A Community Analysis
Introduction
Muhlenberg County, Kentucky lies in the heart of the Western Coal Field Region of Kentucky. The county has grown from a population of 1,443 people in the early 1800s to a population of 31,839 people in 2000. The county encompasses a land area of 478 square miles.
Greenville is the county seat of Muhlenberg County. Central City is located six miles north of Greenville. Both Central City and Greenville are “Hall of Fame” members of the Kentucky Certified Cities Program. Muhlenberg County is the only county in the state with two “Hall of Fame” certified cities. The third largest city in Muhlenberg County is Drakesboro. This town is located eight miles east of Greenville.
Muhlenberg County is located 134 miles southwest of Louisville, Kentucky, 89 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee, 75 miles southeast of Evansville, Indiana, and 245 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri.
Historical Information
Muhlenberg County was created by the State Legislature on December 14, 1798. The county celebrated its bicentennial in 1998. The 34th of Kentucky's 120 counties, Muhlenberg County was created from Christian and Logan Counties.
Muhlenberg County was named for General John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg who was born in Germany in 1739. General Muhlenberg was a distinguished Lutheran Pastor, Revolutionary War Soldier, and political leader.
Early settlers traveled to Muhlenberg County via Green River. One of the early settlements appropriately named Paradise was a small river town located in Muhlenberg County. This close knit community was representative of the places early settlers had to choose from when they decided to settle down and raise their families. Unfortunately, the place known as Paradise was a casualty of the construction of the Tennessee Valley Authority, which began operation near Drakesboro, Kentucky, in 1963.
Political Information
As of August 15, 2002 there are 21,823 registered voters in Muhlenberg County. Voter registration in Muhlenberg County is largely Democrat. However, candidates from both major political parties govern the county.
There are two organized chapters of political parties in Muhlenberg County: the Muhlenberg County Democrat Party, and the Muhlenberg County Republican Party. Both parties have active membership that participates in voter registration and political rallies throughout the year.
The Democratic Party has an active Democrat Women's Club, which meets monthly and sponsors candidate forums during election years.
Economic Data
Muhlenberg County has two Chambers of Commerce. Central City and Greenville each have an active membership that offers support services to local businesses and informational services to residents and prospective businesses.
The two Chambers work together promoting programs of interest to county residents. Each year they sponsor a community pride banquet that celebrates the county and its achievements.
The Muhlenberg County Labor Market Area includes Muhlenberg County and the adjoining Kentucky counties of Butler, Christian, Hopkins, Logan, McLean, Ohio, and Todd.
At one time, Muhlenberg County was a leader in coal production in the United States. Recent years have brought a renewed direction to help meet the changing needs brought on by this declining industry. Job retraining has been made available to many residents through local programs.
Muhlenberg County is served by the Madisonville office of the Kentucky Department for Employment Services. A local office of this department is located in Greenville. Several local businesses use the services offered by this office to meet the growing needs for job placement.
Recent years have brought an increased need for an expansion of motel rooms in the county. Within the past five years there have been three new hotels/motels built in Muhlenberg County. Current rooms occupancy available for lodging in Muhlenberg County is 275.
The Wendell Ford Regional Training Center, a Kentucky National Guard training site, is located on Highway 181 three miles north of Greenville. This Army base is used for special training of army personnel. Because of the constant influx of trainees this site has had a major impact on the economy of Muhlenberg County.
Central City is the site of the Green River Correctional Center. This medium security prison is located two miles north of the city on River Road. Due to salaries, products, and services, the prison's budget adds thousands of dollars to the yearly economy of Muhlenberg County.
The Spring of 2001 brought an announcement of the formation of a new venture by Peabody Coal Company due for completion within the next six years. The construction and production phases of this venture called Thoroughbred Energy will offer high wage employment to several hundred people. It will also increase the need for increased coal production needed to operate the coal burning power plant once it is in operation.
Three Muhlenberg County artists have formed an international company known as Creative Sources. This business is located in Greenville and has a local showroom available for the public to view the artist's individual and collective talents.
The Kentucky State Washer Pitching Contest is held annually in Muhlenberg County. This sporting event attracts many participants and spectators to the county.
Conclusion
Throughout Muhlenberg County and the outlying areas there are several historical sites and interesting places to visit. The county has many beautiful homes and nature settings to attract visitors.
In Muhlenberg County - paradise lives on. That beautiful little community once known as Paradise may have been a casualty in the name of progress, but to the residents of this county, paradise is a state of mind.
Contrary to the lyrics of John Prine's famous song about Muhlenberg County - Mr. Peabody's coal train has not hauled it away. The essence of that small town of the past can still be found in Muhlenberg County. You'll find it in the friendliness of its people and the beauty of its land.