Beechwood, Wyoming County, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beechwood
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Country | United States |
State | West Virginia |
County | Wyoming |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
GNIS feature ID | 1553840 |
Beechwood is a small place in Wyoming County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes or buildings that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town does. Instead, it's governed by the county or state.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it's not officially a city or town. It doesn't have a mayor or a city council. Services like roads, police, and fire departments are usually handled by the larger county government.
How are they Different from Cities?
Cities and towns have their own local laws and taxes. They elect leaders to make decisions just for their area. Unincorporated communities follow the rules of the county. They don't have their own specific local taxes.
Why do Places Stay Unincorporated?
Sometimes, communities stay unincorporated because they are very small. They might not need a full city government. Other times, people prefer to be part of the county. This can mean fewer local rules or different tax rates.
Where is Beechwood Located?
Beechwood is found in Wyoming County, West Virginia. This county is in the southern part of West Virginia. The area is known for its beautiful mountains and forests.
Geography of Wyoming County
Wyoming County is part of the Appalachian Mountains. This means the land is often hilly or mountainous. There are many rivers and streams flowing through the region. Beechwood is located near the Guyandotte River.
The Guyandotte River
The Guyandotte River is an important waterway in West Virginia. It flows for about 166 miles (267 km). The river starts in the Appalachian Mountains. It then flows northwest to join the Ohio River. Many small communities like Beechwood are located along its banks.
Life in Beechwood
Life in an unincorporated community like Beechwood is often quiet. It might feel very connected to nature. People living here rely on services from Wyoming County. This includes things like schools and emergency services.
Community and Neighbors
In small communities, neighbors often know each other well. People might help each other out. This creates a strong sense of community. It's a place where everyone might feel like family.
Local Economy
Historically, many communities in this part of West Virginia were linked to coal mining. While the economy has changed, the region still has natural resources. Local jobs might be in forestry, small businesses, or services.
History of the Area
The history of Wyoming County and places like Beechwood is tied to the development of West Virginia. The state became official during the American Civil War. Before that, it was part of Virginia.
Early Settlers
The first settlers in this region were often pioneers. They came looking for new land and opportunities. They built farms and small communities. The rugged landscape shaped their way of life.
Impact of Coal Mining
For many years, coal mining was a major industry in West Virginia. It brought many people to the area. Mining shaped the culture and economy of places like Wyoming County. Even today, its legacy is important.
See Also
- You can learn more about Beechwood in Spanish here: Beechwood (condado de Wyoming) para niños