing it to become a significant coal-producing area.

Key Historical Events in Bell County

The Civil War and Bell County’s Involvement

The Civil War had a significant impact on Bell County. As part of Kentucky, a border state, Bell County was divided in its loyalties. Many families in the region had ties to both the Union and the Confederacy, creating tensions and divisions within the local community. The mountainous terrain of the county made it difficult for large battles to be fought in the area, but skirmishes and guerilla warfare were common. Bell County was primarily a Confederate sympathizer, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The war left its mark on the county’s economy and infrastructure. The conflict disrupted trade, and many families faced economic hardship as the region became divided by the war’s ideological lines. Following the Civil War, Bell County struggled with the rebuilding process, and it wasn’t until the 1880s, when coal mining began to boom, that the county’s economy started to recover.

The Rise of the Coal Industry

By the late 19th century, Bell County became one of Kentucky’s most important coal-producing regions. Coal deposits had been discovered in the area, and with the development of railroads, the industry grew rapidly. The coal mines provided jobs for many families, and the county saw a dramatic increase in population as workers moved to the area in search of employment.

The coal industry transformed the county, and towns like Pineville, Middlesboro, and Bell County’s outlying regions became thriving industrial hubs. The construction of railroads, especially the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N), made it easier for coal to be transported out of the county, further spurring economic growth. The county became a vital part of the nation’s energy industry, and Bell County’s coal production played an essential role in the industrialization of the United States.

The Great Depression and the Decline of Coal Mining

The Great Depression in the 1930s had a significant impact on Bell County, as it did in many coal-producing regions of Appalachia. With the decline of demand for coal during the economic downturn, many mines were closed, and thousands of coal miners lost their jobs. The federal government’s New Deal programs provided some relief, but the economic struggles continued for many years.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the coal industry began to recover, but it was never the same as it had been during the early 20th century. By the late 20th century, mechanization and the decline of the coal industry in general led to a reduction in coal mining jobs. While coal mining remains an important part of Bell County’s economy, it is no longer the dominant industry it once was.

Modern Bell County

Today, Bell County is a blend of its agricultural past and its industrial heritage. The decline of coal mining has been partially offset by growth in other industries, such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The creation of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which straddles the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, has provided a boost to tourism in the region. Bell County remains a rural community, but it faces many of the same challenges as other parts of Appalachia, including economic development and population decline.

Historical Sites in Bell County

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Overview:
The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is one of the most significant historical sites in Bell County. It preserves the gap in the Appalachian Mountains that served as a key route for early settlers moving westward. The park is home to hiking trails, scenic views, and historical exhibits that tell the story of the early pioneers who crossed through the Gap, including Daniel Boone, who helped open the route to settlers.

Location:
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Pineville, KY 40977

Ticket Price:
Free entry

Parking Information:
There are multiple parking areas near the park entrance, including a large parking lot at the Visitor Center.

Bell County Courthouse

Overview:
The Bell County Courthouse, located in Pineville, is an important historical building in the region. Built in 1913, the courthouse has been the seat of local government for over a century. It features an impressive architectural design and serves as a symbol of the county’s history.

Location:
Bell County Courthouse, 101 Court Square, Pineville, KY 40977

Ticket Price:
Free entry

Parking Information:
Street parking is available around the courthouse, as well as a nearby public parking lot.

Pineville Heritage Museum

Overview:
The Pineville Heritage Museum showcases the history of Bell County, including exhibits on the coal industry, local traditions, and the Civil War. The museum provides visitors with a detailed look at the cultural and economic evolution of the area, with a particular focus on the people who lived and worked in Bell County.

Location:
Pineville Heritage Museum, 1214 S. Fifth St., Pineville, KY 40977

Ticket Price:
Free entry, donations accepted

Parking Information:
Parking is available at the museum.

The Coal Miners’ Memorial

Overview:
The Coal Miners’ Memorial, located in Middlesboro, honors the men and women who worked in the coal mines of Bell County. The memorial is a tribute to the hard work and sacrifices of the coal miners who shaped the county’s history and economy.

Location:
Middlesboro, KY

Ticket Price:
Free

Parking Information:
There is ample parking available in downtown Middlesboro near the memorial.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Bell County is located in the Appalachian Mountains, in the southeastern corner of Kentucky. It is bordered by Virginia to the east and Tennessee to the south. The county is characterized by rugged terrain, including steep mountains and river valleys, which have shaped its history and development. The primary water source in the county is the Cumberland River, which flows through Pineville. The region has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Due to its elevation, Bell County experiences occasional snowfall in winter and mild, humid summers.

  • Year Founded: 1867
  • County Seat: Pineville
  • Population: Approximately 28,000
  • Population Density: 81 people per square mile
  • Largest Cities: Pineville, Middlesboro, Bell County
  • Major Highways: U.S. Highway 25E, U.S. Highway 119, Kentucky Route 66
  • Adjacent Counties: Harlan, Knox, Whitley, Claiborne (TN), Campbell (VA)