Small Town Living: A History of Hyden

Hyden is a city in Leslie County Kentucky. Its a very small town with only a hand full of people. This county was made up of three counties Clay, Perry, And Harlen counties. Its named for the Govenor of the time and the county seat was named for the State Senator John Hyden. It is located in the Eastern Coal Fields region of Kentucky. It is on the branch of the Middle Fork River.

I was born and raised here in Leslie County and couldn't imagine living any where else. This area is rich in its Family history and every body knows who you are. Our Town is know for the festivals and for a football player named Tim Couch. And a blue grass group The Osborne Brothers. Ash October the Mary Brackenridge festival takes place. People from all around come to enjoy the parade, craft items our local artisans sell, the music, and the food.

In the fall there is a fall festival when we celebrate all the fall colors and the changing of the seasons. People in this area are really close knit. They look out for each other which is an advantage big city living doesn't have. Crime is low but it does exist.

I love the fact that living in a small town you know who your neighbors are and you can trust most of them. In a big city its hard to say that. There are some disadvantages though. There isn't much in ways of entertainment here we have to go to another county to see a movie. The Kids in this area have nothing in ways of child based activities. No movie theater, no skating rink, or anything like that.

On advantage we do have is the mountains, they are beautiful. My Sons enjoy the fishing and hunting this region provides. There are sports activities as well. My Ten year old is very active in school sports. The cost of living is below the Big city cost.

There are alto of disadvantages but I'll take the advantages any day. I love the fact that everyone looks out for their neighbor and our heritage is strong. Our families are important to us. We know where we come from.

There are few colleges here. University of Kentucky, Eastern State University, As well as the Community College. And over 60% of our children do attend college. The income level is a little low but thats due to the Job Market here. The only Jobs Leslie County offers is in the coal industry or the lumber yards. Then you have the local diners.

Small town living is rewarding in many ways. I personally enjoy it. I love living here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Its steeped in history which is an important part of the education of our Kids. The heritage of small town living is a strong point that I truly believe is part of who we all are. My kids knows their heritage. And is raised to appreciate it.

Knowing who you are and where you come from should be part of your life now and always. And small town living gives you that advantage in life.