Cranberry, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cranberry, West Virginia
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New River Coal Company store in Cranberry West Virginia
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 Cranberry, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Cranberry, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 2,352 ft (717 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554214 |
Cranberry is a small place in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States. It is an unincorporated community. This means it is a settlement that does not have its own local government. Instead, it is managed by the county.
Cranberry is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) north of a larger city called Beckley. The community got its name from a nearby stream known as Cranberry Creek.
Contents
What is Cranberry, West Virginia?
Cranberry is a small community in the state of West Virginia. It is not a city or a town with its own mayor. Instead, it is part of Raleigh County. The people who live there rely on the county for services.
History of Cranberry as a Coal Town
Cranberry was once an important place for coal mining. Many communities in West Virginia grew because of coal. These places are often called "coal towns."
Life in a Coal Town
In a coal town like Cranberry, most people worked in the coal mines. The mining company often owned the houses where families lived. They also owned the stores.
The Company Store
The company store was a very important building. It was usually the only place to buy food, clothes, and other supplies. Miners often got paid in "scrip." This was special money that could only be used at the company store.
The company store in Cranberry was run by the New River Coal Company. It was a central part of daily life for the miners and their families. Today, the building reminds us of Cranberry's past.
Where is Cranberry Located?
Cranberry is found in the southern part of West Virginia. It is in Raleigh County. This area is known for its beautiful mountains and forests.
Nearby Places
The closest big city to Cranberry is Beckley. Beckley offers more services and shops. It is a short drive away from Cranberry.
Cranberry Today
Today, Cranberry is a quiet community. It is no longer a busy coal mining center. Many coal towns in West Virginia have changed over time. They have adapted to new ways of life.
Cranberry remains a part of West Virginia's rich history. It shows how important coal mining was to the state.
