Pikeville, Kentucky
Pikeville, Kentucky officially became a town in 1893. Although originally called Pike, then Piketon, Pikeville took its name in honor of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, a western explorer and U.S. Army officer. Situated in the heart of Pike County, this scenic community enjoys two separate rankings among ‘The 100 Best Small Town in America’ list put together by Norm Crampton. Pikeville is located an hour away from the historic cities of Hazard and Paintsville. Pikeville also lies within 50 miles of Ashland, and within 100 miles of Lexington, Versailles, Winchester, and Richmond.
Located in the mountains of southeastern KY, Pikeville’s population was 6,295 at the time of the 2000 Census. Pikeville was the birthplace to country music stars Patty Loveless and Dwight Yoakam, and is the home of Paul E. Patton, a former Kentucky governor. Sports fans will recognize the names of professional golfers Woody Blackburn and Robert Damron, and Arizona Diamondbacks player Mark A. Reynolds, all of whom are natives of Pikeville.
Pikeville is the seat of Pike County, the largest county in KY. Home to more than 1,000 businesses, Pikeville remains an industrial and service hub of the Appalachian region. The financial sector also plays an important role in Pikeville, the third largest banking community in KY. Major employers include the Appalachian News-Express and Pikeville Medical Center.
Pikeville Independent School District and Pikeville College (PC) also provide a significant number of job options. PC, a four-year liberal arts college, ranks among the nation’s smallest higher learning facilities to have an osteopathic medical program. Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine is one of three KY state medical schools.
Pikeville, also known as “Kentucky’s Mountain Treasure,” enjoys a wealth of opportunities for recreation and cultural exploration. Characterized by flowers, fountains, a gazebo, new playground equipment and wireless Internet service, the City Park is idyllic for playing or relaxing. Visitors also have access to the region’s premier entertainment venue, the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center. This multipurpose venue encompasses 126,000 square feet, ideal for athletics, car shows, concerts, and rodeos.
Each April, Pikeville hosts one of KY’s largest festivals. Hillbilly Days is a three-day celebration filled with local cuisine, mountain music and a wide variety of exciting events. Following the hillbilly theme, Pikeville hosts the Hatfield & McCoy Festival, which includes a Hatfield and McCoy family reunion and a marathon race.
Pikeville, Kentucky, home of the Pikeville Cut-Thru, enjoys the benefits of innovation and progress while maintaining its small town charm. Breathtaking views and myriad options for career, education, and recreation make Pikeville an outstanding place to call home.
