McDowell, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
McDowell
|
|
|---|---|
 McDowell
Location in West Virginia
McDowell
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | McDowell |
| Elevation | 1,965 ft (599 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1555083 |
McDowell is a small community in West Virginia, a state in the United States. It's not a city or town with its own government, but a place where people live in McDowell County. This community is located about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) southeast of a place called Northfork.
Contents
What is McDowell?
McDowell is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's part of the larger McDowell County. People living here get their services from the county government.
Where is McDowell Located?
McDowell is found in the beautiful state of West Virginia. West Virginia is in the eastern part of the United States. The community is specifically located within McDowell County. This county is in the southern part of the state.
How High Up is McDowell?
The community of McDowell sits at an elevation of about 1,965 feet (599 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite high up, which is common for places in the Appalachian Mountains.
How McDowell Got Its Name
The name "McDowell" most likely came from a company that used to be very important in the area. This company was called the McDowell Coal and Coke Company. Many communities in this region were named after the coal companies that operated there.
What is a Coal and Coke Company?
A coal and coke company mines coal from the ground. Then, they turn some of that coal into "coke." Coke is a special fuel made by heating coal without air. It was very important for making steel in the past.
Life in McDowell
McDowell is a quiet place where people live and work. Like many communities in West Virginia, its history is closely tied to the coal industry. Even though the coal industry has changed, the community remains a home for its residents.
What are Unincorporated Communities Like?
Unincorporated communities are often smaller than towns or cities. They might not have their own police department or fire station. Instead, these services are provided by the county. Residents still have access to schools, roads, and other important services.
