Derby, Wise County, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Derby, Virginia
|
|
|---|---|
|
Unincorporated community
|
|
 Derby, Wise County, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Derby, Wise County, Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Wise |
| Elevation | 2,031 ft (619 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1492864 |
Derby is a small place in Wise County, Virginia, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community and a coal town. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is like a neighborhood or a small settlement. It doesn't have its own mayor or town council. The county government handles services like roads and police for Derby. Many small places in the U.S. are unincorporated communities.
Derby as a Coal Town
Derby is also called a coal town. This means it was a place where many people worked in coal mining. Coal towns often grew up around mines. People moved there to work, and houses and shops were built. The history of Derby is closely linked to the coal industry.
The Importance of Coal
For a long time, coal was a very important resource. It was used to power factories and heat homes. Many towns in places like Virginia grew because of coal mining. These towns provided jobs and homes for miners and their families.
Location and Geography
Derby is located in the southwestern part of Virginia. This area is known for its mountains and natural beauty. The elevation of Derby is about 2,031 feet (619 meters) above sea level. This makes it a place with hills and valleys.
Wise County, Virginia
Derby is part of Wise County, Virginia. Wise County is in the Appalachian Mountains. It has a rich history tied to mining and logging. The county is home to several small towns and communities.
Life in Derby
Life in a coal town like Derby often revolved around the mines. Families lived close to where they worked. These communities often had their own schools, stores, and churches. People helped each other out, creating strong bonds.
Today's Derby
While coal mining is not as big as it once was, Derby remains a community. It's a quiet place that reflects its past. Many people who live there have family ties to the area's mining history.
