Landgraff, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Landgraff, West Virginia
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 Landgraff, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | McDowell |
| Elevation | 1,568 ft (478 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24801
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| Area code(s) | 304/681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554907 |
Landgraff is a small, unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. It is located near U.S. Route 52 and Elkhorn Creek. Landgraff is about 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) east of Welch, the county seat.
Landgraff's History
Landgraff is one of many historic "coal camps" in the famous Pocahontas coalfield. A coal camp was a town built by a coal company. Miners and their families lived there. The town was named after Constance Landgraff Andrews. She was the wife of an important person who worked for a coal company.
Landgraff Today
In 2001 and 2002, two big floods happened along Elkhorn Creek. These floods destroyed much of the town. Today, only one historic building remains in Landgraff. It is the old Empire Coal & Coke Company "Miner's Clubhouse." This building now serves as a special place called the Elkhorn Inn and Theatre. It is like a bed-and-breakfast, where people can stay. It also has a small museum room. This museum shows the history of coal mining and trains in the area.
Coal trains still travel through Landgraff. They use the Norfolk Southern Railway tracks. These tracks were once part of the Norfolk and Western Railway. Many tourists visit Landgraff for different activities. They enjoy "railfanning," which means taking pictures of trains. People also like fly-fishing for large trout in Elkhorn Creek. Other popular activities include riding ATVs, playing golf, hiking, and visiting historic sites. These sites are connected to important events in the region's past.
Landgraff was the childhood home of John Ellison. He is a famous singer, musician, and composer. He is best known for writing and performing the song "Some Kind of Wonderful." In July 2013, a special project took place in Landgraff. Boy Scouts helped clear land around an old "lamp house." This building was once used by the Empire Coal and Coke Co. John Ellison and others plan to build a replica of his childhood home there. They want to use it and the lamp house as a museum. This museum will help preserve the history of coal camp life in West Virginia. It will also share the story of John Ellison's music career.
