Royal, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Royal
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 Royal
Location in West Virginia
Royal
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Raleigh |
| Elevation | 1,243 ft (379 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1555536 |
Royal was a small, unofficial community located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, in the United States. It was known as an unincorporated community, which means it didn't have its own local government like a mayor or town council. Instead, it was part of the larger county's administration. Many communities like Royal grew up around specific industries, and Royal was likely a coal town, built to support the coal mining operations in the area.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it's not officially a city or town. This means it doesn't have its own separate government. Instead, it's governed by the larger county or state.
How Unincorporated Areas Work
In an unincorporated area, services like police, fire, and roads are usually provided by the county. People living there still pay taxes, but those taxes go to the county government. This is different from a city, which has its own mayor, city council, and local departments.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many unincorporated communities started as small settlements, often around a specific industry like mining or farming. They might not have grown large enough to become an official town. Sometimes, people prefer to live in an unincorporated area to avoid city taxes or rules.
Royal's Location and History
Royal was situated in the beautiful, mountainous region of West Virginia. Its exact coordinates are 37°51′10″N 81°4′4″W, and it was about 1,243 feet (379 meters) above sea level. These details help us pinpoint where this community once stood on a map.
The Role of Coal in West Virginia
West Virginia is famous for its rich coal deposits. For many years, coal mining was the main industry in the state. This led to the creation of many small communities, often called "coal towns," built specifically for miners and their families. Royal was likely one of these communities.
Life in a Coal Town
Life in a coal town like Royal would have revolved around the mines. The company often owned the houses, stores, and even the schools. People worked hard, and the community was often very close-knit. When the mines closed, many of these towns struggled or became abandoned.
Royal Today
As an unincorporated community that was likely a coal town, Royal's existence changed over time. Many such communities in West Virginia saw their populations shrink or disappear when the coal industry declined. Today, Royal is no longer an active community.
What Happens to Former Communities?
When industries leave or populations move, communities can change dramatically. Some become ghost towns, while others might just fade away, leaving behind only memories and historical records. Royal is an example of a place that once thrived but is now part of history.
