National, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
National
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 National
Location in West Virginia
National
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  West Virginia |
| County |  Monongalia |
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1544054 |
National is a small, unincorporated community located in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States. It is a place without its own local government.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place that does not have its own separate local government. This means it is not officially a city or a town. Instead, it is governed directly by the county or a larger regional authority.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
People living in unincorporated areas still receive public services. These services, like roads and police, are managed by the county. Sometimes, these communities might have a local name. They often share a ZIP code or postal address with a nearby town.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many unincorporated communities started as small settlements. They might have grown around a specific industry. If they never grew large enough, they might not have formed their own government. This is common in more rural or less populated areas.
The History of National
The community of National got its name from a local mining company. This suggests that mining played a big role in its early days. Many communities in West Virginia grew because of the coal industry.
Coal Towns in West Virginia
West Virginia is famous for its coal. Many towns, like National, began as "coal towns." These were communities built around coal mines. The mining company often owned the houses, stores, and even the schools. Life in these towns was closely tied to the mine.
Life in a Mining Community
In a coal town, most people worked for the mining company. The company provided jobs and housing. These communities were often close-knit. They shared the challenges and successes of the mining industry. Over time, as mining changed, so did these communities.
