[citation needed] In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the peak of the coal boom in Saline County, it was a thriving mining center home to more than 1000 people.

Just south of Ledford was another patch of housing built by the Hungarians, called "Hunky Row" by the locals.

In the early 20th century, these coal mine settlements made up most of the population of Ledford.

Prior to the opening of the coal mines, which began around 1870, the families that were scattered around Saline County were pioneer stock.

At one time, Ledford had a jail, a post office (opened September 30, 1880 – January 30, 1882; reopened Feb. 20, 1892 – Oct. 31, 1935), two catholic Churches, a Baptist church, a parish school, East and West Ledford Schools, several grocery stores, a restaurant, a boarding house, and a pool room.

Ledford even had its own movie star by the stage name of Frances McIntyre, a local actress.

Ledford also boasted large mining factories and industries that left a distinct fog throughout the town.