According to countryvv, Benham, Kentucky is situated in the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. The city is located within Harlan County and sits in a valley at an elevation of 2,200 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains and ridges that reach heights of up to 4,000 feet. The city covers an area of about two square miles and has a population of just over 1,000 people.
The terrain around Benham is mostly mountainous with steep slopes and deep ravines running through them. To the east lies Pine Mountain which rises to a height of 3,500 feet above sea level. On the west side lies Black Mountain with an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level. The town is also bordered by dense forests full of trees such as oak, hickory, poplar and maple.
The climate in Benham is generally temperate with hot summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 28 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 86 degrees Fahrenheit in summer with precipitation averaging around 45 inches annually. Snowfall typically occurs between November and March but can vary greatly depending on year-to-year weather patterns. Summers are usually humid with occasional thunderstorms providing relief from the heat.
History of Benham, Kentucky
Benham, Kentucky was founded in 1892 by the coal magnate, Colonel John Anderson Benham. It was originally named Benhamtown after the colonel, who had come to the area to build a railroad and establish a community. The town quickly grew and by 1910 it had become a bustling center of industry as numerous coal mines were opened in the surrounding area.
In 1921, Benham was incorporated as a town and soon became known as one of the most important mining communities in eastern Kentucky. The town continued to grow throughout the 20th century with new businesses such as sawmills and furniture factories establishing themselves in the area. By 1950, Benham had a population of 1,000 people and was considered one of the most prosperous towns in Harlan County.
In later years, however, Benham saw its fortunes decline with the decline of coal mining in eastern Kentucky. As jobs disappeared from the area, so did many of its residents who moved away looking for employment elsewhere. Despite this setback, Benham has managed to remain an important part of Harlan County’s economy. Today, it is home to several small businesses that provide goods and services to local residents.
Economy of Benham, Kentucky
Benham, Kentucky is a small town that has seen its fortunes rise and fall over the years, yet it continues to serve as an important hub of economic activity in Harlan County. The town is primarily supported by the coal mining industry, which has been a staple of the local economy for over a century. Coal mining provides employment for many of Benham’s residents and has helped to keep the town afloat during times of economic hardship.
In addition to coal mining, Benham also serves as an important center for agriculture. The town is home to numerous farms that produce both crops and livestock, providing goods to local markets as well as other parts of Kentucky. These agricultural operations provide jobs for many of Benham’s citizens and help to keep the local economy functioning.
In recent years, Benham has seen several new businesses move into the area such as sawmills and furniture factories. These businesses have helped diversify the town’s economy and provided additional employment opportunities for its citizens. Additionally, tourism has become increasingly important in Benham with visitors coming from all over Kentucky to take advantage of its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking and more.
Overall, Benham’s economy remains largely dependent on coal mining but it is slowly diversifying with new businesses establishing themselves in the area. This diversification will help ensure that the town remains economically viable in years to come and will provide additional opportunities for its citizens.
Politics in Benham, Kentucky
Benham, Kentucky is a small town that has played an important role in local politics for many years. The town is part of Harlan County and is represented in the Kentucky legislature by a member of the Democratic Party. This representative has traditionally been supportive of progressive policies such as public education, healthcare reform, and environmental protection.
At the local level, Benham’s citizens are served by a mayor and a city council. The mayor and council are elected every four years and are responsible for setting policy for the town as well as overseeing its budget. The mayor also serves as an important liaison between the citizens of Benham and state government officials.
The city council consists of seven members who represent different parts of Benham’s population. These members are chosen through a democratic process which allows all citizens to have their voices heard on issues that affect them. The council meets regularly to discuss local issues such as budgets, taxes, infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, and more.
Overall, politics in Benham remain largely progressive with its representatives supporting policies that benefit its citizens and promote long-term economic prosperity for the area. Additionally, Benham’s local government ensures that all citizens have access to their representatives so they can make their voices heard on issues that matter to them most.
