Mouthcard, Kentucky
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Mouthcard is a small unincorporated community on the state line of Virginia in Pike County, Kentucky, United States. It is nestled on the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River in the heart of the Appalachians. U.S. Route 460 runs through Mouthcard to meet U.S. Route 23 in Pikeville, the county seat.
The name Mouthcard, like so many geographical names in Kentucky is more of a description than anything. Mouthcard is at the mouth of two creeks: Big Card Creek, and Little Card Creek. Looming over both creeks and Mouthcard is Card Mountain.
In a part of Mouthcard known as Toonerville, an ancient Indian burial ground was discovered and some of the artifacts are on display at the Breaks Interstate Park- about 25 miles from Mouthcard.
Mouthcard was founded by the Ramey family over 200 years ago. They were deeply involved in railroad and Logging companies throughout the area, which also gave them rights to a large amount of land throughout the region. Another Strong family in the community is the Belcher's, who has helped operate the church since its birth. Their is a relation between the two families, but no one is certain. Other dominant families include the Hunts, Elswicks, and the Taylors.(all related to the Ramey clan).
In 1977, Mouthcard suffered greatly from the flood of 1977: many homes were lost and many residents injured, but no one was killed in the raging waters of the Levisa River.
The life of the community lies around its church, Mouthcard Baptist Church. It was founded in 1890 by Corbett Belcher and Alex Ramey Sr, and is the oldest known church in the Pike County Association of Southern Baptists. This church plays host to many community events. The present Pastor is Joe Tuttle, while the Song Minister is Bill Minckley.
There are no major stores in Mouthcard: in fact, the closest Walmart in the area is Pikeville, 23 miles away. It does, however, host an auto parts store, several gas stations, a horde of Beauticians, and a locally owned grocery store.
Once a year, the community celebrates its residents by having "Mouthcard Community Day" every year. This is where all the people from the area get together for a free soup bean dinner, free concert, and free fun and games.
Local communities also feed from and give to Mouthcard. One of which is Fedscreek: which plays hosts to the local elementary school. Another is Lick Creek, which hosts the home of the Warriors- East Ridge High School.
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