Category Archives: Jackson

Jackson’s Most Dialed Number

Posted on January 1, 2026 by sdbowling

It was the most dialed number in Jackson and had been for almost six decades when the service ended. Learn about the hottest call in Jackson from 1962 to 2019. Continue reading →

Posted in Banking, Breathitt County, Businesses, Firsts, Jackson, Traditions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Christmas Lynching

Posted on December 25, 2025 by sdbowling

A long-running feud between two families led to a bloody jail raid and murder on Christmas Day. Learn about the events from this spectacular trial from 1929. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Breathitt High School, Feuds, Jackson, Murder, Politics, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wife Shoots Husband – Murder or Suicide?

Posted on December 21, 2025 by sdbowling

Peter Combs was shot on the steps leading to his apartment in 1948 by his wife. She was acquitted of the “suicide” by a Breathitt County jury. Learn about this unusual case, often cited as an example of “mountain justice.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Murder, Tragedy, United States Army | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Red Masque Murder Hoax

Posted on November 13, 2025 by sdbowling

The people of Jackson were excited about a high-profile case that was transferred to the Breathitt Circuit Court. They were very satisfied when they learned the truth behind the headlines. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Entertainment, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Alpine Restaraunt

Posted on November 9, 2025 by sdbowling

The Alpine Restaurant opened in 1968 and operated only a short time, but its legacy lives on in the name it left behind. Continue reading →

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Xavier 132 – Lees 0

Posted on October 18, 2025 by sdbowling

Lees College fell to the Musketeers of St. Xavier University in 1927. The unfortunate record stood for some time as the worst defeat in college football history. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Football, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Schools, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Santa Visits Breathitt’s Mystery Boy

Posted on December 25, 2024 by sdbowling

The “Mystery Boy” of Frozen Mountain had an unexpected Christmas in 1950. Learn about the kindness shown to Ross and Charles Ray Smith by strangers hundreds of miles away. Continue reading →

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White Vans and the 1988 Panic

Posted on August 9, 2024 by sdbowling

A disturbed grave in a local cemetery led to a state-wide hysteria related to rumors and fears. Learn about Jackson’s 1988 “Satanic Panic.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Entertainment, Jackson, Tragedy, Unexplained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vice Presidential Nominee Visits Jackson

Posted on July 25, 2024 by sdbowling

The Republican nominee for Vice President rolled into the “Democrat Capital of the Mountains” and won over the crowd. Learn about “Silent Cal’s” visit to Jackson in 1920. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Elections, Jackson, Kentucky River, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jackson Mortician Led State Embalmers

Posted on June 19, 2024 by sdbowling

Lee Porter Ray, once known as “Jackson’s Funeral Director,” served as President of the Kentucky Funeral Directors Association in 1940-1941. He is nearly forgotten in Jackson today. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Military, World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment