Meadowdale, Marion County, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meadowdale, West Virginia
|
|
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | West Virginia |
County | Marion |
Elevation | 928 ft (283 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
GNIS feature ID | 1543080 |
Meadowdale is a small, quiet community in Marion County, West Virginia. It is not a city or town with its own government. Instead, it is an unincorporated community. This means it is a group of homes and businesses that are not officially part of a larger town. Meadowdale is found where three county roads meet. These roads are County Routes 73, 72, and 33. It is located about 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers) east-northeast of the city of Fairmont.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live that does not have its own local government. It is different from a city or town. Cities and towns have their own mayors and councils. They also have their own police and fire departments.
How Unincorporated Communities are Governed
People in unincorporated communities like Meadowdale still have services. These services are provided by the larger county government. For example, Marion County provides police and fire protection. It also takes care of roads and schools. This is how these communities get the services they need.
Why Some Places Stay Unincorporated
Many communities remain unincorporated for different reasons. Sometimes, they are too small to form their own government. Other times, residents prefer to be governed by the county. This can sometimes mean lower taxes or fewer local rules. Meadowdale is one such place. It is a quiet residential area.
Geography and Location
Meadowdale is located in the northern part of West Virginia. It sits in a beautiful area with rolling hills. The community is part of the Appalachian Mountains region. This region is known for its natural beauty.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Meadowdale is close to several larger places. The city of Fairmont is very near. Fairmont is a bigger city with more services. It has shops, restaurants, and hospitals. Being close to Fairmont is helpful for Meadowdale residents. They can easily access these services.
Roads and Transportation
The community's location at the junction of County Routes 73, 72, and 33 is important. These roads connect Meadowdale to other areas. They make it easy for people to travel. This helps residents get to work or school. It also helps them visit nearby towns.
History of Meadowdale
The history of Meadowdale is tied to the history of Marion County. Like many places in West Virginia, it likely grew from early settlements. These settlements were often based around farming or natural resources.
Early Settlers and Development
Early settlers came to this region for its land. They built farms and small homes. Over time, these small groups of homes grew into communities. Meadowdale probably started this way. It grew slowly as more people moved to the area.
Life in Early West Virginia
Life in early West Virginia was often challenging. People worked hard on farms. They relied on their neighbors for help. Communities like Meadowdale were important centers for daily life. They provided a sense of belonging.
Education and Community Life
Children in Meadowdale attend schools within the Marion County school system. This system provides education for all students in the county.
Schools Serving Meadowdale
Students from Meadowdale typically go to schools in nearby Fairmont. These schools include elementary, middle, and high schools. They offer a variety of subjects and activities. This helps students learn and grow.
Community Activities
Even without its own government, Meadowdale has a community spirit. Residents often participate in county-wide events. They might also have local gatherings. These activities help neighbors connect and build friendships.