Fitzpatrick, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fitzpatrick
|
|
|---|---|
 Fitzpatrick
Location in West Virginia
Fitzpatrick
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 2,182 ft (665 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1549682 |
Fitzpatrick is a small, unincorporated community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of the larger county. Fitzpatrick is known for its history as a coal town, which means it grew because of the coal mining industry.
Contents
Life in Fitzpatrick: A Coal Town's Story
Fitzpatrick is situated in the beautiful, mountainous region of West Virginia. The community's history is closely tied to the state's rich coal resources. Many people who lived here in the past worked in the coal mines.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Fitzpatrick is a group of homes and businesses that are not officially organized as a city or town. They don't have a mayor or a city council. Instead, the county government provides services like roads and public safety. This setup is common in many rural areas across the United States.
The Role of Coal Mining
For many years, coal mining was the main industry in Fitzpatrick and surrounding areas. Miners would dig deep underground to extract coal, which was then used to produce energy. This work was very important for the economy of West Virginia. It also shaped the lives of the families who lived in these communities.
Daily Life for Mining Families
Life in a coal town could be challenging but also very close-knit. Families often lived near each other. They shared experiences related to the mines. Children in these communities grew up understanding the importance of coal to their families and their state.
Geography and Location
Fitzpatrick is located in the southern part of West Virginia. The area is known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. The elevation of Fitzpatrick is about 2,182 feet (665 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite high up in the mountains.
How to Find Fitzpatrick
The community's exact location can be described using geographic coordinates. It is found at 37 degrees, 44 minutes, 38 seconds North latitude and 81 degrees, 11 minutes, 11 seconds West longitude. These numbers help pinpoint its spot on a map.
Looking Ahead
While coal mining has changed over the years, communities like Fitzpatrick remain important parts of West Virginia's heritage. They remind us of the state's industrial past and the people who built these areas.
