Beech Tree News Network

Oh, you didn’t know? Rochester, Central City, Morgantown are just a few of our local towns in this little part of Western Kentucky.  However, these cities are in different states.  Before you think I’m talking out of my, well you know, allow me to explain.  Rochester, Minnesota is one that most know.  Did you know there was a Rochester, New Hampshire? It’s in Strafford County, NH.  As of the 2010 census, the population was 29,752.  The city includes the villages of East Rochester and Gonic.  Rochester is home to Skyhaven Airport and the annual Rochester Fair.  What of Rochester, MN? It is the county seat of Olmstead County.  Located on both banks of the Zumbro River, the city has a population of The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 2012 population is 108,992.  It’s Minnesota’s third largest city located outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul.  Rochester, KY, as of the 2000 census, there were 186 people, 81 households, and 57 families residing in the city.  There are no airports but there is a ferry.
The population of Central City, KY as of the 2000 census was 5,893.  Small town hospitality abounds.  The city has a rich music heritage.  It’s the home of the Everly Brothers, and for years was the epicenter of the Everly Brothers Music Festival.  I attended the festival several years.  I recall the excitement when they started the “mystery guest” contest in the Messenger Inquirer.  Mystery guests included John Berry (who was a star in that day), the late Waylon Jennings (missed my shot to see a legend, as he died a few months later), and a very young Keith Urban(I saw that show, basically his breakout performance).  They still do a festival, but nothing like years past.
There is also a Central City, Colorado.  They call it “The richest square mile on earth”.   It was on May 6, 1859, John H. Gregory located, staked, and pre-empted the first mining claims in what was to become known as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth."
This spot, marked by the Gregory Monument, is near the city limits of Central City and Black Hawk. The area was originally called Gregory's Diggings, but very soon became known as Mountain City. Click this link to find more information regarding the history of Central City, Colorado, which is quite interesting! Did you know Central City nearly became the Colorado state capital? It is also home to the Gilpin County Museum, Teller House and the world famous Central City Opera.  Central City, Colorado in 1991 passed a law allowing casinos. Central City, KY has no casinos. 
We share Morgantown with West Virginia.  Well, we share the name.  In 2012-‘13, Morgantown, KY had a population of 2,394.  Morgantown, WV has an estimated population (as of 2012) of 31,000.  Yes, there are several more towns of the same name.  I just found these interesting.  I hope you did as well. And maybe this spurs along your own search.

Hello.  My name is Andy Sullivan.  I received my bachelor’s degree in business from Mid-Continent University in June 2009.  I began writing for Beech Tree News in July 2009.  I enjoy writing, photography, watching basketball and football, and playing guitar.  I also write a blog that encompasses sports and entertainment, called Sports and More, at http://andyuk79.tumblr.com If you have any comments, please leave them in the space below.  Thanks for reading!