Cities and Towns in Mineral County, West Virginia
Founded in 1866, Mineral County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Mineral County was formed from Hampshire County. The city of Keyser is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Mineral County has a population of 26,857 and area of 328 square miles (850 km²).
List of all cities in Mineral County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Burlington, WV | 26710 | 304 |
| Elk Garden, WV | 26717 | 304 |
| Fort Ashby, WV | 26719 | 304 |
| Keyser, WV | 26726 | 304 |
| Medley, WV | 26710 | 304 |
| New Creek, WV | 26743 | 304 |
| Patterson Creek, WV | 26753 | 304 |
| Patterson Crk, WV | 26753 | 304 |
| Piedmont, WV | 26750 | 304 |
| Ridgeley, WV | 26753 | 304 |
| Rocket Center, WV | 26726 | 304 |
| Scherr, WV | 26726 | 304 |
| Short Gap, WV | 26726 | 304 |
| Wiley Ford, WV | 26767 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mineral County, West Virginia
Mineral County, located in the eastern part of West Virginia, is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and rich history tied to mining and transportation. The county was formed in 1866, and it is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Potomac River and the Allegheny Mountains run through the county, providing a mix of flat lands and mountainous regions. Historically, the county was shaped by industries such as coal mining, timber, and railroads, which played a significant role in its development. Today, Mineral County’s economy includes industries like tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, while the county retains its historical charm and natural beauty. Below are the major cities and towns in Mineral County, each with its unique history, schools, and landmarks.
Keyser
Location and History
Keyser is the largest city and county seat of Mineral County, located along the Potomac River. It was originally established in the mid-19th century as a railroad town and played a key role in the development of the region’s transportation network. Keyser was named after the railroad magnate, James Keyser, whose efforts to build the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad helped the town become a significant commercial hub. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Keyser became an important center for coal mining, with the industry providing jobs and contributing to the town’s growth. Despite the decline of coal mining in recent decades, Keyser remains a vital part of Mineral County and continues to serve as an economic and cultural hub for the surrounding area.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,200
- Zip Codes: 26726
- Latitude: 39.4367° N
- Longitude: 78.9830° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Keyser is home to several educational institutions, including Keyser High School and Potomac State College of West Virginia University. These schools provide a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students in the area. The town features several important landmarks, such as the historic Potomac State College campus, which was established in 1901 and still serves as a hub for higher education. Keyser also boasts the Potomac River, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The town is known for its vibrant downtown area, which features historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants. The nearby Blackwater Falls State Park provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Ridgeley
Location and History
Ridgeley is a small town located just across the river from Keyser, West Virginia, and is often considered a suburb of Keyser. Founded in the mid-19th century, Ridgeley grew up around the railroad industry, which helped link the area to the rest of the region. The town was originally established as a railroad station and served as a crucial stop for both freight and passengers traveling along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Like much of the region, Ridgeley was historically dependent on coal mining, and the local economy was built around the extraction and transportation of coal. Although Ridgeley is now a small community, it has retained much of its historical charm and serves as an important residential area for people who work in Keyser and other nearby towns.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300
- Zip Codes: 26753
- Latitude: 39.4333° N
- Longitude: 78.7667° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ridgeley is served by the Mineral County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Keyser. The town is home to a few local businesses and is known for its quiet, residential atmosphere. A major landmark in Ridgeley is the Ridgeley Park, which provides a place for outdoor activities and community events. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces for recreation. Ridgeley is also located near the Potomac River, providing residents with easy access to water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. The town’s location near Keyser also means that residents have access to Keyser’s larger range of services, shopping, and dining options. Ridgeley remains a peaceful community with a rich history connected to the railroad and coal industries.
Burlington
Location and History
Burlington is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Mineral County, West Virginia. It is situated along the South Branch of the Potomac River and is known for its serene, rural atmosphere. The town was originally settled in the early 19th century and served as a transportation hub due to its proximity to the river. Burlington became an important center for trade, particularly during the 19th century when steamboats traveled along the Potomac. Like many towns in the region, Burlington’s economy was traditionally based on farming and the natural resources of the area, including timber and coal. Over time, the town has become a quiet, residential community known for its rural charm and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and river.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250
- Zip Codes: 26710
- Latitude: 39.2890° N
- Longitude: 78.6507° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Burlington is served by the Mineral County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby towns such as Keyser. The town is small, with few commercial establishments, but its natural beauty and rural setting make it an attractive place for residents looking to escape the bustle of city life. Burlington’s location along the South Branch of the Potomac River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the outdoors. The nearby Allegheny Mountains provide hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities, making the town a popular spot for nature lovers. Burlington’s peaceful surroundings and its historical connection to river transport give it a unique character in Mineral County.
Fort Ashby
Location and History
Fort Ashby is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Mineral County. The town’s history dates back to the 18th century, when it was the site of a military fortification during the French and Indian War. The fort was established in 1755 by Colonel George Washington’s troops to protect settlers from Native American raids. The fort, which was named after Colonel Ashby, was later abandoned after the war, but the town of Fort Ashby grew up around the site. The area became a settlement in the early 19th century and remained a small but important community throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Fort Ashby is a quiet, residential community known for its rural charm and its historical significance as a frontier fort.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 26719
- Latitude: 39.4333° N
- Longitude: 78.7817° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fort Ashby is served by the Mineral County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Keyser. The community has several historical landmarks, including the site of the original Fort Ashby, which is now marked by a monument commemorating its role in the French and Indian War. Fort Ashby is also home to the Fort Ashby Park, which provides recreational space for local residents, including walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The nearby Potomac River offers additional opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking, while the surrounding Allegheny Mountains provide scenic views and hiking opportunities. Fort Ashby remains a small, historic town with a strong sense of community and pride in its past.
Summary of Mineral County Landmarks and Schools
Location and History
Mineral County, West Virginia, is a county that balances rich industrial history with natural beauty. Many of the towns and cities in the county, such as Keyser and Ridgeley, were shaped by the coal industry and railroads, which spurred growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the years, the county’s economy has diversified, but the history of mining and transportation remains a strong part of its identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
In terms of education, Mineral County is served by several public schools, including Keyser High School and Potomac State College. Major landmarks in the county include the historic Potomac State College, the Potomac River for outdoor recreation, and several parks and memorials, including the site of Fort Ashby. These landmarks provide both historical context and outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors, making Mineral County a unique blend of past and present. The county’s natural surroundings, including rivers and mountains, continue to make it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
