Cities and Towns in Nicholas County, West Virginia
Founded in 1818, Nicholas County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Nicholas County was formed from Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Randolph counties. The city of Summersville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 67, Nicholas County has a population of 24,300 and area of 649 square miles (1,681 km²).
List of all cities in Nicholas County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Belva, WV | 26656 | 304 |
| Birch River, WV | 26610 | 304 |
| Calvin, WV | 26660 | 304 |
| Canvas, WV | 26662 | 304 |
| Cottle, WV | 26205 | 304 |
| Craigsville, WV | 26205 | 304 |
| Dixie, WV | 25059 | 304 |
| Drennen, WV | 26667 | 304 |
| Fenwick, WV | 26202 | 304 |
| Gilboa, WV | 26671 | 304 |
| Jodie, WV | 26690 | 304 |
| Keslers Cross Lanes, WV | 26675 | 304 |
| Leivasy, WV | 26676 | 304 |
| Mount Lookout, WV | 26678 | 304 |
| Mount Nebo, WV | 26679 | 304 |
| Nettie, WV | 26681 | 304 |
| Poe, WV | 26675 | 304 |
| Pool, WV | 26684 | 304 |
| Richwood, WV | 26261 | 304 |
| Runa, WV | 26679 | 304 |
| Summersville, WV | 26651 | 304 |
| Swiss, WV | 26690 | 304 |
| Tioga, WV | 26691 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Nicholas County, West Virginia
Nicholas County, located in central West Virginia, is known for its scenic beauty, mountainous terrain, and rich history. The county is home to both small towns and rural communities, each with a unique history and a connection to the surrounding natural environment. The county’s economy historically relied on agriculture, coal mining, and logging, though tourism has become increasingly important in recent years due to the area’s natural parks, rivers, and recreational activities. Below are some of the major cities and towns in Nicholas County, each with its own distinct history and modern-day significance.
Summersville
Location and History
Summersville, the county seat of Nicholas County, is situated along the Gauley River. It was founded in the early 19th century and was named after the Summers family, early settlers in the area. Summersville’s economy initially focused on agriculture and trade, but it grew significantly with the development of the coal industry in the 20th century. The construction of Summersville Dam in 1966, which created Summersville Lake, dramatically changed the town’s economic landscape by making it a popular tourist destination. Today, Summersville is known as the “Gateway to the Gauley River” due to its location near Gauley River National Recreation Area and the New River Gorge National Park. The town’s growth has been fueled by both its history and its outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,000
- Zip Codes: 26651
- Latitude: 38.2701° N
- Longitude: 80.5686° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Summersville is served by the Nicholas County School District, with Summersville Middle School and Nicholas County High School providing education for local children. The town’s major landmarks include Summersville Lake, one of the largest lakes in West Virginia, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Summersville Dam, part of the lake’s creation, is another prominent landmark. Summersville is also home to the Nicholas County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the area’s history, including its role in the coal industry. The town is a popular base for outdoor activities, with nearby parks like the Gauley River National Recreation Area offering hiking, rafting, and wildlife observation. Summersville’s combination of scenic beauty, history, and recreational opportunities makes it a key destination in Nicholas County.
Richwood
Location and History
Richwood is located in the western part of Nicholas County, near the Monongahela National Forest. Originally founded as a railroad town in the late 1800s, Richwood grew as an industrial hub due to its location near the Cherry River, which facilitated logging and transportation. The town was named for the rich forests in the area, and it became a center for timber production during the early 20th century. Richwood also benefited from the coal boom in the region, and the town’s economy remained tied to these industries for many years. While the decline of the timber and coal industries led to a decrease in population, Richwood remains a key part of Nicholas County with a strong community spirit and a reputation for its historic downtown and access to the natural beauty of the surrounding forests.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 26261
- Latitude: 38.2523° N
- Longitude: 80.4602° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Richwood is served by the Nicholas County School District, with students attending Richwood High School and Richwood Middle School. The town’s history is reflected in landmarks such as the historic downtown area, which features several buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Richwood also boasts a variety of outdoor activities due to its proximity to the Monongahela National Forest, offering hiking, fishing, and camping. The nearby Cranberry Wilderness and the Cherry River provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching and nature exploration. Richwood’s community events, such as the annual Richwood Heritage Festival, celebrate the town’s industrial past and provide opportunities for local artisans and vendors to showcase their work. Richwood’s natural surroundings, combined with its history, make it an attractive place for both residents and visitors seeking a rural lifestyle with access to the outdoors.
Canvas
Location and History
Canvas is a small unincorporated community located in the southern part of Nicholas County. Founded in the late 19th century, Canvas was originally a farming and timber community. The name “Canvas” is believed to come from the local canvas factory that once operated in the area. Over the years, the town remained relatively small and rural, with agriculture and timber as the primary industries. Despite its small size, Canvas has a strong sense of community and has maintained much of its traditional rural character. The town’s location near the New River Gorge National Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the area.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100
- Zip Codes: 26662
- Latitude: 38.1111° N
- Longitude: 80.8674° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Canvas is part of the Nicholas County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Richwood or Summersville. While the town itself is small, its history is evident in its well-preserved rural homes and buildings. Nearby, the New River Gorge National Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting, making it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. Canvas also features the nearby Glade Creek Grist Mill, a historic structure that is open to the public and serves as a symbol of the area’s agricultural past. The town’s quiet rural atmosphere, combined with its proximity to major outdoor attractions, makes it an appealing destination for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
The Settlement of Nicholas County
Location and History
Nicholas County was established in 1818 and is named after Wilson Cary Nicholas, a former governor of Virginia. The county is located in central West Virginia and was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county’s early economy was based on farming, logging, and coal mining. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Nicholas County grew as a center for timber and coal production, and the arrival of the railroad helped further develop the region. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, including the New River Gorge National Park, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Despite a decline in mining and industrial work, Nicholas County remains a rural area with a strong connection to its agricultural and cultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nicholas County is served by the Nicholas County School District, which provides educational opportunities from elementary to high school. Major landmarks in the county include the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the most famous structures in West Virginia, and the Cranberry Wilderness Area, which offers some of the best hiking and outdoor experiences in the state. The county is also home to several historical buildings, such as the Nicholas County Courthouse in Summersville and the Richwood Heritage Museum, which preserves the region’s history of timber, coal, and agriculture. With its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage, Nicholas County continues to be an attractive destination for outdoor activities, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
