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. If you’ve ever been curious about the Middlesboro, Kentucky meteorite crater, read on…

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 crater 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

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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.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This gap allowed passage from east to west, and the meteorite crater is one of four natural features that allow this.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park/Facebook
Middlesboro may seem a typical town today, but this Kentucky city was formed in the most unique way.
TripAdvisor/Sunsetbum
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.
Warren LeMay/Flickr

Now you know why Middlesboro, Kentucky 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 Middlesboro, Kentucky meteorite crater? Are you from the area? Let us know your favorite things about Middlesboro!

Planning on taking a road trip to Middlesboro? Don’t forget to pack the best road trip snacks.

For more on the Cumberland Gap, an area in Kentucky and surrounding states that absolutely should be visited, check out our previous article about Cumberland Gap.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Unique Towns In Kentucky

Sarah M. | March 23, 2023

What are some other unique towns in Kentucky?

Middlesboro is a unique town in Kentucky that's built in a crater, and, if you can believe it, it's not the only geographically unique town in Kentucky! Consider the following unique towns in Kentucky:

  • Horse Cave, Kentucky. Located just 15 minutes from *the* Mammoth Cave, Horse Cave is a charming little town of 2,400 has its own epic underworld, and it's not only Horse Cave's namesake, but also its defining feature. Because, you see, the cave for which the city is named is located on the south side of Main Street -- literally smack in the center of town. Operated by the American Cave Conservation Association, public tours are offered year-round, and make for a spectacular *and* cool subterranean adventure, especially as temps begin to heat up above ground!
  • Louisville, Kentucky. Did you know that there was an entire subterranean world beneath the hustle and bustle of Louisville, KY? Welcome to the Louisville Mega Cavern! The Mega Cavern will render you speechless; it’s 100 acres of an incredible otherworldly underground, located just beneath the busy streets of Louisville. A former limestone mine in The Bluegrass State, today Louisville Mega Cavern offers underground adventures that are truly bucket-list worthy.
  • Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Here in the Bluegrass, we're all about lake living, and Grand Rivers embraces these coastal vibes! Grand Rivers is a little lakefront town that's just plain wonderful. A charming lighthouse, fantastic restaurants, and incredible outdoor recreation opportunities make Grand Rivers an amazing place to spend a weekend. While you're there, definitely stay at Lighthouse Landing, a postcard-perfect marina in the heart of town.
  • Paducah, Kentucky. Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, in the westernmost corner of Kentucky, sits the lovely town of Paducah. his well-rounded Kentucky gem has a thriving creative community and boasts attractions and experiences you just won’t find anywhere else. The downtown is charming and walkable, and your chances of stumbling upon live music or a festival here are high, especially as temps begin to warm. Stroll through the vibrant town square or head to Paducah's Historic Riverfront, a favorite spot for folks to come and enjoy the stunning waterfront scenery.

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Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA