Coalgate, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Coalgate
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1742713 |
Coalgate was a small, unincorporated community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, in the United States. It was once known by a different name, Blockston. This community was a place where people lived and worked, even though it didn't have its own official local government like a city or town.
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What Was Coalgate?
Coalgate was a community that existed without its own separate local government. This means it was not officially recognized as a city or town. Instead, it was part of a larger area, in this case, Raleigh County.
Unincorporated Communities Explained
An "unincorporated community" is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own mayor or city council. It doesn't have its own local laws. Instead, the larger county government handles services for the community. These services include things like roads, police, and fire protection.
How They Are Different From Cities
Cities and towns have their own elected officials. They can create their own local rules and taxes. Unincorporated communities do not have these powers. They rely on the county for most public services. Many small communities start this way. Some grow big enough to become official towns. Others, like Coalgate, remain unincorporated.
Location and History
Coalgate was located in the state of West Virginia. This state is known for its beautiful mountains and its history of coal mining. The name "Coalgate" itself suggests a connection to the coal industry. Many communities in West Virginia grew up around coal mines.
Raleigh County's Role
Raleigh County is one of the 55 counties in West Virginia. It is located in the southern part of the state. The county seat is Beckley, which is the largest city in the area. Raleigh County would have been responsible for providing services to Coalgate.
The Name Blockston
Before it was known as Coalgate, the community had a different name: Blockston. It is common for places to change their names over time. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, a new name better reflects the area's main industry or history.
