Blue Heron
State: Kentucky
County: McCreary County
Founded: 1937
Abandoned: 1962
Blue Heron (Mine 18) was rebuilt as 'ghost structures'—open-frame metal shells of the original buildings with audio recordings of former residents telling their stories. The NPS created this unique interpretive experience after the Stearns Company abandoned the coal camp in 1962. Big South Fork Scenic Railway brings visitors here.
Quick Facts
- 'Ghost structures' are open metal frames of original buildings
- Audio recordings play voices of actual former residents
- Big South Fork Scenic Railway brings visitors here
- Unique NPS approach to preserving coal mining heritage
Location
Address: Big South Fork NRRA, McCreary County, Kentucky
Coordinates: 36.6806, -84.5472