Appalachian Kentucky: Some Comments Concerning Poverty and the Nature of the Banking Network in the Region

The Appalachian region has been a core of poverty for many decades. In this research, some changes in the extent and nature Qf poverty in the region are presented that suggest despite extensive programs designed to combat poverty, a core of intense poverty still persists. While significant improvements have been made in such areas as transportation, it seems clear that some roots of poverty in the region have not been addressed. It is argued that one neglected area involves the banking network in eastern Kentucky. This contention is supported by analyzing banking data concerning the internal banking network within the region, as well as the banks' external connections.