Letcher County

Letcher County is an administrative county in the eastern Appalachian region of Kentucky, featuring mountainous terrain and Whitesburg as its county seat. The area consists of rural communities and small towns scattered throughout the valleys and hillsides.

The Kentucky legislature established Letcher County in 1842, carving out an administrative district from previously unsettled Appalachian highlands. Coal mining became the region's primary industry by the late 1800s, transforming the landscape and economy for generations.

Local government operations center around the Letcher County courthouse, where officials manage civil cases, ordinances, and administrative procedures for the community.

The area is accessible by local roads that wind through the hilly terrain, connecting Whitesburg with surrounding communities. Visitors should expect rural conditions where services may be limited and travel times between locations tend to be longer than in urban areas.

A 2023 incident at the county courthouse resulted in significant changes to local law enforcement leadership and judicial administration procedures.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: 1842

Capital city: Whitesburg

Shares border with: Pike County, Knott County, Perry County, Harlan County, Wise County

Website: http://letchercounty.ky.gov

GPS coordinates: 37.12000,-82.85000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05