Booneville, Kentucky, the seat of Owsley County, was founded in 1843 and named after Daniel Boone. With the South Fork of the Kentucky River winding nearby, it grew as a small frontier town. But Booneville’s story carries controversy. Owsley County is often labeled one of the poorest in America, with national media pointing to high poverty rates and struggling infrastructure. Locals argue those labels tell only part of the story, overlooking resilience, pride, and deep Appalachian traditions. Bo