Isaban, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaban
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 Isaban
Location in West Virginia
Isaban
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | McDowell |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
24846
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| Area code(s) | 304 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554783 |
Isaban is a small, unincorporated community located in the beautiful state of West Virginia, in the United States. It sits along Fourpole Creek, a waterway that adds to the natural scenery of the area. This community is unique because it stretches across two different counties: McDowell County and Mingo County.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live that doesn't have its own local government. Unlike a city or town, it doesn't have a mayor or a city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the county or state.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
In an unincorporated community, services like roads, police, and fire departments are often provided by the county government. This means that decisions about the area are made at a county level, not by a separate local government just for Isaban.
Where is Isaban Located?
Isaban is found in the southwestern part of West Virginia. This region is known for its mountains and valleys. The community's location along Fourpole Creek means it's part of a landscape shaped by water and hills.
Isaban's Place in West Virginia
Being in both McDowell and Mingo counties means Isaban is situated in an area historically important for coal mining. West Virginia is famous for its coal, and many communities like Isaban grew up around this industry.
How Isaban Got Its Name
The name "Isaban" has a charming and simple origin. It was created by combining two popular girls' names: Isabel and Ann. This way of naming a place is called an "amalgamation," which means blending things together.
The Story Behind the Name
It's common for small communities to be named after people, local landmarks, or even a mix of names. For Isaban, the combination of Isabel and Ann gives the community a unique and personal touch.
Life in a Coal Town
Isaban is also known as a "coal town." This means that, historically, the community's economy and way of life were closely tied to the coal mining industry. Many residents might have worked in the mines or in businesses that supported mining operations.
The Impact of Coal Mining
Coal towns often developed quickly to house miners and their families. They usually had company stores and other facilities to serve the mining community. Even today, the history of coal mining is a big part of the identity of many places in West Virginia, including Isaban.
