Cities and Towns in Ritchie County, West Virginia
Founded in 1843, Ritchie County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Ritchie County was formed from Harrison, Lewis, and Wood counties. The city of Harrisville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 85, Ritchie County has a population of 8,383 and area of 454 square miles (1,176 km²).
List of all cities in Ritchie County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Auburn, WV | 26325 | 304 |
| Berea, WV | 26327 | 304 |
| Burnt House, WV | 26178 | 304 |
| Cairo, WV | 26337 | 304 |
| Ellenboro, WV | 26346 | 304 |
| Greenwood, WV | 26415 | 304 |
| Harrisville, WV | 26362 | 304 |
| Hazelgreen, WV | 26362 | 304 |
| Highland, WV | 26346 | 304 |
| Macfarlan, WV | 26148 | 304 |
| Mahone, WV | 26362 | 304 |
| Mountain, WV | 26415 | 304 |
| Newberne, WV | 26362 | 304 |
| Pennsboro, WV | 26415 | 304 |
| Petroleum, WV | 26161 | 304 |
| Pullman, WV | 26327 | 304 |
| 26421 | 304 | |
| Smithville, WV | 26178 | 304 |
| Toll Gate, WV | 26415 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ritchie County, West Virginia
Ritchie County, located in the heart of West Virginia, is a rural county known for its rolling hills, rivers, and small-town charm. The county is rich in history, with early settlers drawn to the area for its natural resources, including timber and coal. Below is a look at some of the major towns in Ritchie County, each with its own unique character and historical significance.
Harrisville
Location and History
Harrisville is the county seat of Ritchie County, located along the North Fork of the Hughes River. Founded in 1822, Harrisville grew as a center for agriculture and timber, both vital industries in the region. The town was named after Harrisonsville, after local landowner William Harrison. As the county seat, Harrisville became an important center for commerce and local government. The construction of the railroads in the late 1800s spurred further development, and the town became a hub for trade and transportation. Though agriculture remains important, Harrisville has diversified into a mix of local businesses, government services, and light industry. The town’s historical architecture, including its well-preserved courthouse and other buildings, reflects its rich past.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,800
- Zip Codes: 26362
- Latitude: 39.2292° N
- Longitude: 81.2256° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Harrisville is served by the Ritchie County School District, with Harrisville Elementary and Ritchie County High School providing educational opportunities for local students. Key landmarks in Harrisville include the Ritchie County Courthouse, a historic building dating back to the early 20th century, and the Harrisville Public Library. The town is also home to the historic Harrisville Depot, a former railroad station that now serves as a community gathering space. The nearby Hughes River offers outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing and boating. Harrisville is also the site of several annual events, including the Ritchie County Fair, which celebrates local culture with music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Ellenboro
Location and History
Ellenboro is a small town located in the southern part of Ritchie County, along the Little Kanawha River. Founded in the early 1800s, the town was named after Ellenborough, North Carolina, reflecting the roots of the town’s early settlers. Ellenboro’s early economy was based on agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, which was an important crop in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s boosted the town’s economy by improving access to larger markets. Over the years, Ellenboro’s economy has diversified, though agriculture and natural resources remain significant. Today, the town retains much of its rural charm, with a focus on small businesses and community-oriented living.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 26346
- Latitude: 39.1866° N
- Longitude: 81.3639° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ellenboro is served by the Ritchie County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Harrisville or other parts of the county. The town is located along the Little Kanawha River, which offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and scenic walks. Ellenboro is home to the historic Ellenboro Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. Nearby, the North Bend State Park, which spans both Ritchie County and neighboring counties, provides a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The town’s quiet, rural atmosphere makes it a peaceful location for families, while its proximity to larger towns like Harrisville and Parkersburg ensures that residents have access to additional amenities and services.
Smithville
Location and History
Smithville is a small community located in the northern part of Ritchie County, along the West Fork River. The town was founded in the early 19th century and was named after the Smith family, early settlers who played a key role in the area’s development. Smithville was initially a farming and milling community, with the West Fork River providing water for mills that processed grain and other local products. In the 20th century, Smithville began to diversify with the expansion of local industries, although agriculture remained a central aspect of its economy. Today, Smithville is a quiet, rural community that retains much of its historic character, with a focus on family life and local farming.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 26178
- Latitude: 39.1684° N
- Longitude: 81.3373° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Smithville is part of the Ritchie County School District, with students attending local schools in Harrisville. Smithville is also close to the West Fork River, which offers fishing and recreational opportunities. The town itself is known for its rural atmosphere, with local farms contributing to the region’s agricultural economy. One of the town’s notable landmarks is the Smithville Baptist Church, a historic church that has been a gathering place for local residents for many years. Smithville also has easy access to nearby parks and recreational areas, such as North Bend State Park, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The town’s proximity to larger cities ensures that residents can easily enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle while still having access to modern amenities and cultural attractions.
The Settlement of Ritchie County
Location and History
Ritchie County was formed in 1843 from parts of Wood and Wirt counties and is named after Thomas Ritchie, a prominent Virginia journalist and politician. The county lies in the heart of the Appalachian Plateau, bordered by the Little Kanawha River to the west and the West Fork River to the east. The area’s first settlers arrived in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Early industries included agriculture, timber, and salt production, with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosting the county’s growth. Today, Ritchie County is primarily rural, with its economy based on agriculture, energy production, and small industries. The county is known for its scenic beauty, historic small towns, and close-knit communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ritchie County is served by the Ritchie County School District, with schools like Ritchie County High School in Harrisville and elementary schools in various towns providing educational opportunities. The county is home to several historic landmarks, including the Ritchie County Courthouse in Harrisville, which houses the county’s government offices and serves as a reminder of the county’s rich history. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the many parks and recreational areas in the county, including North Bend State Park, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The Little Kanawha River and West Fork River are also popular for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, making Ritchie County a prime location for outdoor recreation. Local festivals and community events further highlight the county’s strong agricultural heritage and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate the area’s history and culture.
