Independence, West Virginia facts for kids
Independence is a name used for several small communities in the U.S. state of West Virginia. These places are called unincorporated communities. This means they are not officially organized as a city or town with their own local government. Instead, they are part of a larger county.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own mayor or city council. It's different from a city or town that has its own local laws and services. Instead, the county government usually provides services like roads and police for these communities.
Places Named Independence in West Virginia
In West Virginia, you can find a few different places named Independence. They are located in different parts of the state:
- Independence, Barbour County, West Virginia: This community is found in Barbour County.
- Independence, Clay County, West Virginia: Another Independence is located in Clay County.
- Independence, Jackson County, West Virginia: You can also find an Independence in Jackson County.
- Independence, Preston County, West Virginia: There is also an Independence in Preston County.
Why Do Places Have the Same Name?
It's common for different places, especially small communities, to share the same name. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, early settlers might have chosen a popular name, like "Independence," because it had a special meaning to them. The name "Independence" often reminds people of freedom and the founding of the United States. To tell these places apart, people usually add the name of the county they are in.