Sharples, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sharples, West Virginia
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 Sharples, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Sharples, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Logan |
| Elevation | 843 ft (257 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
25183
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| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1555601 |
Sharples is a small, unincorporated community located in Logan County, West Virginia, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city. It's part of the larger county area.
Sharples is found along West Virginia Route 17. It is about 10.5 miles (17 km) northeast of the city of Logan. The community has its own post office with the ZIP code 25183.
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A Glimpse into History
Sharples played a small but important role in the events leading up to a major historical conflict. This conflict was known as the Battle of Blair Mountain.
The Battle of Blair Mountain
The Battle of Blair Mountain was a huge event in American labor history. It happened in 1921 in Logan County, West Virginia. It was a fight between coal miners and coal companies. The miners wanted better working conditions and the right to join a union. A union is a group of workers who come together to protect their rights.
Sharples and the Conflict
Before the main battle, there were many smaller clashes. Sharples was the site of one of these "firefights." A firefight is a small battle where people shoot at each other. This event in Sharples was part of the growing tension. It showed how serious the conflict was becoming between the miners and those who opposed them.
The miners were often treated unfairly. They worked in dangerous conditions for low pay. They believed that forming a union would help them get a fair deal. The coal companies, however, did not want the miners to unionize. This disagreement led to many conflicts, including the one near Sharples.
Life in Sharples Today
Today, Sharples is a quiet community. It is surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian mountains. Like many small communities in West Virginia, it has a rich history tied to coal mining. Even though it's not a big city, places like Sharples are important. They show the history and spirit of the people who live in this part of the country.
Sharples continues to be a home for its residents. It is a place where people live and work, just like any other community. Its history, especially its connection to the Battle of Blair Mountain, makes it a notable spot in West Virginia.
