Fleming-Neon also known as Neon, is a home rule-class city in Letcher County, Kentucky, in the United States. Landmarks include WNKW. Fleming-Neon is the birthplace of Johnny Cox, basketball player.
Fleming-Neon, Kentucky gifts and souvenirs: 18 designs made from Fleming-Neon's own map, landmarks and history, from $16 to $95. Printed to order and shipped free in the USA.
| Popular | Price |
|---|---|
| Fleming-Neon Hometown Ornament | $23 |
| Fleming-Neon Varsity Crewneck | from $57 |
| Fleming-Neon Est. Tee | from $33 |
| Fleming-Neon Town Line Mug | from $26 |
| Fleming-Neon Market Tote | $37 |
Ceramic keepsake, gold ribbon, in 3 styles
The town's story in dates, from its own records, for home or classroom
Map of local landmarks, washable fabric
Heavy-blend fleece, street map printed on the back
Red heavy-blend crewneck, knit-stitch town print
Soft Bella+Canvas jersey
Kids' Bella+Canvas jersey, youth sizes
Bella+Canvas toddler jersey
Bella+Canvas baby bodysuit
Glossy ceramic, dishwasher safe
Weatherproof, for the front walk
24″×16″, printed coir-look fibers, rubber back
12″×12″ printed wood, ready to hang
Soft-touch, zip cover
Sturdy all-over-print tote
Glossy top, cork back
Soft fleece, 50″×60″
20 oz, double-wall stainless
The area that became Neon was originally known as Chip, which served as a lumber yard and storage site for yellow poplar. A post office operated under the name "Chip" from 1902 until 1915. Unlike many surrounding "company towns," Neon was developed by the Letcher Coal and Development Company (also known as the Letcher County Coal and Improvement Company), a local enterprise founded by businessmen from Whitesburg. In 1910, James H. Frazier purchased the 31-acre site from Robert Younts for $3,100.
The developers marketed the town as the "hub" of the Boone's Fork coal fields, selling building and residence lots through public auctions starting in February 1914. Following a period of noted lawlessness, the town was formally incorporated in August 1916 by order of Judge John F. Butler.
Local folklore long maintained that the name "Neon" originated from a train conductor shouting "Knee On" to passengers boarding via a stump. However, primary source records debunk this myth, as the name "Neon" appeared in newspaper reports (The Hazard Herald) as early as November 15, 1912—before the first passenger train reached the town. Significantly, no other stops along the L&E line, such as Hazard, Jackson, or Lexington, ever reported a need for passengers to board the train in such a unique or specialized manner. Furthermore, all contemporary locomotives and passenger cars were equipped with standard steps. A more plausible theory suggests the name was derived from the Greek word neon, meaning "new," reflecting its status as a newly developed town.
Fleming was established in 1913 as a "model city" by the Mineral Fuel Company (later part of the Elkhorn Coal Corporation). Named for company president George W. Fleming, the town was built to house thousands of workers for the nearby mines. By late 1913, Fleming was a booming industrial center with a population of approximately 2,500 people.
For decades, Neon and Fleming operated as separate municipalities separated only by the L&N Railroad tracks. In May 1977, residents of both towns voted to merge their governments to qualify for increased federal revenue sharing and program benefits. James Howard Seals was elected the first mayor of the unified City of Fleming-Neon in November 1977.
Adapted (trimmed) from the Wikipedia article Fleming-Neon, Kentucky, revision 1374413115 by its contributors, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Fleming-Neon's population was 548 in the 2020 U.S. Census, down from 840 in 2000.