Metalton, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Metalton
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 Metalton
Location in West Virginia
Metalton
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 2,257 ft (688 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1558374 |
Metalton is a small place, not quite a town, located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or town council, but is instead part of the larger county. People living in Metalton are governed by Raleigh County.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes or businesses that are not part of an official city or town. They don't have their own separate government. Instead, they rely on the county government for services like police, fire, and roads.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many unincorporated communities grew up around specific industries, like mining or farming. They might have been too small to form their own city government. Over time, some grow into towns, while others remain unincorporated.
The Story Behind the Name Metalton
The name "Metalton" gives us a big clue about its history! It's very likely that this community got its name because of the important industries nearby: coal mining and steel manufacturing.
Coal and Steel in West Virginia
West Virginia is famous for its rich coal deposits. For many years, coal mining was a very important job in the state. Coal is a fossil fuel that can be burned for energy. It was also used to make steel. Steel is a strong metal used to build everything from cars to skyscrapers. Places like Metalton often grew up near mines or factories where these materials were processed.
Where is Metalton Located?
Metalton is found in the southern part of West Virginia. It is part of Raleigh County. This area is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Geography and Elevation
Metalton is located at an elevation of about 2,257 feet (688 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite high up in the mountains! The coordinates for Metalton are 37°46′0″N 81°17′22″W.
