According to ALLCITYCODES, Coal City is a small town located in the southern part of West Virginia, in the county of McDowell. It is situated on the banks of the Tug Fork River and is surrounded by several small mountains. Coal City has a population of about 500 people and covers an area of 0.4 square miles.
The terrain in Coal City is mostly hilly, with steep mountain slopes surrounding the valley in which it sits. The area is also known for its coal mining history, which dates back to the 19th century when large amounts of coal were mined from local mines to fuel the industrial revolution.
The climate in Coal City is temperate, with hot summers and cold winters. Average annual temperatures range from lows in the mid-30s Fahrenheit during winter months to highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit during summer months. Rainfall averages around 40 inches per year, with snowfall occurring during winter months.
The landscape surrounding Coal City includes forests, hills, ridges and creeks that are home to a variety of wildlife including whitetail deer, wild turkey and black bear. The Tug Fork River runs through town and offers local residents a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating and swimming. In addition to its natural beauty, Coal City also has several parks for residents to enjoy including Little Beaver State Park and McDowell County Park which both offer playgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy together.
Overall, Coal City provides residents with beautiful views of nature combined with easy access to outdoor recreation activities making it an ideal place for those who love being outdoors and exploring nature’s wonders while still having all the conveniences of modern life nearby.
History of Coal City, West Virginia
According to toppharmacyschools, Coal City, West Virginia is a small town located in McDowell County. It has a population of around 500 people and covers an area of 0.4 square miles. The town has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century when it was first established as a coal mining town.
Originally known as “Coalton,” Coal City was founded in 1883 by two brothers, William and John Nolde, who were coal miners from Pennsylvania. The brothers purchased the land and began mining the local coal seams for sale to nearby factories and businesses. Coal City quickly grew into a bustling mining town with several stores, churches, schools and other establishments being built in the area.
In 1900, Coal City officially became incorporated as a town and soon after it became home to several large coal mines including the Elk Run Coal Company which operated until its closure in 1954 due to labor disputes with workers. During this time period, many of the residents of Coal City were employed by these mines which provided them with steady employment opportunities and helped spur economic growth in the area.
Over the years, Coal City has seen its share of ups and downs but still remains an important part of McDowell County’s history today. In recent years, there has been an effort to revitalize some of its historic buildings including renovating old churches and restoring abandoned homes which are now used as rental properties for local residents.
Today, Coal City is still home to many families who work in nearby coal mines or other industries such as tourism or manufacturing jobs that have been created over time due to its convenient location near larger cities such as Charleston or Beckley. Although it may not be booming like it once was during its heyday as a bustling mining town, Coal City still remains an important part of West Virginia’s history that continues to be appreciated by those who call it home today.
Economy of Coal City, West Virginia
The economy of Coal City, West Virginia is largely based on the coal mining industry. Coal has been mined in the area since the town was founded in 1883, and it remains an important industry to this day. The Elk Run Coal Company operated until its closure in 1954 due to labor disputes with workers, but many other smaller coal mines still exist throughout McDowell County.
Today, the coal mining industry is still a major employer in Coal City and provides hundreds of jobs to local residents. Although the mines are much smaller than they used to be during their heyday, they still provide steady employment opportunities and contribute to the overall economy of McDowell County.
In addition to coal mining, there are also several other industries that contribute to the economy of Coal City. Tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenient location near larger cities such as Charleston or Beckley and its scenic mountain views. There are several tourist attractions such as historical sites, natural parks, and museums that draw visitors from all over the region.
Manufacturing jobs have also been created in Coal City due to its convenient location near larger cities such as Charleston or Beckley. Many companies have moved into McDowell County over time and have taken advantage of its proximity to these larger cities by setting up factories or warehouses that provide jobs for local residents.
Overall, the economy of Coal City is largely based on coal mining but it has diversified over time with other industries such as tourism and manufacturing providing additional economic opportunities for local residents. Although it may not be booming like it once was during its heyday as a bustling mining town, Coal City still remains an important part of West Virginia’s history that continues to be appreciated by those who call it home today.
Politics in Coal City, West Virginia
Coal City, West Virginia is a small town with a population of just over 1,000 people. The politics of Coal City are heavily influenced by the coal mining industry, which has been an important part of the local economy since its founding in 1883. The town is located in McDowell County and is represented in the West Virginia House of Delegates by Republican Jeff Campbell.
The Democratic Party has long been dominant in Coal City, but Republicans have made some gains in recent years. In 2016, Donald Trump won McDowell County with 51% of the vote and many local Republicans have been elected to office since then.
The local government consists of a mayor and four council members who are elected every four years. The current mayor is Democrat David Miller, who was re-elected for his second term in 2020. The council members are all Democrats as well and consist of two women and two men.
The town has been strongly supportive of union workers rights and has seen several labor disputes between miners and coal companies throughout its history. In 1954, the Elk Run Coal Company closed due to labor disputes with workers but many other smaller coal mines still exist throughout McDowell County today.
The town also supports environmental initiatives such as renewable energy sources like solar power and wind energy. In 2017, Coal City became one of the first towns in West Virginia to install solar panels on public buildings to reduce energy costs while helping to protect the environment from pollution caused by burning fossil fuels like coal.
Overall, politics in Coal City are heavily influenced by its deep ties to the coal mining industry while embracing new initiatives such as renewable energy sources that will help protect the environment for future generations. The town is also strongly supportive of union workers rights and has a history of advocating for their rights even in the face of difficult labor disputes.