McRoberts

McRoberts, Kentucky, nestled in Letcher County, owes its existence and early prosperity to the coal mining boom of the early 20th century. Founded around 1912, it was established by the Consolidation Coal Company as a company town, providing housing, amenities, and employment for miners and their families. The town's name honors Samuel McRoberts, a prominent figure in the coal industry at the time. McRoberts exemplifies the social and economic landscape of Appalachia during this era, reflecting the hopes and hardships associated with the extraction of natural resources and the influence of large corporations on rural communities. Its history provides a tangible link to a period of significant industrial and social change in Kentucky and the nation.