Michigan, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michigan, West Virginia
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 Michigan, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Michigan, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 945 ft (288 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1556144 |
Michigan was a special kind of place in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was known as an "unincorporated community" and a "coal town." This means it was a settlement where people lived, but it didn't have its own official local government like a city or a town. Its main purpose was connected to the coal mining industry.
Contents
What Was an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it's not officially organized as a city or town. It doesn't have its own mayor or town council. Instead, services like roads, schools, and police are usually managed by the larger county government.
How They Are Governed
In an unincorporated community, the county or state government handles most public services. This is different from a city, which has its own local laws and leaders. People living in these areas still pay taxes and receive services, but they are managed at a broader level.
Why Communities Stay Unincorporated
Sometimes, communities stay unincorporated because they are small. Other times, residents might prefer to avoid the extra taxes or rules that come with forming a city. It allows for a simpler way of living without a separate local government.
Life in a Coal Town
Michigan was also a "coal town." This means it was built mainly to support coal mining operations. These towns were very common in places like West Virginia, where coal was a major industry.
Purpose of Coal Towns
Coal towns were often created by mining companies. They provided homes, stores, and sometimes even schools and churches for miners and their families. Everything in the town revolved around the coal mine.
Daily Life for Miners
Life in a coal town could be tough. Miners worked long hours in dangerous conditions underground. Their families lived close by, and the entire community depended on the mine for jobs and income. When the mines closed, many of these towns became "ghost towns."
The End of Coal Towns
As the demand for coal changed and mining methods evolved, many coal towns like Michigan slowly disappeared. People moved away to find new jobs, and the communities became less populated. This is why Michigan is now considered a former community.
