Cumberland-Benham-Lynch Destinations and Events

Destinations & Events in Cumberland, Benham, and Lynch

The Tri Cities

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These three villages that compose the Tri-Cities area offer a range of activities and destinations. From rugged hiking atop Pine Mountain in Kingdom Come State Park to the Appalachian Center cultural & performing arts events, visitors can enjoy the best of the Cumberland Mountains.

The town of Cumberland is the largest city in Harlan County. The town was originally known as Poor Fork for its location on the Poor Fork of the Cumberland River. The post office was established in 1837 and the town was renamed Cumberland in 1927 to reflect a more optimistic tone by city officials.

Benham was established in 1911 as a coal mining camp owned by Wisconsin Steel, a subsidiary of International Harvester. The name derives from Benham Spur of Black Mountain, the long ridge that borders the southern bank of Looney Creek. The town was originally named Yowell in 1900 before it became a coal camp.

Lynch was founded in 1917, just a mile up the Looney Creek, as another coal mining camp. U.S. Coal & Coke Co., a subsidiary of U.S. Steel, first operated the coal camp and in the 1930's built the largest coal tipple in world at the time.

-text from Rennick, Robert M. Kentucky Place Names. University of Kentucky Press, 1987.

-photo of Circuit Rider from Charlie McCracken


Destinations & Events in Cumberland, Benham, and Lynch The Tri Cities • These three villages that compose the Tri-Cities area offer a range of activities and destinations. From rugged hiking atop Pine Mountain in Kingdom Come State Park to the Appalachian Center cultural & performing arts events, visitors can enjoy the best of the Cumberland Mountains. The town of Cumberland is the largest city in Harlan County. The town was originally known as Poor Fork for its location on the Poor Fork of the Cumberland River. The post office was established in 1837 and the town was renamed Cumberland in 1927 to reflect a more optimistic tone by city officials. Benham was established in 1911 as a coal mining camp owned by Wisconsin Steel, a subsidiary of International Harvester. The name derives from Benham Spur of Black Mountain, the long ridge that borders the southern bank of Looney Creek. The town was originally named Yowell in 1900 before it became a coal camp. Lynch was founded in 1917, just a mile up the Looney Creek, as another coal mining camp. U.S. Coal & Coke Co., a subsidiary of U.S. Steel, first operated the coal camp and in the 1930's built the largest coal tipple in world at the time. -text from Rennick, Robert M. Kentucky Place Names. University of Kentucky Press, 1987. -photo of Circuit Rider from Charlie McCracken	Destinations & Accommodations News & Events Calendar Message Board Yahoo™ Driving Maps Symbol Legend Benham Inn at Sunset A Circuit Rider saving souls at the Swappin' Mettin'



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