Fairview, Greenbrier County, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fairview, Greenbrier County,
West Virginia |
|
|---|---|
 Fairview, Greenbrier County, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Greenbrier |
| Elevation | 2,421 ft (738 m) |
Fairview is a ghost town located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, United States. It is a place where people once lived and worked, but now it is empty. Fairview was about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) southwest of a small community called Charmco. Maps from the Soil Conservation Service showed Fairview as a populated place as late as 1937.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that used to be a town or city but is now mostly deserted. It has very few or no people living there. Often, the buildings are still standing, but they are empty and falling apart. These towns can feel a bit spooky because they are so quiet.
Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?
Towns become ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main industry that supported the town disappears. For example, a mining town might become empty if the mine runs out of coal. People then move away to find new jobs.
Other Reasons for Abandonment
Natural disasters like floods or fires can also force people to leave their homes. Changes in transportation, like new roads or railways, can make old routes less important. This can cause towns along the old routes to shrink. Sometimes, new towns grow nearby and offer better opportunities.
Fairview: A Local Example
Fairview is an example of a ghost town in West Virginia. While we don't have many details about its past, we know it was once a small community. Its location near Charmco suggests it might have been part of a larger network of small settlements. Over time, like many other places, Fairview became deserted.
Finding Fairview on Old Maps
Old maps, like those from the Soil Conservation Service, help us learn about places like Fairview. These maps show where towns and communities existed in the past. They are like clues that tell us about history. The fact that Fairview was on maps until 1937 means it was active for some time.
