Collinsdale, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Collinsdale, West Virginia
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 Collinsdale, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Collinsdale, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 892 ft (272 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1554180 |
Collinsdale is a small, unincorporated community located in Fayette County, West Virginia, in the United States. It was once known by another name, Hickory Camp. This community is also known as a "coal town," which means it was built mainly to support coal mining operations nearby.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place that does not have its own local government. This means it is not officially a city or a town. Instead, it is governed by the larger county or state. People living in unincorporated areas still follow state and county laws. They also receive services like police and fire protection from the county.
How Unincorporated Areas Work
- No Local Mayor: Unlike a city, an unincorporated community does not have a mayor or a city council.
- County Services: The county government provides most public services. These include roads, schools, and emergency services.
- Community Identity: Even without a formal government, these places often have a strong community feel. They might have a name, a post office, or local businesses.
Collinsdale's Location in West Virginia
Collinsdale is found in Fayette County, which is in the state of West Virginia. West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian Mountains region of the eastern United States. It is known for its beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers. The state's history is closely tied to coal mining.
Fayette County's Geography
Fayette County is famous for its rugged landscape. It has many hills, valleys, and rivers. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a major landmark in the county. This park features the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world. The area is popular for outdoor activities like rafting and hiking.
The New River Gorge
The New River Gorge is a deep canyon carved by the New River. It is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world. This bridge is a symbol of West Virginia's engineering achievements.
The History of Coal Towns
Collinsdale is a "coal town." These towns were very common in West Virginia. They grew up around coal mines. Coal was a very important fuel source for many years. It powered factories, trains, and homes.
Life in a Coal Town
- Company-Owned: Many coal towns were built and owned by mining companies. The company often owned the houses, stores, and even the schools.
- Miners' Homes: Houses in coal towns were usually simple. They were built quickly to house the miners and their families.
- Community Life: Despite the hard work, coal towns often had strong communities. People relied on each other.
Why Coal Towns Were Important
Coal towns played a big role in America's industrial growth. They provided the coal that fueled the nation's progress. They also created jobs for many people. However, life in these towns could be tough. Miners faced dangerous conditions, and the towns often depended entirely on the mine's success.
