Hemlock, Fayette County, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hemlock, Fayette County, West Virginia
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 Hemlock, Fayette County, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Hemlock, Fayette County, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 2,037 ft (621 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1540135 |
Hemlock is a small, unincorporated community located in Fayette County, West Virginia, in the United States. 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 governed by the county.
Hemlock is known as a coal town. This means its history and development are closely linked to the coal mining industry. Many communities in West Virginia grew because of coal.
Contents
Where is Hemlock Located?
Hemlock is nestled in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. It's found in Fayette County, which is in the southern part of the state.
Geographic Details
The community sits at an elevation of about 2,037 feet (621 meters) above sea level. This makes it quite high up in the Appalachian Mountains. Its exact location can be pinpointed using coordinates: 37°52′25″N 80°58′28″W.
Nearby Areas
Hemlock is part of a region with many other small communities. These areas often share a similar history tied to mining and the natural landscape.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own official city or town government. Instead, it's managed by the larger county government.
How They are Governed
For example, in Hemlock, services like roads, schools, and law enforcement are typically handled by Fayette County. This is different from a city, which would have its own mayor and city council.
Why Communities are Unincorporated
Many small communities remain unincorporated because they are not large enough to form their own government. Sometimes, residents prefer to rely on county services.
Hemlock's Connection to Coal
Hemlock is categorized as a "coal town." This means that coal mining played a very important role in its past.
The Role of Coal Mining
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coal mining was a major industry in West Virginia. Many communities, like Hemlock, grew up around coal mines. People moved there to work in the mines.
Life in a Coal Town
Life in a coal town often revolved around the mining company. The company might have owned the houses, stores, and even the schools. These towns were vital to the economy of the state.
Living in Hemlock Today
Today, Hemlock remains a quiet community in Fayette County. While the coal industry has changed, the area still holds its historical charm.
Natural Beauty
The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty. West Virginia's mountains offer opportunities for outdoor activities.
Community Life
Life in small, unincorporated communities like Hemlock often means a close-knit community. Neighbors know each other well and support one another.
