In 1795, the first house was built by Elijah Combs from Virginia. Elijah Combs was the founder of a village, which was referred to as the Perry County Courthouse. In 1821, Perry County became the 68th county of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In 1812, the county seat, Hazard was named after a naval war hero named Oliver Hazard Perry. Commodore
Oliver Hazard Perry was born(August 2, 1785) in Rhode Island. He led American forces in the Battle of Lake Erie(War of 1812) against Britain and were victorious. This is where he earned the title "Hero of Lake Erie". Oliver Hazard Perry had several cities named after him, including Perry County, Ky. and its county seat Hazard, Ky. Oliver Hazard Perry died in 1819 during an expedition to Orinoco River where he developed yellow fever, a disease contracted from mosquitos.
Almost 50 years later, the Civil War brought misery to the people of the mountains that lasted for generations. In the 1880's, the logging business began to boom. The railroad was extended to Hazard in 1912, and by the early 192o's, Hazard became a major mining area for the southern region where the industry continues to grow today.
The coal industry brought hope and prosperity to the community of Perry County. The annual festival is called The Black Gold Festival in honor of coal.
The City of Hazard Mayor Bill Gorman has held this office since 1978. Mayor Gorman has brought in great opportunities for the city and county. The city of Hazard has grown under his leadership. He has brought in several new facilities, services, jobs, and many other opportunities for the people of Hazard and Perry County. Mayor Gorman was raised in Hazard and is a graduate of Hazard High School. He has served on boards and helped many organizations like the Hazard Lions Club, KRADD, LKLP, and many more. Mayor Gorman has been a major influence to his city, county, and state.
Perry County is a great community to reside in. They have great community programs and schools. Crime rate is low and coal keeps the mountains prospering.
The new Perry County Library just opened October 5, 2009. It is a beautiful facility and very kid friendly.
Perry County has many restaurants to choose from and seem to be growing each year.
The Hazard area hotel business has grown at a fast pace in the past few years.
Check in with our daily blogger for happenings in Eastern Kentucky.
Hazard's local newspaper, The Hazard Herald, has been publishing the local news for nearly 100 years.
Radio Station WSGS 101.1 FM is one of the top radio stations in the state with ABC programming.
WSGS also has a local trading post and community forum.
WYMT- TV is a CBS affiliate that serves all of Eastern Ky.
Hazard is a great community and we invite everyone to come visit our beautiful town and county.
This webpage is updated regularly. Bookmark this page for later use.
No comments:
Post a Comment