Stearns

Stearns, Kentucky, nestled in the heart of McCreary County, owes its existence to the timber and coal industries. Founded in the early 20th century by Justus S. Stearns, a Michigan lumber baron, the town was built as a company town to support the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company's operations. The town quickly became a bustling hub, providing housing, stores, and recreational facilities for its workers. Unlike many coal towns that solely relied on mining, Stearns diversified its economy by utilizing the abundant timber resources, creating a more stable, albeit still company-dependent, community. Its planned layout and the presence of a company-provided infrastructure distinguished it from the more haphazard settlements that sprung up in the Appalachian coalfields. Stearns stands as a testament to the ambitious vision of industrial entrepreneurs who sought to exploit the region's natural resources, impacting the lives of countless families and shaping the landscape of southeastern Kentucky. Today, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, a key part of Stearns's early transportation network, is a main tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience the area's beautiful landscapes and learn more about its industrial past.