Prudence, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prudence, West Virginia
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 Prudence, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Prudence, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 1,667 ft (508 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1555421 |
Prudence is a small, quiet place in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a settlement that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it's usually managed by the county. Prudence is also known as a historic coal town.
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What is Prudence, West Virginia?
Prudence is located in the beautiful, mountainous region of West Virginia. It sits at an elevation of about 1,667 feet (508 meters) above sea level. The community is found at coordinates 37 degrees 56 minutes 12 seconds North and 81 degrees 8 minutes 1 second West.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Prudence has a special story. The community was named after a young girl named Prudence McGuffin. She was the daughter of one of the very first settlers in the area. It's pretty cool when a whole place is named after someone!
A Look at Coal Towns
Prudence was once a coal town. This means that the main reason the community existed was because of coal mining. Many people who lived in Prudence worked in the coal mines nearby.
- Life in a Coal Town: In the past, coal towns were very important. They provided homes and services for miners and their families.
- Company Stores: Often, coal towns had a "company store." This was a store owned by the mining company where miners could buy food and supplies.
- Community Spirit: Despite the hard work, coal towns often had a strong sense of community. Everyone knew each other and supported one another.
Prudence Today
Today, Prudence is a quiet community. While coal mining might not be as active as it once was, the history of the area is still very important. Places like Prudence remind us of the hard work and dedication of the people who helped build West Virginia.
Exploring Fayette County
Prudence is part of Fayette County. This county is famous for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.
- New River Gorge: One of the most famous spots is the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It's a huge canyon with a powerful river flowing through it.
- Outdoor Adventures: People come to Fayette County for whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing.
