Edwight, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwight
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Country | United States |
State | West Virginia |
County | Raleigh |
Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
GNIS ID | 1538565 |
Edwight is a small, unincorporated community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, the county government takes care of services for Edwight. For a time, Edwight was also known by another name: Launa.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes or businesses that are not part of an official city or town. They don't have their own mayor or town council. Instead, they are governed by the larger county they are in.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
Imagine a neighborhood that isn't part of a city. That's a bit like an unincorporated community. The Raleigh County government provides services like roads, police, and fire protection. This is different from a city, which would have its own departments for these things.
Edwight's Location
Edwight is found in the beautiful state of West Virginia. It's nestled in Raleigh County, which is in the southern part of the state.
Geographic Details
The community sits at an elevation of about 984 feet (or 300 meters) above sea level. This means it's located in the hilly and mountainous terrain that West Virginia is famous for. Its exact location can be pinpointed using geographic coordinates: 37 degrees 53 minutes 4 seconds North and 81 degrees 31 minutes 56 seconds West.
Edwight as a Coal Town
Edwight is known as a "coal town." Many communities in West Virginia grew up around the coal mining industry. These towns were often built to house the miners and their families.
History of Coal Towns
In the past, coal mining was a very important industry in West Virginia. Companies would build entire communities near the mines. These towns often had company stores, schools, and homes for the workers. People moved to these areas for jobs in the mines.
Life in a Coal Town
Life in a coal town revolved around the mine. The community's economy depended on coal production. While many of these towns have changed over time, they are an important part of West Virginia's history and culture.