Layland, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Layland, West Virginia
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Bowyer Mine Supply Company Layland West Virginia
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 Layland, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Layland, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 2,431 ft (741 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
25864
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| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554925 |
Layland is a small, unincorporated community in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a town or city. Instead, it's part of the larger county. Layland is located on West Virginia Route 41, about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) west-northwest of Meadow Bridge. It has its own post office with the ZIP code 25864.
Before it was known as Layland, this community had another name: Gentry.
Contents
History of Layland
Layland is nestled in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Like many places in this state, its history is closely tied to the coal mining industry. For many years, coal mining was a major part of life here. It provided jobs and helped the community grow.
Life in a Coal Town
In the early 1900s, coal towns like Layland were busy places. Miners worked hard to extract coal from deep underground. Families lived close to the mines, and the community often revolved around the mining company. Stores, schools, and homes were built to support the miners and their families. Life could be challenging, but there was also a strong sense of community.
The Layland Mining Disaster
Layland is also known for a very sad event in its history. On March 2, 1915, a terrible mining explosion happened in the local coal mine. This event was a huge tragedy for the community.
What Happened That Day
The explosion was very powerful. It caused a lot of damage inside the mine. Many miners were killed right away. Others were trapped underground. They faced dangerous gases that filled the mine after the explosion. These gases could cause suffocation.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Despite the danger, some miners managed to survive. They were able to build barriers to protect themselves from the deadly gases. These brave miners waited for help. In the days that followed, about 53 survivors slowly emerged from the mine. Their rescue was a hopeful moment during a very difficult time.
Remembering the Victims
In total, 112 men lost their lives in the Layland mining disaster. It was one of the worst mining accidents in West Virginia's history. To honor the people who died and the survivors, a special memorial was built. This memorial was established in 2014. It helps everyone remember the brave miners and the impact of the disaster on Layland.
