Saxman, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saxman, West Virginia
|
|
|---|---|
Coal scrip from Saxman, West Virginia
|
|
 Saxman, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Saxman, West Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Nicholas |
| Elevation | 2,247 ft (685 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1555577 |
Saxman was once a small community in Nicholas County, West Virginia, United States. It was located about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west-southwest of a town called Richwood. Today, Saxman no longer exists as a community. Even its old post office is gone.
What Was Saxman?
Saxman was an unincorporated community. This means it was a place where people lived, but it didn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it was part of the larger county. Many small communities, especially in rural areas, are unincorporated.
A Coal Town's Story
While the original text doesn't say it directly, Saxman was likely a coal town. West Virginia is famous for its coal mining history. Coal towns were often built by mining companies. They provided homes, stores, and services for the miners and their families. Life in these towns revolved around the coal mine.
What is Coal Scrip?
The picture in the infobox shows something called coal scrip. This was a special kind of money. Mining companies sometimes paid their workers with scrip instead of regular money. Workers could only spend this scrip at stores owned by the mining company. This meant workers had to buy everything from the company store. It was a way for companies to keep money within their own system.
Why Did Saxman Disappear?
Many coal towns, like Saxman, have disappeared over time. When coal mines closed down, people had to move away to find new jobs. Without the mine, there was no reason for the community to stay. Buildings might have been abandoned, and eventually, the community faded away. Saxman is an example of how places can change as industries change.
