Our state is full of mystery and fascinating stories; a history that makes Kentucky what it is today. Our landscape has been shaped by a number of different factors over the years, leaving behind a diverse collection of rolling hills, creeks, towering mountains, gorges, and rushing rivers. However, there’s an impact crater from an ancient meteorite that continues to shape a particular town in Kentucky, given that the town was built completely inside of it.
Middleboro is a small, charming town in the southeastern corner of the state, beautifully situated amongst a range of mountains. This landscape is not what most people associate with Kentucky, but in fact was created in an intriguing way, millions of years ago.
Wikipedia/Dwight Burdette
It’s estimated that about 300 million years ago, a meteorite struck this area of Earth, leaving behind a sizable crater. It wasn’t until the 1960s that this discovery would be made and its geological significance of the land would be established.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Of course, by then, Middlesboro was a thriving mountain town, known for its role in the coal industry and its lovely valley location. If you look closely at the map below, you’ll see how the land rises around the town.
GoogleMaps
The crater was approximately three miles wide and the town was founded right inside this ring during the late 1800s. Today, Middlesboro offers unparalleled access to nearby overlooks and hiking trails and is working to revitalize its downtown area.
Wikipedia/K smith8907
When you visit, plan to stroll through downtown and check out the shops and restaurants or catch an outdoor concert or festival. There are also plenty of historical markers and museums to visit.
Facebook/Middlesboro Main Street
The adjacent Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is the city’s biggest draw and was actually created, in part, by the same crater. This gap allowed passage from east to west, and the meteorite crater is one of four natural features that allow this.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Middlesboro may seem a typical town today, but this Kentucky city was formed in the most unique way. Our country’s landscape has been shaped over the years by a number of factors, but when a town is built completely inside a meteorite crater, that’s something you’ll only find in Kentucky.
TripAdvisor/Sunsetbum
Now you know why Middlesboro is so perfectly situated in a scenic valley with mountains surrounding it, and it’s just another Kentucky mystery that makes our state fascinating. Did you know about the Kentucky town built inside a meteorite crater? Are you from the area? Let us know in the comments!
Wikipedia/Dwight Burdette
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
GoogleMaps
Wikipedia/K smith8907
Facebook/Middlesboro Main Street
TripAdvisor/Sunsetbum
And for more on the Cumberland Gap, an area in Kentucky and surrounding states that absolutely should be visited, check out our previous article here.
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