Thirty years after the admission of Kentucky into the Union in 1792, Perry County was formed from portions of Floyd and Clay Counties in Eastern Kentucky . In 1824 a post office was established in a small settlement on the banks of the north fork of the Kentucky River and called Perry Court House. The settlement was founded by Elijah Combs and his seven brothers.
Perry County is located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 28,712. Both the county and county seat are named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero in the War of 1812. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 343 square miles (890 km2), of which 340 square miles (880 km2) is land and 2.9 square miles (7.5 km2) (0.9%) is water.
From those humble beginnings, Hazard and Perry County have been developed by visionaries leading the way into modern times. Hazard has earned the title of “Queen City of the Mountains”. Lush green mountains, fish-filled streams and true country hospitality are among the jewels in the crown of Hazard, Kentucky. Rich in natural resources, Hazard and Perry County's history is tied to the coal and lumber industries. Both industries, along with other significant historical events are highlighted in the town's own museum.
If you are interested in adventure tourism, we invite you to visit Perry County and discover for yourself what we have to offer. We are located in a picturesque mountain setting within the Appalachians that provides breathtaking views, hiking and biking trails, hunting and fishing. Perry County is home to the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park.
Perry County is home to Hazard Community and Technical College. Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) is a comprehensive community and technical college committed to student success. The College is a collaborative catalyst in the Eastern Kentucky region, helping blend Appalachian traditions with diverse global innovations. Perry County is home to the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center. Appalachian Regional Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system serving 350,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. Operating 10 hospitals, multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, HomeCare Stores and retail pharmacies, ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third largest private employer in southern West Virginia.
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, in partnership with eight counties in southeastern Kentucky, was designated on January 7, 2014 by President Barack Obama as the first rural Promise Zone in the nation. With this designation, the partners will engage the communities in a collaborative, comprehensive process aimed at improving the overall quality of life in the region. Perry County is located within the Promise Zone.
Perry County is proud to be a part of the Work Ready initiative.Kentucky has the most rigorous certification program in the nation to allow communities to demonstrate their workforce quality. This is an opportunity to differentiate our county and help Kentucky compete to attract jobs now and in the future. The criteria include high school graduation rates, National Career Readiness Certificate holders, community commitment, educational attainment, soft skills development and Internet availability.
Hazard-Perry County has been designated a Kentucky Trail Town by the Kentucky Department of Tourism. Hazard is situated on the North Fork of the Kentucky River, Rowdy is located on Troublesome Creek of the North Fork of the Kentucky River, and Buckhorn Lake is located on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. Several access ramps are available within the city of Hazard and also throughout Perry County. The Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is located in Perry County. Currently, two designated trails exist at Buckhorn Lake State Park, with others in the planning stages.
You are cordially invited to come visit Hazard and Perry County. Better yet, we invite you to come and stay. Find out for yourself why we are “Perry Proud!”
See a map of Perry County HERE
Some information taken from Wikipedia, hazardkentucky.com, ARH, and HCTC
For more history, check out THE HISTORY OF HAZARD, KY - THE PEARL OF THE MOUNTAINS
by Louis Pilcher published in June 1913 with excerpts by John "Freddie" Wilson in 2006.