Bentree, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bentree, West Virginia
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 Bentree, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| Counties | Clay and Nicholas |
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
25018
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| Area codes | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1535652 |
Bentree is a small place in West Virginia, United States. It's 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 part of a larger county.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Bentree is a place where people live, but it's not officially a city or town. It doesn't have a mayor or its own city council. Services like roads and schools are usually managed by the county government.
- No local government: Residents don't elect a mayor or city council.
- County services: The county provides most public services.
- Smaller population: These communities are often smaller than official towns.
Where is Bentree Located?
Bentree is found in two different counties in West Virginia: Clay County and Nicholas County. It's located along West Virginia Route 16, which is a state highway.
If you travel about 8 miles (or 13 kilometers) north from a place called Gauley Bridge, you would reach Bentree. Its elevation is about 906 feet (276 meters) above sea level.
Bentree's History as a Coal Town
Bentree is also known as a coal town. Many communities in West Virginia, including Bentree, grew because of the coal mining industry. Coal was a very important fuel, and West Virginia had a lot of it deep underground.
- Built for miners: Coal towns were often built by mining companies. They provided homes for the miners and their families.
- Company stores: Many coal towns had a "company store" where miners could buy food and supplies.
- Hard work: Life in a coal town was often tough, with miners working long hours in dangerous conditions.
As the demand for coal changed over the years, many coal towns became quieter. Some disappeared completely, while others, like Bentree, remain as small communities. They are an important part of West Virginia's history and show how the state grew around its natural resources.
