Crystal, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Crystal, West Virginia
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 Crystal, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Crystal, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Mercer |
| Elevation | 2,244 ft (684 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2707599 |
Crystal is a small, quiet place in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and buildings that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
This community is located along Crane Creek and County Route 11. It's about 7.6 miles (12.2 km) north-northwest of a larger city called Bluefield. Crystal sits at an elevation of 2,244 feet (684 meters) above sea level.
What's in a Name?
The name "Crystal" likely came from a company called the Crystal Coal and Coke Company. This suggests that coal mining was a very important activity in this area a long time ago. Many communities in West Virginia were built around coal mines.
Coal Mining History
West Virginia is famous for its coal. In the past, coal mining was a huge industry here. Companies would set up mines and build homes for their workers nearby. These places were often called "coal towns." The Crystal Coal and Coke Company probably operated mines close to where the community of Crystal is today.
- Coal was dug from underground.
- It was used to power factories and heat homes.
- Many families moved to West Virginia for mining jobs.
Even if the mines are no longer active, the history of coal mining is still a big part of Crystal's story.
Where is Crystal Located?
Crystal is nestled in the southern part of West Virginia. This state is known for its beautiful mountains and forests. Mercer County, where Crystal is found, is in the Appalachian Mountains region.
- It's in the United States.
- It's part of West Virginia.
- It's specifically in Mercer County.
The community is connected by County Route 11, which helps people travel to and from Crystal.
