Bragiss

Bragiss is a small unincorporated community situated in the northeastern part of the state of Kentucky, United States. The community lies within the boundaries of Carter County, approximately 18 miles north‑east of the city of Irvine, the county seat. It is located along State Route 32, which connects Bragiss with the nearby town of Catlettsburg and Interstate 64. The area is part of the Appalachian foothills, characterized by rolling hills, dense hardwood forests, and the presence of the Big Lick Creek, a tributary of the Big Sandy River.

The name “Bragiss” is believed to have derived from a variant of the surname Bragg, which was common among early settlers in the region during the early 19th century. The first recorded appearance of the name in county records dates to 1837, when a cabin was erected by Daniel Bragg and his family. Over the ensuing decades, a small cluster of homes and a general store developed, serving the local agricultural community. The community’s modest growth was largely halted after the construction of the Big Sandy Intermodal Terminal in the 1990s, which diverted commercial traffic and trade routes away from Bragiss.

Today, Bragiss remains largely rural and is known for its picturesque countryside and the historic Bragiss Baptist Church, which was founded in 1875 and still serves as a community gathering place. The church maintains its original Gothic Revival architecture, contributing to the region’s historical landscape. Bragiss also lies near the Bragiss Conservation Area, a 1,200‑acre tract managed by the Kentucky Division of State Parks; the area offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs about Appalachian ecosystems. Although small in population, Bragiss is regarded as part of the broader Appalachian cultural heritage, and it occasionally hosts annual festivals celebrating local crafts, music, and regional cuisine.