Forgotten Company Towns Of West Virginia’s Coal Country

Have you ever wondered about the forgotten company towns of West Virginia's coal country? These towns, once bustling with life, now stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. In the early 20th century, coal mining was the lifeblood of West Virginia. Entire communities sprang up around mines, with companies providing homes, schools, and stores. However, as the demand for coal dwindled, many of these towns were abandoned. Today, they offer a unique glimpse into the past, with crumbling buildings and overgrown streets telling stories of hard work and community spirit. Let's take a closer look at these forgotten company towns and their fascinating history.

Forgotten Company Towns of West Virginia's Coal Country

West Virginia's coal country is dotted with company towns that once thrived during the coal mining boom. These towns, built by coal companies, housed miners and their families, creating tight-knit communities. Today, many of these towns are forgotten, but they hold a rich history worth exploring.

Richwood

Nestled in the mountains, Richwood was once a bustling lumber and coal town. Known as the "Ramp Capital of the World," it hosted the annual Ramp Festival, celebrating the wild leek native to the area.

1. Richwood High School: This historic building now serves as a community center, preserving the town's educational heritage.
2. Cherry River Boom and Lumber Company: Once the heart of Richwood's economy, this site offers a glimpse into the town's industrial past.
3. Richwood Historic District: Walk through the streets lined with early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the town's prosperous days.

Thurmond

Thurmond, a ghost town today, was once a thriving rail hub. Its well-preserved buildings tell the story of a town that played a crucial role in the coal industry.

4. Thurmond Depot: This restored train station now serves as a visitor center, offering insights into the town's railroading history.
5. Dun Glen Hotel: Once the social center of Thurmond, this hotel hosted grand events and was known for its elegance.
6. Main Street: Stroll down this historic street, where buildings remain largely unchanged since the early 1900s.

Nuttallburg

Nuttallburg, founded by English immigrant John Nuttall, became one of the most significant mining towns in the New River Gorge area. Its remnants offer a fascinating look into the past.

7. Nuttallburg Tipple: This coal processing structure is one of the best-preserved examples of early mining technology.
8. Conveyor System: The extensive conveyor system, used to transport coal, showcases the ingenuity of early mining operations.
9. Nuttallburg Mine Entrance: Peek into the mine entrance to imagine the challenging conditions miners faced daily.

Kaymoor

Kaymoor, another ghost town in the New River Gorge, was once a bustling mining community. Its ruins are a testament to the hard work and resilience of its inhabitants.

10. Kaymoor Miners Trail: Hike this trail to see the remains of the town, including the mine entrance and processing plant.
11. Kaymoor One Mine: This mine was one of the most productive in the area, and its ruins offer a glimpse into the mining process.
12. Kaymoor Coal Tipple: The tipple, where coal was sorted and loaded, stands as a reminder of the town's industrial past.

Bramwell

Bramwell, known as the "Millionaire Town," was home to many wealthy coal barons. Its grand homes and historic buildings reflect the prosperity brought by the coal industry.

13. Bramwell Historic District: Explore the well-preserved homes and buildings that showcase the town's opulent past.
14. Bramwell Depot: This historic train station now serves as a museum, highlighting the town's rich history.
15. Pocahontas Exhibition Mine: Just outside Bramwell, this mine offers tours that provide a firsthand look at coal mining life.

Coalwood

Coalwood gained fame through the memoir "Rocket Boys" by Homer Hickam, which inspired the movie "October Sky." This town's story is one of dreams and determination.

16. Rocket Boys Festival: Held annually, this festival celebrates the town's connection to space exploration and the achievements of its famous residents.
17. Coalwood High School: Visit the school where the Rocket Boys' journey began, now a symbol of the town's legacy.
18. Cape Coalwood: The launch site where the Rocket Boys tested their rockets, a testament to their ingenuity and perseverance.

Glen Jean

Glen Jean, once a bustling coal town, now serves as the gateway to the New River Gorge National Park. Its historic buildings and sites offer a glimpse into its past.

19. Glen Jean Bank: This historic bank building now serves as a visitor center, providing information about the town and the surrounding area.
20. Glen Jean Historic District: Walk through the district to see well-preserved buildings that reflect the town's coal mining heritage.
21. New River Gorge National Park: Explore the park's stunning landscapes and learn about the region's coal mining history.

Preserving the Legacy of West Virginia's Coal Towns

West Virginia's forgotten company towns hold a rich history. These towns were once bustling centers of coal mining activity. Today, many lie abandoned, but their stories remain. Visiting these places offers a glimpse into the past, showing the hard work and community spirit of the miners and their families.

Efforts to preserve these towns are crucial. They serve as reminders of the state's industrial heritage. Local museums and historical societies play a big role in keeping these memories alive. Exploring these towns can be a unique experience, blending history with adventure.

Next time you're in West Virginia, consider a trip to these historic sites. You'll not only learn about the past but also help keep the legacy of these coal towns alive. It's a journey worth taking, filled with stories waiting to be discovered.