Lynwinn, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lynwinn
|
|
|---|---|
 Lynwinn
Location in West Virginia
Lynwinn
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 2,608 ft (795 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1542655 |
Lynwinn is a small, unincorporated community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States. It was once known as a "coal town" because its existence was closely tied to the coal mining industry.
Contents
What is Lynwinn?
Lynwinn is an example of an unincorporated community. This means it is not an official city or town with its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it is part of a larger county, in this case, Raleigh County. The county government handles most of the services for Lynwinn, such as roads and public safety.
Where is Lynwinn Located?
Lynwinn is found in the state of West Virginia, which is in the eastern part of the United States. West Virginia is famous for its mountains and its history of coal mining. Lynwinn is specifically located within Raleigh County, a region that was very important for coal production.
Life in a Coal Town
Many communities in West Virginia, like Lynwinn, started as "coal towns." These places were built specifically to support coal mines and the miners who worked there.
How Coal Towns Began
Coal companies often built these towns from scratch. They would construct houses for the miners and their families, company stores where people could buy supplies, and sometimes even schools or churches. The company owned most of the land and buildings.
Why Coal Towns Were Important
Coal towns were vital because they provided homes and services for the thousands of people who worked in the mines. Coal was a major source of energy for factories and homes across the country. The coal industry brought jobs and people to areas that were once very rural.
What Happened to Coal Towns?
Over time, as coal mining changed or mines closed, many coal towns saw their populations shrink. Some became "ghost towns," while others, like Lynwinn, continued to exist as small communities. Today, Lynwinn remains an unincorporated community, a quiet reminder of West Virginia's rich mining past.
