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Coal was exported in 1827, probably earlier; but until the railroad 
came, the output was insignificant. Though production is rather small at 
the present time, and limited to a few mines scattered along the railroads, 
the region is beginning to become an important coal center. 
The first extensive exploitation began in the region about Middlesboro, 
in 1892. At present most of this coal is shipped south. Some two years 
3. A primitive mountain home, near Buckhorn, Ky. 
ago a branch of the L. & N. railroad was pushed up the North Fork Ken- 
tucky River to Hazard, and extensive coal mining began. Hazard is now 
in its Ugly Duckling stage, has a population of about 2,000, boasts one of 
3,500, and altogether is a scar upon the beautiful landscape, like a ‘‘boom”™ 
8—4966 
