Rocky Woodland Forge
Hand forged tools and more from the hills of Kentucky.
Brad Holman, the blacksmith for Rocky Woodland Forge, has worked with metal for over 20 years (machinist, welder, mechanic, paintless dent repair). With his passion for the outdoors and his talent in metalworking, Brad began forging the tools needed for his wilderness adventures. Others soon wanted these hand-crafted pieces for themselves and the business began. Julie Holman, the web developer and merchandiser for Rocky Woodland Forge, is a full time software developer. Check out the website and Facebook page for dates on public demonstrations. (606) 464-8085 [email protected] www.rockywoodlandforge.com Like us on Facebook! Shop on our Etsy Page! |
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St. Thomas Episcopal ChurchIn 1887 Bishop Dudley purchased an acre of land, and in 1884 it was mortgaged to the American Church Building Fund to build a new stone church. The cornerstone was laid in 1896; local carpenter and stonemason, Richard Nathaniel Lyons, Sr., completed the new church. On November 15, 1903, the Bishop consecrated it as St. Thomas, Beattyville. St. Thomas continues today to serve the people of Beattyville and Lee County with worship and community activities. Its membership contains several descendants the early St. Thomas Church. The Kentucky Heritage Commission recommended St. Thomas's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under the auspices of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, on June 30, 1974. Governor Ford designated it a Kentucky Historical Landmark.
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The Three Forks Historical Center
It is a neat museum tucked away in the Beattyville. Recently added Veteran Hall is probably the most impressive section of the museum. There is a nice combination of graphics, like wartime posters and pictures and tangible objects, like sabres, badges and even uniforms. Each uniform has a name and was donated by that solders family– it really brings home the reality of war. The ancient Native American cultures are well presented along with the pioneering history of logging, railroad heritage, county’s agriculture and oil boom days. There is evidence of the local prison craftsmanship in the museum’s interior feature. Well worth a stop and conversation with the local folks. Great place to visit to get a visual impression of the history of the region.
ollow the BLOG! Research done by Kentucky Genealogy Trails
WWI Draft Registration Cards , WWII Casualties , Vietnam War Casualties List of 1883 Pensioners |
Lee County Memorial ParkA wall of bricks engraved with a veteran's name and service record off HWY 11 in Beattyville, KY. The wall was designed to reflect the military service of any and all veterans form Lee County who served their county, in any capacity. All families are welcome to purchase a brick for the wall and often grandchildren do crayon rubbings of their relatives names. Names on the wall include Lt. James McGuire, who was killed in the battle of Blue Licks in the last battle of the American Revolution. Also recent soldiers such as Sgt. William G. Bowling who was killed in Iraq. By its very design, the Memorial Wall will not be finished as long as soldiers are called for duty. The hope is that this mural will never be covered.
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Link to War Memorial names located on the monuments at the top of the hill provided by Kentucky Genealogy Trails: Click Here
L&N Railroad Bridge Piers, St. Helens, KY
A sight you can only see from a kayak or boat! The photo right shows a L&N Bridge pier on the North Fork of the Kentucky River at the mouth of Walkers Creek This bridge connect the rail line from torrent to St. Helens.
(Bob Smith 2006 Article"Tourism And Business Once Boomed Along The L&E Railroad" ) The late 1800s and early 1900s were a busy time along the L&E (Lexington and Eastern) route which stretched from Winchester to Jackson. The tracks passed through Clay City, Stanton, Natural Bridge, Torrent, Fincastle, St. Helens, Tallega, Athol, and Elkatawa. The rail line was completed to Natural Bridge and Torrent around 1889 and Jackson in the 1890s. The L&E sold out to the L&N (Louisville and Nashville) about 1911 and the tracks were completed to McRoberts in Letcher County to open the coal fields of southeastern Kentucky in 1915. In 1917 the Lee County "Oil Boom" opened the largest oil fields east of the Mississippi River. Launch at Sharp Rock Boat Ramp and travel upstream 5 miles. Bridge piers on the left and right side of the bank. You can also launch under the St. Helens Bridge of HWY 2016 and travel downstream half a mile to see it. Maps here! |
Fitchburg FurnaceBuilt at the peak of the Iron industry era, the Fitchburg Furnace was completed in 1868. At the time, it used to be largest charcoal furnace in the world and for several years, Fitchburg was truly a thriving city. The structure of the furnace and its perfect standing shape makes it a “Must See” sites for historians, architects and people just interested in history. The furnace is structured on a single stone and has twin stacks, which measure 60 feet high and 116 feet long. Built with a total investment of $160,000 the furnace stopped operating in 1873. It is currently operated by the U.S Parks Service mainly as a Historic sites.
For more information about the site go to: http://www.oldindustry.org/KY_HTML/Ky_Fitchburg.html |