Cities and Towns in Wetzel County, West Virginia
Founded in 1846, Wetzel County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Wetzel County was formed from Tyler County. The city of New Martinsville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 103, Wetzel County has a population of 14,170 and area of 359 square miles (930 km²).
List of all cities in Wetzel County, WV alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Alvy, WV | 26377 | 304 |
Big Run, WV | 26561 | 304 |
Burton, WV | 26562 | 304 |
Coburn, WV | 26562 | 304 |
Folsom, WV | 26348 | 304 |
Hastings, WV | 26419 | 304 |
Hundred, WV | 26575 | 304 |
Jacksonburg, WV | 26377 | 304 |
Knob Fork, WV | 26581 | 304 |
Lima, WV | 26377 | 304 |
Littleton, WV | 26581 | 304 |
New Martinsville, WV | 26155 | 304 |
North Martinsvlle, WV | 26155 | 304 |
Paden City, WV | 26159 | 304 |
Pine Grove, WV | 26419 | 304 |
Porters Falls, WV | 26162 | 304 |
Reader, WV | 26167 | 304 |
Smithfield, WV | 26437 | 304 |
Wileyville, WV | 26581 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wetzel County, West Virginia
Wetzel County, located in the northern part of West Virginia, is known for its scenic beauty, historic coal mining roots, and rural character. The county offers a blend of outdoor activities, rich history, and small-town charm. Below is an overview of the major cities and towns in Wetzel County, highlighting their history, geography, schools, and landmarks.
New Martinsville
Location and History
New Martinsville, the county seat of Wetzel County, is situated along the Ohio River, which has played a key role in the town’s development. The town was founded in 1838 and named after Martin Wetzel, a local settler. It grew steadily through the 19th century, bolstered by its proximity to the Ohio River, which facilitated trade and transportation. During the industrial boom in the early 20th century, New Martinsville became a significant center for oil and gas production. The town also experienced growth due to the coal mining industry, which provided jobs to many local families. Today, New Martinsville is a thriving community known for its beautiful riverfront views, small-town atmosphere, and historical significance in the region’s oil, gas, and coal industries.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,500
- Zip Codes: 26155
- Latitude: 39.6354° N
- Longitude: 80.8545° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Martinsville is served by the Wetzel County School District, which includes schools like Magnolia High School, New Martinsville Middle School, and several elementary schools. Magnolia High School is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and football, and offers a variety of academic courses and extracurricular activities. Key landmarks in the area include the Wetzel County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of local government, and the New Martinsville Riverfront Park, which offers scenic views of the Ohio River. The town also hosts events like the annual Wetzel County Fair, which brings together residents for celebrations, agricultural displays, and entertainment. The town’s proximity to the river makes it ideal for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreation.
Paden City
Location and History
Paden City is a small city located in the eastern part of Wetzel County, along the Ohio River. The town was founded in the mid-19th century, with the arrival of the railroad playing a crucial role in its early development. It was named after the Paden family, who were among the area’s first settlers. Paden City initially grew as an agricultural and river-based trade community, but its economy expanded significantly in the early 20th century with the establishment of glass manufacturing plants. Known for its production of high-quality glass, the town became a notable industrial center in the region, especially for glassware. Today, Paden City is a quiet, residential community with a rich industrial heritage, offering a peaceful, small-town environment.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500
- Zip Codes: 26159
- Latitude: 39.5932° N
- Longitude: 80.9896° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Paden City is part of the Wetzel County School District, and local schools include Paden City High School and Paden City Elementary School. Paden City High School is known for its community spirit and offers various academic and athletic programs. The town’s historical landmarks include the Paden City Glass Museum, which showcases the town’s rich glassmaking history, and the historic Paden City Park, which provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The town’s location on the Ohio River allows for fishing, boating, and scenic walks along the water. The Paden City Public Library serves as an important community resource, offering programs for all ages and preserving the town’s history.
Hundred
Location and History
Hundred is a small town located in the southwestern part of Wetzel County, close to the border with Marion County. It was established in the early 1900s, and its name originates from the fact that it was originally part of a larger land grant that was divided into “hundred-acre” plots. Hundred grew as a coal mining town during the early 20th century, with the coal industry providing much of the employment in the area. The town’s economy was largely based on mining, and the population grew rapidly during the peak years of coal production. However, like many coal towns in the region, Hundred saw a decline in population after the coal industry’s downturn in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a quiet rural community with a small population.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Codes: 26575
- Latitude: 39.5244° N
- Longitude: 80.6389° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hundred is served by the Wetzel County School District, and local students attend Hundred High School, which offers a range of academic and athletic programs. The town is small, but it has several local amenities, including a post office and a few community shops. While there are no major historical landmarks, the town’s history as a coal mining center is reflected in the local architecture and some remaining mining structures. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing, are popular in the surrounding rural areas. Hundred’s proximity to the larger towns in Wetzel County makes it a quiet, residential community for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Reader
Location and History
Reader is an unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Wetzel County, close to the border with Pennsylvania. The town was originally settled in the late 1800s and was primarily an agricultural community. In the early 20th century, Reader grew as a small coal mining town, with local mines providing jobs to many of the residents. Like other mining towns in the region, Reader experienced periods of economic growth and decline depending on the local coal industry. Today, Reader is a small rural community, primarily residential, with a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 26167
- Latitude: 39.6427° N
- Longitude: 80.5861° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Reader is part of the Wetzel County School District, with local students attending schools in nearby communities such as Paden City or New Martinsville. The town itself is small, with only a few local businesses and community establishments. Landmarks include the rural landscape surrounding the town, which is dotted with farmland and woods. The nearby rivers offer opportunities for fishing and other outdoor recreation, and the region is known for its natural beauty. The small community center is a gathering place for residents, hosting events such as town meetings, local celebrations, and seasonal activities. Reader remains a quiet, rural community that embodies the spirit of rural West Virginia.
The Settlement of Wetzel County
Location and History
Wetzel County, formed in 1846 from parts of Harrison and Tyler counties, was originally settled by European Americans in the late 1700s. The county is named after Lewis Wetzel, a frontiersman known for his role in the Indian Wars of the late 18th century. The arrival of the oil and gas industries in the 19th century brought significant economic growth to Wetzel County, along with the development of coal mining and agriculture. The county’s rivers, including the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River, were vital for transportation, trade, and industry. Today, Wetzel County remains a mix of rural farming communities and small industrial towns, with a population that is closely tied to its natural resources.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Wetzel County School District serves all communities in the county, with schools such as Magnolia High School and New Martinsville Middle School. Key landmarks include the Wetzel County Courthouse in New Martinsville and the Little Kanawha River, which offers scenic beauty and outdoor activities like boating and fishing. The county also hosts annual events such as the Wetzel County Fair, where local residents celebrate the agricultural roots of the community. Wetzel County is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with hiking, hunting, and fishing being popular among locals and visitors alike.