Barthell
State: Kentucky
County: McCreary County
Founded: 1902
Abandoned: 1961
Peak Population: 350
Barthell was the first of 18 coal mining camps built by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. The company town was restored as an open-air museum where you can tour the mine, explore 1900s buildings, and even SLEEP in the original coal camp houses.
Quick Facts
- First of 18 Stearns Coal and Lumber Company camps
- You can SLEEP in original 1900s coal camp houses
- Mine tours go 300 feet underground
- $500,000 restoration transformed abandoned camp into museum
Location
Address: Big South Fork NRRA, McCreary County, Kentucky
Coordinates: 36.6394, -84.5622