Fire Creek, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fire Creek, West Virginia
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 Fire Creek, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Fire Creek, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 1,033 ft (315 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1556100 |
Fire Creek is a ghost town located in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States. It sits along the beautiful New River Gorge. A ghost town is a place where people once lived and worked, but then everyone moved away, leaving the buildings empty and quiet.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a settlement that has been abandoned. This often happens when the main reason for the town's existence, like a mine or a factory, closes down. When jobs disappear, people move to find work elsewhere. The empty buildings and streets can feel a bit spooky, like ghosts might live there!
History of Fire Creek
Fire Creek was likely a busy community built around the coal mining industry. Many towns in West Virginia grew because of the rich coal found there. People moved to these towns to work in the mines and support their families.
However, when the coal mines closed or the coal ran out, the jobs disappeared. This often led to people moving away to find new opportunities. This is probably what happened to Fire Creek, causing it to become a ghost town. Today, it stands as a reminder of West Virginia's mining past.
Famous People from Fire Creek
One important person who came from Fire Creek was Claud Ashton Jones. He was a very brave man who became a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. A Rear Admiral is a high-ranking officer in the navy, similar to a general in the army.
Jones also received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery that a person can receive in the United States military. He earned it for his incredible courage during a difficult situation.
