Cities and Towns in Mason County, West Virginia
Founded in 1804, Mason County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Mason County was formed from Kanawha County. The city of Point Pleasant is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, Mason County has a population of 25,157 and area of 432 square miles (1,119 km²).
List of all cities in Mason County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Apple Grove, WV | 25502 | 304 |
| Arbuckle, WV | 25123 | 304 |
| Ashton, WV | 25503 | 304 |
| Clifton, WV | 25260 | 304 |
| Gallipolis Ferry, WV | 25515 | 304 |
| Glenwood, WV | 25520 | 304 |
| Hartford, WV | 25247 | 304 |
| Henderson, WV | 25106 | 304 |
| Lakin, WV | 25287 | 304 |
| Leon, WV | 25123 | 304 |
| Letart, WV | 25253 | 304 |
| Mason, WV | 25260 | 304 |
| Mount Alto, WV | 25264 | 304 |
| New Haven, WV | 25265 | 304 |
| Point Pleasant, WV | 25550 | 304 |
| Robertsburg, WV | 25123 | 304 |
| Southside, WV | 25187 | 304 |
| West Columbia, WV | 25287 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mason County, West Virginia
Mason County is located in the southwestern part of West Virginia, along the Ohio River. It was formed in 1804 and named after George Mason, a Founding Father of the United States. The county is known for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and small rural communities. Agriculture, river transport, and industry, especially related to coal and natural gas, have been important to the county’s economy. Over the years, Mason County has become a desirable area for tourism, with attractions like the Ohio River, nature parks, and the historic town of Point Pleasant. Below are some of the key cities and towns in Mason County.
Point Pleasant
Location and History
Point Pleasant, the county seat of Mason County, is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. The town was established in 1794 and has a deep historical significance. It is best known for the Battle of Point Pleasant, which occurred in 1774 during Lord Dunmore’s War between Virginia militia and Native American forces. The battle is often considered the first major military engagement in the western frontier. Over time, Point Pleasant grew as a river town, with transportation and trade along the Ohio River playing a vital role in its development. In the 20th century, Point Pleasant became known for its involvement in the manufacturing and coal industries, but today it serves as a center for tourism and local events, attracting visitors with its historical sites and scenic beauty.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,300
- Zip Codes: 25550
- Latitude: 38.8469° N
- Longitude: 82.1445° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Point Pleasant is home to several educational institutions, including Point Pleasant High School and Mason County Career Center, providing quality education for students in the area. The town is also served by local elementary and middle schools, making it a center for education in the region. Among the town’s major landmarks is the Point Pleasant Riverfront Park, offering scenic views of the Ohio River and recreational activities. The town also houses the Mothman Museum, dedicated to the mysterious Mothman creature that was sighted in the area during the 1960s, a local legend that draws many visitors each year. The Battle of Point Pleasant Monument, which commemorates the historic battle, is another significant landmark. Point Pleasant’s charming downtown district offers a variety of local shops and restaurants, while nearby outdoor recreation areas, like the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, add to the town’s appeal.
Mason
Location and History
Mason is a small town located in the northeastern part of Mason County, along the Ohio River. The town was originally settled in the early 19th century and was incorporated in 1848. Like many communities in the region, Mason grew as a result of its proximity to the Ohio River, which served as a major transportation route for goods such as coal, timber, and agricultural products. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mason was a hub for riverboat traffic and river-based commerce, contributing to its economic vitality. Today, Mason is a quieter, more rural community, but it still retains a strong connection to its river-based history. While the area has transitioned away from industry, the town remains an important part of the region’s cultural and economic landscape.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400
- Zip Codes: 25260
- Latitude: 38.8493° N
- Longitude: 81.8774° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mason is served by the Mason County School District, with students attending the local Mason Elementary School and other nearby schools. The town is also within reasonable driving distance to larger towns with higher educational opportunities. The most notable landmark in Mason is the historic Mason County Courthouse, a stately building that has long served as the center of government in the county. Another significant landmark is the old river docks and the remains of 19th-century riverboats that were once a common sight in the town. Visitors can also explore nearby natural areas, such as the Ohio River and local parks, offering recreational activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Mason’s small-town charm, combined with its riverfront location, makes it a pleasant place to visit or call home.
New Haven
Location and History
New Haven is a small town located in the southern part of Mason County, along the Ohio River. It was established in the early 19th century and incorporated in 1854. The town grew around the river’s importance as a transportation route for goods and as a hub for the region’s agriculture and industrial output. New Haven’s history is closely tied to the coal industry and manufacturing, which helped the town to flourish during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, like many towns in the region, New Haven has faced economic challenges with the decline of coal mining and heavy industry. Today, the town is primarily residential, with its economy focusing on local services and small businesses. It remains a quiet, close-knit community that values its historical roots and scenic surroundings.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800
- Zip Codes: 25265
- Latitude: 38.8241° N
- Longitude: 81.9191° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Haven is part of the Mason County School District, with students attending New Haven Elementary School, which serves the local community. The town does not have a high school, so students generally attend schools in larger nearby towns. Key landmarks in New Haven include the New Haven Memorial Park, a local green space that hosts events and provides recreational opportunities such as sports fields and walking trails. The town also features several historical buildings that reflect its rich past as a river town, including old warehouses and homes dating back to the 19th century. The town’s location along the Ohio River offers scenic views and recreational activities like fishing and boating, making it an attractive location for those who appreciate the outdoors.
Glenwood
Location and History
Glenwood is a small community in the western part of Mason County, located near the Ohio River. Founded in the late 19th century, Glenwood developed as an agricultural and residential area, with a particular focus on farming and river transport. Although the town never grew as large as others in the county, it became a peaceful farming community with a strong local identity. The history of Glenwood is intertwined with that of the surrounding countryside, which was settled by pioneers and farmers who cultivated the fertile land along the river. Today, Glenwood remains a rural area with a limited population but is known for its scenic beauty and quiet, country lifestyle.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 25520
- Latitude: 38.8521° N
- Longitude: 81.8012° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glenwood is served by the Mason County School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby towns. While the town is small, it is part of a greater network of local communities, making it accessible to educational opportunities in larger areas. The town’s main landmark is the surrounding rural landscape, which offers scenic views of the Ohio River and the hills of West Virginia. There are several small parks and local recreation areas, providing opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and hiking. The rural charm of Glenwood, along with its proximity to the river, makes it a quiet, idyllic place to live.
Summary of Mason County Landmarks and Schools
Location and History
Mason County is known for its historic river towns, such as Point Pleasant, Mason, New Haven, and Glenwood, which have deep ties to the Ohio River, coal mining, and agriculture. These towns have evolved over time, transitioning from industrial centers to quieter, residential communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Educational institutions in Mason County include local schools such as Point Pleasant High School and New Haven Elementary School. Several landmarks are scattered throughout the county, such as the Battle of Point Pleasant Monument, the Mothman Museum, and the historic courthouses. The scenic Ohio River and nearby parks are major recreational assets, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Despite the decline of industry, Mason County’s history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and provide a strong sense of community for its residents.
