Joes Creek, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joes Creek, West Virginia
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 Joes Creek, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Joes Creek, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Boone |
| Elevation | 958 ft (292 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554815 |
Joes Creek is a small, quiet place in Boone County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community and a coal town. This means it's a settlement that doesn't have its own local government, and its history is closely tied to coal mining. Joes Creek is about 14.5 miles (23.3 km) east-northeast of the town of Madison.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live that is not part of an official city or town. It does not have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it is usually governed by the county or state.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
- No Local Government: Residents do not elect their own city officials.
- County Services: Services like police, fire, and roads are often provided by the county government.
- Fewer Rules: There might be fewer local laws or rules compared to a big city.
- Community Feel: These places often have a strong sense of community, even without formal town boundaries.
Why Are Some Places Unincorporated?
Many communities start small and grow over time. If they do not grow large enough, or if residents prefer it, they might remain unincorporated. This can mean lower taxes or less bureaucracy for the people living there.
Joes Creek: A Coal Town
Joes Creek is also known as a coal town. This means that coal mining played a very important role in its past. Many people who lived in Joes Creek likely worked in the coal mines nearby.
Life in a Coal Town
- Mining Jobs: The main jobs in coal towns were usually related to mining. This could include working underground or processing coal.
- Company Towns: Some coal towns were "company towns." This meant the mining company owned most of the houses and stores.
- Community Life: Life in coal towns often revolved around the mine. The mine's schedule and success affected everyone.
- Hard Work: Mining was, and still is, very hard and sometimes dangerous work.
The History of Coal in West Virginia
West Virginia is famous for its coal. For many years, coal mining was the most important industry in the state. It brought many people to places like Joes Creek looking for work. Even today, coal remains a part of West Virginia's economy and history.
Where is Joes Creek?
Joes Creek is located in Boone County. Boone County is in the southwestern part of West Virginia. The area is known for its mountains and valleys.
Geography of the Area
- Appalachian Mountains: West Virginia is part of the Appalachian Mountains. This means the land around Joes Creek is hilly and rugged.
- Creeks and Rivers: The name "Joes Creek" suggests there is a creek nearby. Small creeks and rivers are common in this mountainous region.
- Natural Beauty: The natural landscape of West Virginia is very beautiful, with forests and wildlife.
Living in Joes Creek Today
Today, Joes Creek remains a small, unincorporated community. While the coal industry has changed over the years, the history of mining is still a big part of the area's identity. People living in Joes Creek enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle.
