McCreary County, KY was formed in 1912 by taking portions of now neighboring Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley Counties. The early days of the county were influenced heavily by the coal and lumber industries, with Stearns Coal & Lumber Company employing many of the county's early residents.

McCreary County is located in southeastern Kentucky, within the boundaries of both the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. With so much federally owned, public land, locals and visitors can experience nature first hand in a way not available in most areas.

McCreary County has no incorporated cities, being governed solely by the county fiscal court(known as county commissions in some states), with a number of unincorporated communities(Whitley City, Pine Knot, Stearns, Marshes Siding, Strunk and others).

We are Scenic McCreary County: It's Our Nature!