Cities and Towns in Putnam County, West Virginia
Founded in 1848, Putnam County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Putnam County was formed from Cabell, Kanawha, and Mason counties. The city of Winfield is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Putnam County has a population of 57,260 and area of 346 square miles (896 km²).
List of all cities in Putnam County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bancroft, WV | 25011 | 304 |
| Buffalo, WV | 25033 | 304 |
| Eleanor, WV | 25070 | 304 |
| Fraziers Bottom, WV | 25082 | 304 |
| Hometown, WV | 25109 | 304 |
| Hurricane, WV | 25526 | 304 |
| Lanham, WV | 25159 | 304 |
| Liberty, WV | 25124 | 304 |
| Pliny, WV | 25082 | 304 |
| Poca, WV | 25159 | 304 |
| Red House, WV | 25168 | 304 |
| Scott Depot, WV | 25560 | 304 |
| Teays, WV | 25569 | 304 |
| Winfield, WV | 25213 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Putnam County, West Virginia
Putnam County is located in the southwestern part of West Virginia, nestled between the Ohio River to the west and the Appalachian Mountains to the east. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, including its many lakes and parks, and has a rich history rooted in agriculture, industry, and the early settlement of the region. Below are some of the major cities and towns in Putnam County, each with its own unique history and attractions.
Hurricane
Location and History
Hurricane is one of the largest cities in Putnam County, situated along the banks of the Hurricane Creek, which feeds into the Kanawha River. The town’s name originates from a violent storm, or “hurricane,” that ravaged the area in the early 19th century. Established in the 1830s, Hurricane initially served as a farming community and a trading post. In the late 1800s, the town grew with the expansion of the railroad and the arrival of industries like coal mining and timber. The town flourished in the mid-20th century, transitioning into a suburban community with proximity to Charleston, West Virginia’s state capital. Hurricane is known for its family-friendly environment and has developed into a hub for retail and services in the region.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,600
- Zip Codes: 25526
- Latitude: 38.4177° N
- Longitude: 81.9822° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hurricane is served by the Putnam County School District, with notable schools such as Hurricane High School, which is well-regarded for its athletic programs, and Hurricane Middle School. The town is also home to several private and charter schools. Major landmarks in Hurricane include the Hurricane City Park, which offers picnic areas, sports facilities, and walking trails. The nearby Putnam County Courthouse, a historic structure, serves as the center of government for the county. The town also hosts the annual Hurricane Festival, a community celebration that includes food, music, and games. The town’s location near the Kanawha River and the Appalachian foothills makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
Teays Valley
Location and History
Teays Valley is a large, unincorporated area in the central part of Putnam County, encompassing several communities, including the towns of Scott Depot, Bancroft, and Mount Vernon. The valley was named after the Teays River, a prehistoric river that once flowed through the area. The valley’s development began in the early 1800s with settlement by European Americans who established farms and small businesses. During the 20th century, the construction of roads and highways, such as U.S. Route 35, brought significant growth to Teays Valley. Today, it is considered one of the fastest-growing areas in the county, with residential developments, shopping centers, and commercial businesses attracting new residents and visitors.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 15.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 20,000 (including surrounding communities)
- Zip Codes: 25560, 25564
- Latitude: 38.4022° N
- Longitude: 81.9033° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Teays Valley is part of the Putnam County School District, with several schools serving the area, including Hurricane High School and Winfield High School, both of which are known for their strong academic and athletic programs. The area is home to several shopping and dining venues, with the Teays Valley Shopping Center being a popular retail hub. Teays Valley also boasts the Teays Valley Community Park, which provides outdoor recreation opportunities like soccer fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. The nearby West Virginia State Wildlife Center offers visitors a chance to learn about the region’s natural wildlife, including native species like white-tailed deer and black bears. Teays Valley is a growing community with a mix of rural charm and suburban development, providing a good balance for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle with convenient access to urban amenities.
Winfield
Location and History
Winfield is the county seat of Putnam County, located on the banks of the Kanawha River. It was established in the early 1800s and named after General William Winfield Scott, a prominent figure in the U.S. Army. The town was initially a transportation hub, with access to the river for shipping and later railroads that helped drive the region’s economy. Winfield’s economy was historically supported by agriculture, but the town also became a center for the coal and timber industries. Today, Winfield has evolved into a small but vibrant community with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The town is known for its historic buildings and well-maintained parks.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 25213
- Latitude: 38.5642° N
- Longitude: 81.9754° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Winfield is served by the Putnam County School District, with Winfield High School being the primary high school in the town. The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence and athletic achievements. Winfield is also home to the Putnam County Library and several historic buildings, including the Winfield Depot, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Winfield’s most notable landmark is the Winfield Lock and Dam, which is part of the Kanawha River navigation system and a key site for those interested in the region’s history and infrastructure. The town also features several parks, including the Winfield City Park, which offers picnic areas, sports fields, and a walking track. Winfield’s location along the Kanawha River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenic riverfront.
Poca
Location and History
Poca is a small town in the southwestern part of Putnam County, located along the Poca River. The town’s history dates back to the 19th century, and it was named after the nearby river. Poca has always been a rural community, primarily dependent on agriculture, timber, and coal mining in the early years. The construction of the railroad helped bring new industries to the area in the late 1800s. Over the years, Poca has remained a quiet, tight-knit community, with much of its growth in the latter half of the 20th century being driven by the expansion of nearby areas like Hurricane. Today, it retains its rural charm while benefiting from the growth of surrounding communities.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Codes: 25159
- Latitude: 38.5162° N
- Longitude: 81.8489° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Poca is part of the Putnam County School District, with students attending schools in the nearby Hurricane or Winfield areas. The town is home to the Poca Public Library, a community resource for reading and educational programs. Poca also features a number of small businesses and local shops that cater to the needs of residents. The Poca River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and kayaking. Additionally, nearby landmarks include the Poca Railroad Depot, which has been preserved as a reminder of the town’s historic role in transportation. Poca’s rural setting, along with its close proximity to larger towns like Hurricane, makes it a peaceful place to live while offering easy access to nearby amenities.
The Settlement of Putnam County
Location and History
Putnam County was established in 1848 and is named after General Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolution. The county is strategically located between Charleston and Huntington, making it an important crossroads for transportation and commerce in southern West Virginia. The region’s early settlers were primarily farmers, and the development of the coal industry in the 19th century helped spur economic growth. The construction of railroads and later highways facilitated the movement of goods, including coal, timber, and agricultural products. The decline of the coal industry in recent decades has led to an increase in residential development and tourism, as people are drawn to the county’s scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Putnam County is served by the Putnam County School District, which includes schools like Hurricane High School, Winfield High School, and Teays Valley Christian School. The county is also home to several parks, including the Valley Park and Lake, which provide recreational opportunities like boating, hiking, and fishing. Key landmarks in the county include the West Virginia State Wildlife Center, which offers educational exhibits on local wildlife, and the Nitro City Park, known for its walking trails and sports fields. The Kanawha River provides opportunities for water-based recreation, and the county’s location along major highways makes it easily accessible for visitors traveling through southern West Virginia.
