Dugout, West Virginia facts for kids

Dugout was a small, unincorporated community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it's usually managed by the larger county it's part of. Dugout was once a busy place, especially because it had its own post office for a few years.

What Was Dugout?

Dugout was a small settlement in the state of West Virginia, which is in the eastern United States. It was part of Raleigh County, West Virginia. Many communities like Dugout grew up around specific industries, such as coal mining, which was very important in West Virginia's history.

Life in an Unincorporated Community

In places like Dugout, people lived and worked together. They shared resources and often relied on nearby towns for bigger services. These communities were important for the people who lived there, even if they weren't officially a city or town.

The Role of a Post Office

Dugout had its own post office from 1904 to 1907. A post office is a place where people can send and receive mail. Having a post office was a big deal for a small community. It meant that letters, newspapers, and packages could easily reach the people living there. This helped them stay connected to the outside world.

• 1904: The post office in Dugout first opened.
• 1907: The post office in Dugout closed down.

The closing of a post office often shows that a community's population might have changed. Sometimes, people move away, or services become available in a nearby larger town.

Where Was Dugout Located?

Dugout was in Raleigh County, West Virginia. This county is known for its beautiful mountains and rich history, especially related to coal. West Virginia is a state with many small communities that were once important centers for mining or other industries.

Raleigh County's History

Raleigh County, like much of West Virginia, has a strong connection to the coal industry. Many communities, including those that were unincorporated, were formed to support the miners and their families. These places played a big part in the state's development.

Time Zone Information

Even though Dugout no longer exists as an active community, its location would have been in the Eastern Time Zone. This is the same time zone as many major cities on the East Coast of the United States.

• Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is 5 hours behind UTC-5.
• Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is 4 hours behind UTC-4 during warmer months.