Hampshire, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hampshire
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Country | United States |
State | West Virginia |
County | Mineral |
Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
GNIS feature ID | 1554633 |
Hampshire is a small, quiet place in Mineral County, West Virginia, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does. Instead, it's managed by the county.
Hampshire is located right on the North Branch Potomac River. This river forms part of the border between West Virginia and Maryland. The community is also part of the larger Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. This area includes several cities and towns that are connected by their economies and daily life.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Hampshire is a group of homes or businesses that are not part of an official city or town. They don't have a mayor or a city council. Instead, the county government handles services like roads, police, and fire protection.
This setup can mean fewer local taxes for residents. It also means decisions are made at a broader county level. Many small communities across the United States are unincorporated.
How Communities are Governed
Communities can be organized in different ways. Some are cities or towns with their own elected leaders. They have specific boundaries and local laws. Others are unincorporated, relying on the county.
The way a community is governed affects its daily life. It impacts how services are provided and how local issues are solved.
Where is Hampshire Located?
Hampshire is nestled in the beautiful landscape of Mineral County. This county is in the eastern part of West Virginia. The area is known for its rolling hills and natural beauty.
The community's exact location is important. It sits along the North Branch Potomac River. This river is a major waterway in the region. It flows through scenic valleys and provides a habitat for wildlife.
Nearby Places and Connections
Hampshire is situated near other communities. To its south, you'll find Bloomington, which is in Maryland. To its west is Beryl, another community in West Virginia.
Being part of the Cumberland Metropolitan Statistical Area means Hampshire is connected to a larger region. This area includes the city of Cumberland, Maryland. People in these connected communities often share resources and travel between them for work or shopping.
Elevation of Hampshire
Hampshire is located at an elevation of about 1,056 feet (322 meters) above sea level. This elevation gives it a unique position in the landscape. The higher elevation can influence local weather patterns and the types of plants that grow there.
The coordinates for Hampshire are 39 degrees, 28 minutes, 19 seconds North latitude and 79 degrees, 4 minutes, 37 seconds West longitude. These numbers help pinpoint its exact spot on a map.