Founded by the Elk Horn Coal Company in 1916, it was named for the company's president at that time, Jere H. Wheelwright.
Elk Horn leased its mines from the Consolidation Coal.
In 1930, Consolidation sold the Wheelwright coal camp to Inland Steel.
In 1966, Inland Steel sold the camp to Island Creek Coal.
The mine closed in the 1970s.
After the mine was abandoned, the Kentucky Housing Corporation purchased the town, rehabilitated the homes, and sold the homes to residents.

Wheelwright was home to one of the pack horse libraries in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Founded by the Elk Horn Coal Company in 1916, it was named for the company's president at that time, Jere H. Wheelwright. Elk Horn leased its mines from the Consolidation Coal. In 1930, Consolidation sold the Wheelwright coal camp to Inland Steel. In 1966, Inland Steel sold the camp to Island Creek Coal. The mine closed in the 1970s. After the mine was abandoned, the Kentucky Housing Corporation purchased the town, rehabilitated the homes, and sold the homes to residents.
Wheelwright was home to one of the pack horse libraries in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Wheelwright, Kentucky