Floyd County (Images of America)
Title: Book celebrates history of Floyd CountyAuthor: Staff WriterPublisher: Appalachian News-ExpressDate:  5/29/2010In a new pictorial history book, Images of America's "Floyd County," by Lisa Perry and the Wheelwright Historical Society, over 200 vintage photographs chronicle the changes in the county's economy and culture brought about by the railroads and coal industry.Floyd County, named for Kentucky pioneer John Floyd, was formed in 1799. Originally encompassing all of the Big Sandy River Valley and much of Eastern Kentucky, the boundaries included portions of what are now Pike, Martin, Knott, Magoffin and Johnson counties. Because of its river access, Floyd County developed earlier than many counties in Eastern Kentucky.With the coming of the railroad in 1903 and the coal industry, which began booming in the early 20th century, the county rapidly grew. This growth included a rapid rise in population due to the migration of native-born whites from around the country, European immigrants and African Americans from southern plantations and coalfields. What had been an agrarian, white population suddenly took on a whole new face -- one more reflective of the nation.Highlights of Images of America's "Floyd County":Focuses on the coal camps, coal miners and mine families.Includes tributes to local heroes and legends.Organized into chapters focusing on work life, culture, churches, schools and railroad development throughout the county.Photographs from many coal camps all over the county including Glo, Estill, Martin, Weeksbury, Drift, David, Wayland and Wheelwright, just to name a few.Lisa Perry is a researcher involved in documenting the coal history and racial heritage of Floyd County. The Wheelwright Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of southern Floyd County.A portion of the profits from Images of America's "Floyd County" is being donated to Wheelwright Historical Society to help further library development and other regional projects.The book is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at 888/313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com