Eastgulf, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eastgulf, West Virginia
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East Gulf, West Virginia coal processing plant
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 Eastgulf, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Eastgulf, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 1,680 ft (510 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554360 |
Eastgulf is a small, quiet community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, in the United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of the larger county. Eastgulf is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south-southwest of a place called Sophia.
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Discover Eastgulf
Eastgulf is nestled in the beautiful state of West Virginia. This area is famous for its hills and natural beauty. Many communities in this part of the country grew up around industries like coal mining. These places are often called "coal towns."
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Eastgulf is a group of homes and businesses that are not officially part of a city or town. They don't have their own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads and public safety for everyone living there. It's a common way for smaller groups of people to live together in the United States.
Eastgulf's Location
Eastgulf is found in Raleigh County. This county is in the southern part of West Virginia. The area is known for its rich history in mining. The elevation of Eastgulf is about 1,680 feet (512 meters) above sea level. This means it's located in a hilly or mountainous region.
A Special Person from Eastgulf
Even though Eastgulf is a small community, a very important person was born there. His name was Cornelius H. Charlton. He was a brave soldier in the United States Army.
Who Was Cornelius H. Charlton?
Cornelius H. Charlton was born in Eastgulf in 1929. He grew up to be a hero. He served in the Korean War, which took place in the early 1950s. During a very difficult battle, he showed incredible courage and leadership.
Charlton's Bravery in Battle
On June 2, 1951, during a fierce fight, Charlton's unit was under heavy attack. He took charge when his leader was hurt. He bravely led his fellow soldiers forward. Even though he was wounded, he kept fighting. He helped his unit capture an important enemy position.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
For his amazing bravery and actions, Cornelius H. Charlton was given the Congressional Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can receive in the United States military. It is given to those who show extreme courage "above and beyond the call of duty." Sadly, Charlton died during the battle. He was only 22 years old. His sacrifice and heroism are remembered and honored.
Eastgulf's Legacy
Eastgulf might be a small place, but it has a connection to a true American hero. The story of Cornelius H. Charlton reminds us that important people can come from anywhere. His bravery continues to inspire people today.
