Jenkins in Letcher County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Welcome to Jenkins

A City Built on Coal

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2026

1. Welcome to Jenkins Marker

Inscription. Named after George C. Jenkins A leading citizen of Baltimore and a major investor in the Consolidation Coal Company, Jenkins was established as a sixth-class city and was incorporated on Jan. 9, 1912. Consolidation Coal Company purchased the current location of Jenkins in 1911 as part of a 100,000 acre tract of land in Pike, Letcher and Floyd counties from the Northern Coal and Coke Company. After the acquisition was finalized, plans were made to extend the Lexington and Eastern Railroad from Jackson to McRoberts. Because of the need for homes and other structures, nine sawmills and two brickyards were erected. A dynamo was bilt to temporarily generate power for the houses. Jenkins's city government was established as soon as the businesses and land were put up for sale.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 9, 1912.

Location. 37° 9.48′ N, 82° 38.208′ W. Marker is in Jenkins, Kentucky, in Letcher County. It is on U.S. 23 west of Raven Rock, on the

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right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jenkins KY 41537, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kentucky and in the Cumberland Plateau.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pound Gap (within shouting distance of this marker); The Teardrop Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); Pound Gap Massacre (approx. ¼ mile away); Mountain Strong (approx. ¼ mile away); Sept. 11, 2001 Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); More History (approx. ¼ mile away); The Shepherd of the Mountains (approx. ¼ mile away); Caudill’s Army (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jenkins.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2026

2. Welcome to Jenkins Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.