List of ghost towns in West Virginia facts for kids

Imagine a town where everyone used to live, work, and play, but now it's completely empty. That's a ghost town! West Virginia has many of these forgotten places. Most of them became ghost towns because of the coal mining industry. When coal mines closed, people had to move away to find new jobs. This created a "boom and bust" economy.

What are Ghost Towns?

A ghost town is a place that used to be a busy community. Now, almost no one lives there. Sometimes, buildings are still standing, but they are empty and falling apart. Other times, only ruins or foundations are left. These towns often feel spooky or mysterious. They tell stories of the past.

Why So Many in West Virginia?

West Virginia is famous for its coal. For many years, coal mining was the main industry here. Companies built whole towns for miners and their families. These were called "coal camps" or "company towns." Everything in the town, from houses to stores, was owned by the coal company.

When a coal mine ran out of coal, or if the company went out of business, the mine would close. This meant there were no more jobs. People had to leave to find work somewhere else. When everyone left, the town became a ghost town. This happened to many communities across West Virginia.

Life in a Coal Camp

Life in a coal camp was unique. The coal company often provided housing, a company store, and even schools or churches. Miners worked hard and dangerous jobs. Their families lived close by. The company store was often the only place to buy supplies. Miners were sometimes paid in "scrip," which could only be used at the company store.

These towns were built quickly to support the mines. When the coal was gone, they were often abandoned just as fast. Today, these ghost towns are reminders of West Virginia's rich mining history. They show how important coal was to the state's past.

List of West Virginia Ghost Towns

This is a list of many ghost towns found in West Virginia. Some are completely gone, while others might have a few buildings left. Many of these towns were once busy coal camps.