Black Mountain, Benham and Lynch make endangered list

Today the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Black Mountain and the surrounding communities of Benham and Lynch one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in America for 2010.

Located in Harlan County, Black Mountain is the highest peak in Kentucky and has an ecological diversity greater than virtually any other section of the U.S. At the base of Black Mountain are Benham and Lynch, two small towns established by the coal industry nearly 100 years ago.

Proud of their coal heritage, now Benham and Lynch are looking to create a future beyond coal. But proposed strip, auger and deep mining threaten Black Mountain, the local water supply, historic buildings, the quality of life, and the potential for new economic development.

To read more about efforts to protect Black Mountain and to get involved, click here.