Ephram, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ephram, West Virginia
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 Ephram, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Ephram, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 2,566 ft (782 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1556082 |
Ephram was a small place in Fayette County, West Virginia, in the United States. It was known as an unincorporated community and a coal town. This means it was a settlement without its own local government, and its main purpose was linked to coal mining.
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What Was a Coal Town?
A coal town was a community built around a coal mine. These towns were often owned by the mining company. The company would provide homes, stores, and even schools for the miners and their families.
Life in Coal Towns
Life in a coal town was very different from living in a big city. Everything revolved around the mine. Miners worked long, hard hours, and their families lived nearby. The company often controlled many aspects of daily life.
Why Coal Towns Were Important
Coal towns played a huge role in the history of West Virginia. Coal mining was a major industry, and these towns helped power homes and factories across the country. They were vital for the economy of the region.
Where Was Ephram Located?
Ephram was located in Fayette County, West Virginia. This county is in the southern part of the state. West Virginia is famous for its mountains and its history of coal mining.
Geography of Fayette County
Fayette County has a rugged landscape with many hills and valleys. This kind of land is often rich in natural resources like coal. The county is also home to parts of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The Decline of Coal Towns
Over time, many coal towns like Ephram saw their populations shrink. As coal mining changed or mines closed, people moved away to find new jobs. This led to many of these communities becoming much smaller or disappearing entirely.
What Happens to Unincorporated Communities?
An unincorporated community doesn't have its own city government. Instead, it's usually managed by the county. When a community like Ephram declines, it means fewer people live there, and it might not have many services left.
