Besoco, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Besoco, West Virginia
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 Besoco, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Besoco, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 1,818 ft (554 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
25815
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| Area codes | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1535674 |
Besoco is a small, unincorporated community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, in the United States. It is about 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) south of a town called Sophia. An "unincorporated community" means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
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What's in a Name? The Story of Besoco
Have you ever wondered how places get their names? Besoco has a very interesting name that tells us about its past. The name "Besoco" is actually a shortened version of "Beckley Smokeless Coal Company." This company was very important in the history of this area.
Coal Mining's Influence on West Virginia
West Virginia is famous for its coal. For many years, coal mining was the main industry in the state. Companies like the Beckley Smokeless Coal Company played a huge role in building communities and providing jobs. These companies often built towns or communities near their mines for their workers. This is how many places in West Virginia, including Besoco, came to be.
Life in a Coal Community
In the past, life in a coal community like Besoco revolved around the mines. Miners and their families lived in houses built by the coal company. There were often company stores where people could buy food and supplies. These communities were close-knit, with everyone working together and supporting each other. Even though the mining industry has changed a lot over the years, the history of coal is still a big part of West Virginia's identity.
Geography and Location
Besoco is nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, which cover much of West Virginia. The area is known for its rolling hills, forests, and natural beauty. The elevation of Besoco is about 1,818 feet (554 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite high up, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
How to Find Besoco
If you were looking for Besoco on a map, you would find it in the southern part of West Virginia. It's part of Raleigh County, which is one of the larger counties in the state. The nearest bigger town is Sophia, which is just a short drive away.
Modern Besoco
Today, Besoco is a quiet community. While it might not be as busy as it was during the peak of the coal mining era, it remains a place where people live and call home. Many small communities like Besoco are important parts of West Virginia's history and culture. They remind us of the state's industrial past and the people who worked hard to build it.
