Interview with James R. Stapleton, Jr., November 7, 2015

Interview Summary

Stapleton speaks about the decline of the coal industry and the effect it has had on the local people and ecotourism. He also talks about the events that Elkhorn City hosts in regards to kayaking down the Russell Fork and the kind of international tourists the events bring in. Stapleton speaks about his experiences growing up with a father as a coal miner and the reason he decided not to pursue that field of work for his own career. He also discusses the industries moving into the area as an alternative to coal and the impact they have had on the community. He also speaks about the challenges Elkhorn City will face in the future and the developments the town needs to make in order to shift into a post-coal economy focused on ecotourism. Stapleton discusses the population decline in Elkhorn City as a result of lack of opportunity in the past, and the current interest youth has in Elkhorn City. Stapleton speaks about the public high school closing and the negative impact it has had on the community both socially and economically. Stapleton talks about the changes he has seen in the river. He also speaks about the changes in the amount of tourists in the area and the benefits they bring with them.

Interview Keyword

Camping Cloudsplitter Coal mining Environment Fishing High schools Kayaking. Lord of the Fork Russell Fork River Floods--Kentucky Rural schools--Kentucky

Interview LC Subject

Elkhorn City (Ky.) Rivers--Kentucky River tourism. Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Coal mines and mining--Kentucky--Elkhorn City Outdoor recreation. Community development Economic development

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.