Midvale, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Midvale
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 Midvale
Location in West Virginia
Midvale
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Upshur |
| Elevation | 1,847 ft (563 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1555115 |
Midvale is a small place in Upshur County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the larger county government.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live close together, but it's not officially a city or town. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads, police, and fire services.
How Communities Get Started
Many communities start as small settlements. If they grow big enough, people might decide to form a city. This lets them have their own local rules and services. But some places, like Midvale, stay unincorporated.
Why Stay Unincorporated?
There are a few reasons why a community might stay unincorporated. Sometimes, the population is too small to form a city. Other times, residents prefer to have the county handle services. It can also mean lower taxes because there isn't a separate city government to fund.
Location and Geography
Midvale is located in the beautiful state of West Virginia. It is part of Upshur County. This county is known for its rolling hills and natural beauty.
Upshur County's Landscape
Upshur County is in the central part of West Virginia. It has many forests and rivers. The area is great for outdoor activities. People enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring nature here.
Elevation of Midvale
Midvale sits at an elevation of 1,847 feet (about 563 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite high up. Being in the mountains gives the area a unique landscape and often cooler temperatures.
Life in Midvale
Life in an unincorporated community like Midvale is often quiet. Residents might rely on nearby towns for larger stores or services. It's a place where people often know their neighbors well.
Community Spirit
Even without a formal city government, unincorporated communities often have a strong sense of community. People might come together for local events or to help each other out.
Local Services
Services like schools, libraries, and emergency services are usually provided by Upshur County. Residents pay county taxes to support these important services.
History of the Area
The area around Midvale has a rich history. West Virginia itself became a state during the American Civil War. Many small communities like Midvale grew over time as people settled the land.
Early Settlers
Early settlers came to West Virginia for its natural resources. They built farms and small businesses. These early communities laid the foundation for places like Midvale.
West Virginia's Heritage
West Virginia is known for its coal mining and logging industries. While Midvale itself is small, it's part of a state with a deep connection to these historical industries.
