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Maybeury, West Virginia facts for kids

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Maybeury
Maybeury is located in West Virginia
Maybeury
Maybeury
Location in West Virginia
Country United States
State West Virginia
County McDowell
Area
 • Total 1.668 sq mi (4.32 km2)
 • Land 1.667 sq mi (4.32 km2)
 • Water 0.001 sq mi (0.003 km2)
Elevation
2,073 ft (632 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 234
 • Density 140.3/sq mi (54.17/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
24861
Area code(s) 304
GNIS feature ID 1555071

Maybeury is a small community in McDowell County, West Virginia, in the United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is an area that the government counts for population, but it does not have its own local government like a city or town. In 2010, about 234 people lived in Maybeury. You can find Maybeury along U.S. Route 52, between the towns of Northfork and Bramwell.

The community of Maybeury was built around 1890 by a company called Shamokin Coal & Coke Co. It was named after two important coal operators, James May and William Beury. They helped start the coal mining business in the area.

History of Maybeury

Early Days and Coal Mining

In 1890, Maybeury was a very important place in West Virginia. It was the biggest town in McDowell County, with 875 people living there. This large population was because many coal mines were starting up in the area. Maybeury was the fifth largest town south of Charleston, which is the state capital of West Virginia. It was also the 31st largest town in the entire state at that time.

John F. Kennedy's Visit

In 1960, John F. Kennedy visited Maybeury during his campaign to become president. He stopped at an Esso gas station in the community. Later, during a speech in Canton, Ohio, he talked about his visit to McDowell County. He said that even though the county mined more coal than ever before, many people there were receiving food aid. He explained that machines were doing the jobs of people, and new jobs had not been found for those who lost theirs.

Important Buildings

The Pocahontas Fuel Company Store was once a significant building in Maybeury. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This store was an important part of the community's history, especially during the coal mining era. The building has since been taken down.

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