Cities and Towns in McDowell County, West Virginia
Founded in 1858, McDowell County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, McDowell County was formed from Tazewell County (Virginia). The city of Welch is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, McDowell County has a population of 18,363 and area of 535 square miles (1,386 km²).
List of all cities in McDowell County, WV alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Algoma, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Anawalt, WV | 24808 | 304 |
Asco, WV | 24828 | 304 |
Ashland, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Atwell, WV | 24879 | 304 |
Avondale, WV | 24811 | 304 |
Bartley, WV | 24813 | 304 |
Berwind, WV | 24815 | 304 |
Big Sandy, WV | 24816 | 304 |
Bradshaw, WV | 24817 | 304 |
Canebrake, WV | 24815 | 304 |
Capels, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Caretta, WV | 24892 | 304 |
Coalwood, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Crumpler, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Cucumber, WV | 24826 | 304 |
Davy, WV | 24828 | 304 |
Eckman, WV | 24829 | 304 |
Elbert, WV | 24830 | 304 |
Elkhorn, WV | 24831 | 304 |
English, WV | 24892 | 304 |
Filbert, WV | 24830 | 304 |
Garland, WV | 24811 | 304 |
Gary, WV | 24836 | 304 |
Havaco, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Hemphill, WV | 24842 | 304 |
Hensley, WV | 24843 | 304 |
Iaeger, WV | 24844 | 304 |
Isaban, WV | 24846 | 304 |
Jenkinjones, WV | 24848 | 304 |
Jolo, WV | 24850 | 304 |
Keystone, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Kimball, WV | 24853 | 304 |
Kyle, WV | 24855 | 304 |
Leckie, WV | 24808 | 304 |
Maitland, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Maybeury, WV | 24861 | 304 |
Mc Dowell, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Mohawk, WV | 24862 | 304 |
Newhall, WV | 24866 | 304 |
Northfork, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Pageton, WV | 24871 | 304 |
Panther, WV | 24872 | 304 |
Paynesville, WV | 24873 | 304 |
Powhatan, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Premier, WV | 24878 | 304 |
Raysal, WV | 24879 | 304 |
Roderfield, WV | 24881 | 304 |
Skygusty, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Squire, WV | 24884 | 304 |
Steeles, WV | 24844 | 304 |
Superior, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Switchback, WV | 24887 | 304 |
Thorpe, WV | 24888 | 304 |
Twin Branch, WV | 24828 | 304 |
Vallscreek, WV | 24815 | 304 |
Vivian, WV | 24853 | 304 |
War, WV | 24892 | 304 |
Warriormine, WV | 24894 | 304 |
Welch, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Wilcoe, WV | 24895 | 304 |
Wolf Pen, WV | 24801 | 304 |
Worth, WV | 24868 | 304 |
Yukon, WV | 24892 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in McDowell County, West Virginia
McDowell County, located in the southern part of West Virginia, is known for its rugged mountain landscapes, coal mining heritage, and small communities. The county was established in 1858 and became a significant coal-producing region, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the coal industry once provided the foundation of the local economy, the decline of coal production has led to shifts in the region’s economic focus. Today, McDowell County is transitioning with an emphasis on revitalization efforts, outdoor recreation, and community development. Despite economic challenges, the county retains a strong cultural identity rooted in its coal mining past. Below are some of the key cities and towns in McDowell County.
Welch
Location and History
Welch is the county seat of McDowell County and is located in the Appalachian Mountains, near the Tug Fork River. Incorporated in 1891, Welch developed around the coal mining industry, which brought prosperity to the region during the early 20th century. The town was named after the Welsh brothers, who were instrumental in the region’s coal operations. During its peak, Welch was known as the “Heart of the Coalfields” and became an important transportation hub with rail lines connecting the region to national markets. However, as coal production declined, Welch, like much of the county, faced economic hardship. In recent years, the town has been working to reinvent itself with a focus on education, tourism, and healthcare, aiming to preserve its rich history while adapting to modern challenges.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,800
- Zip Codes: 24801
- Latitude: 37.4264° N
- Longitude: 81.5740° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Welch is home to several educational institutions, including Welch Elementary School and Mountain View High School. The town is also within proximity to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College in nearby Williamson, which provides higher education opportunities. Major landmarks in Welch include the McDowell County Courthouse, a historic building that is a focal point of the town’s legal and civic life. The Welch City Park, a popular spot for local events and recreation, offers walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The town also preserves elements of its coal mining heritage, with structures like the “Welch Coal Miners Memorial” honoring the legacy of those who worked in the mines. The nearby streams and mountains provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Bradshaw
Location and History
Bradshaw is a small town located in the northern part of McDowell County, nestled in the mountains along the Tug Fork River. The town was founded in the late 19th century, largely as a coal mining community, and its growth was tied to the extraction of coal from the nearby hills. Bradshaw’s proximity to railroads and major mining operations allowed it to become a bustling center for local trade and industry during its early years. Today, Bradshaw is a quieter, residential town that reflects the broader challenges faced by McDowell County, including the decline of coal mining and the outmigration of younger residents seeking employment elsewhere. However, the town maintains a strong sense of community and is actively involved in efforts to revitalize the area.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Codes: 24817
- Latitude: 37.4404° N
- Longitude: 81.5201° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bradshaw is part of the McDowell County School District, with students attending nearby schools in neighboring towns. The town does not have its own major educational institutions but benefits from regional schools that provide a variety of grade levels. Bradshaw is also within a short drive of larger towns, offering residents access to higher education facilities and other services. In terms of landmarks, Bradshaw features several historic coal mining structures, including old mining camps and rail stations that tell the story of the town’s industrial past. The surrounding mountains and streams offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and fishing. Bradshaw also maintains a strong sense of community, with local events and gatherings helping to preserve its cultural identity.
Iaeger
Location and History
Iaeger is a small town in McDowell County, located in the southwestern portion of the county, along the Tug Fork River. Like many towns in the region, Iaeger was founded during the coal boom of the late 19th century, and its growth was closely linked to the development of the local mining industry. The town’s population peaked in the early 20th century but has since declined, following the collapse of the coal industry in the area. Iaeger, like other towns in McDowell County, faces challenges such as economic transition and depopulation but remains a tight-knit community. The town was incorporated in 1913 and has a rich history of both hard labor and tight community bonds that have helped it endure despite difficult economic times.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100
- Zip Codes: 24844
- Latitude: 37.4641° N
- Longitude: 81.4412° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Iaeger is served by the McDowell County School District, with local students attending Iaeger Elementary School and Iaeger High School. The town is part of the broader McDowell County education system, which offers both elementary and secondary education. In terms of landmarks, Iaeger preserves its coal mining history through sites like the Iaeger Depot, an old railroad station that was vital to the coal industry. The surrounding mountains and forests provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. Iaeger also offers a peaceful, rural setting that appeals to those looking for a quieter way of life, while being close enough to larger towns like Welch for access to amenities and services.
Kimball
Location and History
Kimball is a small town in the southern part of McDowell County, situated near the Virginia border. Founded in the late 19th century, Kimball was once a thriving coal mining town, known for its mines and its central role in the local coal economy. The town was named after Charles Kimball, a railroad executive who played a key role in the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure. During the peak of coal production, Kimball was a bustling community with numerous coal camps and railroad activity. However, as the coal industry declined, Kimball’s population also dwindled. Despite these challenges, Kimball retains its historical charm and is a symbol of the resilience of small Appalachian communities.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Codes: 24853
- Latitude: 37.3240° N
- Longitude: 81.4210° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kimball is part of the McDowell County School District, and students from the area attend schools in nearby towns. Kimball is home to a few small community centers and local parks where residents gather for events and activities. The town has several landmarks related to its coal mining past, including remnants of old railways and mining equipment that tell the story of Kimball’s industrial heritage. The nearby mountains provide outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping, attracting visitors who enjoy the natural beauty of the region. While small, Kimball serves as a quiet, rural community that continues to maintain its historical identity.
Summary of McDowell County Landmarks and Schools
Location and History
McDowell County is a region deeply rooted in the coal mining industry, with towns like Welch, Bradshaw, Iaeger, and Kimball playing significant roles in the history of the Appalachian coalfields. The county has faced significant challenges as coal mining has declined, but it remains a community with a rich cultural heritage tied to its past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Educational opportunities in McDowell County are provided by a mix of local schools in towns like Welch and Iaeger, as well as regional higher education institutions such as the University of Southern West Virginia. Key landmarks in the county include historical mining sites, old railroads, and the McDowell County Courthouse in Welch. The surrounding natural beauty, including the Appalachian mountains and Tug Fork River, offers recreational opportunities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Despite its economic struggles, McDowell County retains its charm and is working toward revitalization and preserving its historical and cultural identity.