Cucumber, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cucumber, West Virginia
|
|
|---|---|
The main area of Cucumber, West Virginia, viewed from West Virginia Route 16
|
|
 Cucumber, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Cucumber, West Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | McDowell |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.452 sq mi (1.17 km2) |
| • Land | 0.452 sq mi (1.17 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,542 ft (470 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 74 |
| • Density | 163.7/sq mi (63.2/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EST) |
| ZIP codes |
24826
|
| GNIS feature ID | 1554238 |
Cucumber, West Virginia is a small community in McDowell County. It's called a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a special area the government counts for population. In 2020, only 74 people lived there. This makes Cucumber one of the smallest communities in West Virginia. Even though it's tiny, Cucumber is important for the region's coal industry. It has a rich history tied to coal mining.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name "Cucumber" might come from a nearby stream. This stream is called Cucumber Creek. Another idea is that the area had many cucumber trees. These trees grow a type of magnolia flower. No matter how it got its name, Cucumber is special. It's the only community in the United States named Cucumber. The post office in Cucumber is still open today. This shows how important the community is to its residents.
Where is Cucumber?
Cucumber is located in the middle of McDowell County. It sits about 1,542 feet (470 meters) above sea level. Its exact location is 37°16′40″ N and 81°37′36″ W. The community covers a small area of about 0.452 square miles (1.17 km²). This whole area is dry land. There are no large bodies of water within Cucumber. This small space is where the community's life continues.
Coal Mining: A Big Part of Life
Cucumber has always been connected to the coal industry. For many years, coal mining was the main way people earned money. West Virginia, especially McDowell County, is famous for its coal. It's one of the biggest coal mining areas in the United States. Coal mining has provided jobs and income for many families. For example, the Brooks Run Mining Company dug up over 2 million tons of coal between 2005 and 2008. This shows how important coal mining is to the local economy. Even with its small population, Cucumber plays a role in getting coal out of the ground.
Challenges in the Mines
Working in coal mines can be dangerous. On January 13, 2007, a tunnel collapsed at a Brooks Run Mining Company mine. Two miners sadly lost their lives. This event reminded everyone of the risks miners face. Life in mining towns can be tough. But for many, mining is one of the few jobs available. So, people continue to work in the mines.
Life in a Changing World
Today, Cucumber is part of a changing area in West Virginia. Coal is still important, but less is being mined now. This creates new challenges for the community. Many coal mines have closed in recent years. This means fewer jobs for people. Some residents have moved away to find work. This has made some small towns even smaller. But in Cucumber, people still value hard work. They also have strong community spirit. They feel a deep connection to their land.
Looking to the Future
Despite these challenges, Cucumber is a special part of West Virginia's history. It reminds us how coal mining shaped people's lives. There are new ideas for economic growth in former mining areas. Some people suggest tourism, focusing on mining history. Others propose projects to help the environment. But for now, coal still drives the economy in Cucumber.
In summary, Cucumber is a unique and important place. It shows how the history of coal mining and the hard work of local residents are preserved.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2010 | 94 | — | |
| 2020 | 74 | −21.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Cucumber has changed over time. In 2010, there were 94 people living there. By 2020, the population had decreased to 74 people. These numbers come from the U.S. government's census.
See also
In Spanish: Cucumber (Virginia Occidental) para niños
