Cities and Towns in Wirt County, West Virginia
Founded in 1848, Wirt County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Wirt County was formed from Jackson and Wood counties. The city of Elizabeth is the county seat. With FIPS code of 105, Wirt County has a population of 5,063 and area of 233 square miles (603 km²).
List of all cities in Wirt County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Annamoriah, WV | 26141 | 304 |
| Blue Goose, WV | 26160 | 304 |
| Brohard, WV | 26138 | 304 |
| Creston, WV | 26141 | 304 |
| Elizabeth, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Hughes River, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Limestone Hill, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Lynncamp, WV | 26160 | 304 |
| Newark, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Palestine, WV | 26160 | 304 |
| Sanoma, WV | 26160 | 304 |
| Sommerville Fork, WV | 26160 | 304 |
| Spring Valley, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Standing Stone, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Stndg Stone, WV | 26143 | 304 |
| Two Run, WV | 26160 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wirt County, West Virginia
Wirt County is a small, rural county in the heart of West Virginia, known for its rolling hills, scenic rivers, and small communities. Despite its size, the county has a rich history and offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle for its residents. Below is an overview of some of the key towns and communities within Wirt County.
Elizabeth
Location and History
Elizabeth is the county seat of Wirt County and the largest town in the county. Located on the banks of the Little Kanawha River, Elizabeth has a history that dates back to the early 19th century. It was settled as a small agricultural community and gradually grew as a center for trade, thanks to its proximity to the river. The town became an important stop along the river routes, particularly during the era of steamboat transportation. Over the years, Elizabeth has remained a quiet, rural community, with its economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and local services. As the county seat, Elizabeth also houses various government and administrative offices. The town’s charm lies in its historic buildings and the natural beauty surrounding it, making it a scenic and peaceful place to live.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 26143
- Latitude: 38.9231° N
- Longitude: 81.5945° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elizabeth is served by the Wirt County School District, which includes Wirt County High School and Wirt County Middle School. The schools offer a variety of academic and extracurricular programs for students in the area. The town is known for its historical landmarks, including the Wirt County Courthouse, which serves as a focal point for local government. The Little Kanawha River provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating, and nearby hiking trails offer scenic views of the Appalachian foothills. The town’s community center is often used for local events, including festivals, fairs, and holiday celebrations. Elizabeth is also home to several churches, which are central to the community’s cultural and social life. The nearby rivers and forests make it a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Burning Springs
Location and History
Burning Springs is a small unincorporated community located in the southern part of Wirt County, near the Little Kanawha River. The town is best known for its role in West Virginia’s oil and gas history. In the 19th century, the discovery of natural gas in the area led to the development of the region’s first commercial oil well. The “burning springs” that gave the community its name were actually natural gas seeps that would ignite when exposed to fire, a phenomenon that made the area an important site for early oil and gas exploration. Although the oil boom eventually subsided, Burning Springs remained a small rural community, known for its historical significance in the development of West Virginia’s energy industry.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100
- Zip Codes: 26148
- Latitude: 38.7981° N
- Longitude: 81.5362° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Burning Springs is a small, rural community with few local schools, and most children attend schools in nearby Elizabeth or other towns in Wirt County. The area’s landmarks include the site of the original Burning Springs oil discovery, which is a significant piece of local history. While there are no major public attractions, the area’s rural character and natural beauty make it an appealing spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring. The nearby Little Kanawha River offers opportunities for boating and recreational fishing. Burning Springs remains a quiet, residential area with strong historical ties to the early development of West Virginia’s oil and gas industry. Many visitors come to the area to learn about its history or simply enjoy the serene rural surroundings.
Junction
Location and History
Junction is a small community located in the central part of Wirt County, where several roads converge, giving the town its name. Historically, Junction was a railroad town, with the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the late 19th century sparking economic growth. The railroad made Junction an important stop for transporting goods, particularly coal, timber, and agricultural products. Over the years, the town has remained a quiet and rural area, though it retains some historical significance due to its role in transportation. Today, Junction is home to a small population, and its rural character is preserved by its close-knit community and the surrounding natural beauty.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250
- Zip Codes: 26174
- Latitude: 38.8583° N
- Longitude: 81.5412° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Junction is part of the Wirt County School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Elizabeth. The town is home to a few local businesses, and it is known for its peaceful atmosphere and rural lifestyle. Landmarks in the area include remnants of the old railroad infrastructure, including a few historical buildings that reflect Junction’s past as a transportation hub. The surrounding countryside offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, with hiking, fishing, and nature walks being popular activities. Junction’s proximity to the Little Kanawha River adds to its appeal, providing additional outdoor opportunities. The town hosts a number of community events throughout the year, such as local fairs and seasonal celebrations, which are important for fostering a sense of community.
Beech
Location and History
Beech is a small, rural community located in the western part of Wirt County, nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The town’s history is closely tied to agriculture, with early settlers establishing farms and homesteads in the area. Over the years, Beech has remained a quiet and tight-knit community, with agriculture continuing to be a major part of its economy. The town is named after the many beech trees that once covered the region’s landscape. Although Beech has never been a large or industrialized town, it remains a charming example of rural West Virginia, with rolling hills, scenic views, and a slower pace of life.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150
- Zip Codes: 26136
- Latitude: 38.9387° N
- Longitude: 81.6795° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beech is served by the Wirt County School District, with children attending schools in nearby Elizabeth or other rural towns. The town is home to a few small businesses, including farms and local shops, but is primarily residential in nature. Major landmarks include the scenic hills and forests that surround the town, offering residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation. Beech is also located near several local parks and rivers, providing access to recreational activities such as fishing and canoeing. The town retains its historical charm through old homesteads and family-owned farms that continue to shape the local landscape. Beech is a peaceful, rural community that embodies the spirit of Appalachian West Virginia.
The Settlement of Wirt County
Location and History
The settlements within Wirt County, like many others in the region, have strong historical ties to agriculture, coal mining, and early American history. The county was formed in 1848 from parts of Wood, Ritchie, and Jackson counties. The settlement of Wirt County began with small farming communities that grew into vibrant towns as settlers were drawn to the fertile lands along the Little Kanawha River. Wirt County remained primarily agricultural for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the expansion of the coal industry in the region providing some economic growth. Over the years, many of the county’s communities have remained small, though they are connected by a shared history of rural life, river trade, and natural resource industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Wirt County School District serves the communities in the county, with schools like Wirt County High School and several elementary and middle schools. The district places a strong emphasis on community involvement, with many students participating in local events and activities. Major landmarks in Wirt County include the Wirt County Courthouse in Elizabeth, which houses county government offices, and several historical buildings in the area that reflect the county’s 19th-century agricultural and coal-mining heritage. The Little Kanawha River runs through the county, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The surrounding Appalachian hills offer hiking and scenic views, making Wirt County a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Many of the county’s festivals, such as the Wirt County Fair, celebrate its agricultural roots and are central to the local culture.
