Cities and Towns in Roane County, West Virginia
Founded in 1856, Roane County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Roane County was formed from Gilmer, Jackson, and Kanawha counties. The city of Spencer is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Roane County has a population of 13,898 and area of 484 square miles (1,254 km²).
List of all cities in Roane County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amma, WV | 25005 | 304 |
| Gandeeville, WV | 25243 | 304 |
| Harmony, WV | 25243 | 304 |
| Left Hand, WV | 25251 | 304 |
| Linden, WV | 25259 | 304 |
| Looneyville, WV | 25259 | 304 |
| Newton, WV | 25266 | 304 |
| Reedy, WV | 25270 | 304 |
| Spencer, WV | 25276 | 304 |
| Tariff, WV | 25259 | 304 |
| Uler, WV | 25266 | 304 |
| Walton, WV | 25286 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Roane County, West Virginia
Roane County, located in central West Virginia, is known for its rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and small-town atmosphere. The county is a mix of agricultural land, rich history, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Below is an overview of some of the major cities and towns in Roane County, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.
Spencer
Location and History
Spencer is the county seat of Roane County, located at the confluence of the Spencer and Little Kanawha Rivers. Founded in 1820, Spencer’s early economy was rooted in agriculture, but its growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. The town was named after John Spencer, an early settler and a prominent figure in the development of the region. Spencer served as an important transportation hub during the coal boom of the late 1800s, and it continues to be a key commercial and service center for Roane County. Over time, Spencer developed into a small but vibrant community, and while its industrial past has faded, it remains an essential part of the region’s economy, with a focus on retail, education, and tourism.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 25276
- Latitude: 38.8046° N
- Longitude: 81.4267° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Spencer is served by the Roane County School District, with Roane County High School, Spencer Middle School, and several elementary schools in the area. Major landmarks in Spencer include the Roane County Courthouse, a historic building that houses the county’s government offices, and the Spencer Depot, an old railroad station that is now part of the town’s historic district. The nearby Sand Hill Wildlife Management Area offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, and birdwatching, while the Little Kanawha River provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Spencer also hosts several annual events, including the Roane County Fair and the Pumpkin Festival, which celebrate local traditions and bring together the community for festivities, food, and entertainment.
Reedy
Location and History
Reedy is a small town located in the eastern part of Roane County, along the Reedy Creek. The town was founded in the early 19th century, named after the Reedy Creek that runs through the area. Reedy was historically a farming community, with residents focused on agriculture and timber. The town’s economy also benefited from the construction of the railroad in the late 1800s, which provided easier access to larger markets and facilitated trade. Over time, Reedy developed a tight-knit, rural community, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency and family-oriented values. Today, Reedy remains a quiet, rural community with a strong agricultural presence, although its proximity to Spencer and larger cities offers residents opportunities for economic and recreational activities.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 25270
- Latitude: 38.6812° N
- Longitude: 81.4600° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Reedy is part of the Roane County School District, with students attending local schools in Spencer or other nearby towns. While the town is small, it is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Reedy Creek, which provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation. The surrounding Appalachian foothills offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and camping. Reedy is also home to local farms, which contribute to the region’s agricultural economy. The town’s rural setting makes it a peaceful place for families, while its proximity to Spencer and the Little Kanawha River provides additional opportunities for outdoor activities and access to community events and resources.
Walton
Location and History
Walton is a small town located in the southern part of Roane County, along the banks of the Kanawha River. The town was originally settled in the early 1800s and became an important stop along the river, with steamboats bringing goods and people to the area. Walton was named after the Walton family, early settlers in the area who helped shape the development of the community. The town’s economy has historically been centered around agriculture and trade, but the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century allowed Walton to grow and develop further. Like many small towns in West Virginia, Walton has experienced economic challenges as industries have shifted, but it retains a rural charm and is home to a tight-knit community.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Codes: 25286
- Latitude: 38.5594° N
- Longitude: 81.3593° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Walton is served by the Roane County School District, with Walton Elementary School providing education to local children. The town is also close to the larger town of Spencer, which offers additional educational opportunities. Walton’s primary landmark is the Kanawha River, which not only adds to the town’s natural beauty but also offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and riverfront walks. Walton also serves as a gateway to the surrounding Appalachian foothills, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The town’s location on the river has historically made it a center for local trade and commerce, and it remains a quiet, rural community with a focus on agriculture and outdoor recreation.
The Settlement of Roane County
Location and History
Roane County was formed in 1856 from parts of Kanawha and Mason counties and is named after the early American politician and lawyer, Spencer Roane. The county lies in central West Virginia, bordered by the Kanawha River to the south and the Little Kanawha River to the north. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, and European settlers began arriving in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s brought significant growth and development, especially in towns like Spencer, which became an important transportation and industrial hub. Roane County’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, coal, and timber, and today, it remains a rural community with a focus on outdoor recreation, small-town living, and farming.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Roane County is served by the Roane County School District, which includes schools like Roane County High School, Spencer Middle School, and various elementary schools. The county is home to several notable landmarks, including the Roane County Courthouse in Spencer, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the nearby Little Kanawha River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Roane County is also home to the Holly River State Park, one of the state’s most beautiful natural areas, offering hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The county hosts several community events throughout the year, including local fairs and festivals that celebrate its agricultural heritage and offer entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The county’s combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and small-town charm makes it an appealing place to live and visit.
