Baxter, Marion County, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Baxter
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 Baxter
Location in West Virginia
Baxter
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Marion |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1535314 |
Baxter is a small community in Marion County, West Virginia, United States. It is not an official city or town, but rather an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government. Baxter is located northwest of Rivesville, right along a stream called Paw Paw Creek.
Contents
Exploring Baxter's History
Baxter has a rich past, especially linked to the coal industry. Understanding its history helps us learn about how communities grew in West Virginia.
The Stafford Mine Story
A long time ago, Baxter was home to the Stafford Mine. This was a very important place. It was one of the biggest bituminous coal mines in all of Marion County. Bituminous coal is a type of coal that burns well and was widely used for energy.
The New Central Coal Company of New York owned the Stafford Mine. This company played a big role in the area's economy. Mines like Stafford helped power homes and industries across the country. They also created many jobs for people living in Baxter and nearby areas.
Life in a Coal Town
In the past, many communities in West Virginia, like Baxter, were known as "coal towns." Life in these towns often revolved around the mines. Miners worked hard to extract coal from deep underground. Their families lived nearby, forming close-knit communities.
Coal mining was a tough job, but it was essential for the economy. It shaped the culture and development of places like Baxter. Even today, the history of coal mining is a big part of West Virginia's identity.
Baxter Today
While the Stafford Mine is no longer active, Baxter remains a quiet community. It is a place where people live and enjoy the natural beauty of West Virginia. The area around Baxter is known for its rolling hills and green landscapes.
Location and Geography
Baxter is situated in a scenic part of Marion County. Its location along Paw Paw Creek means it has access to water and natural resources. The community is part of the larger region of West Virginia, a state famous for its mountains and forests.
Understanding Baxter's geography helps us see how it fits into the bigger picture of the state. Its coordinates are 39 degrees 32 minutes 38 seconds North latitude and 80 degrees 8 minutes 32 seconds West longitude.
