Stonecoal, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stonecoal, West Virginia
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 Stonecoal, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Stonecoal, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Wayne |
| Elevation | 630 ft (190 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1547462 |
Stonecoal is a small, quiet place located in Wayne County, West Virginia, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or town would. Instead, it's usually managed by the county.
Stonecoal is found right along the Tug Fork river and U.S. Route 52. It's about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) north of a town called Kermit.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live and work, but it's not officially a city or town. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads, police, and fire services.
How Communities Are Governed
- Cities and Towns: These have their own local governments. They make their own rules and provide services.
- Unincorporated Communities: These rely on the county government for services. They might have a name and a post office, but no separate local government.
Where is Stonecoal Located?
Stonecoal is nestled in the beautiful, mountainous region of West Virginia. Its location is important because it sits right on a major highway and next to a significant river.
The Tug Fork River
The Tug Fork is a river that flows through parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. It's a branch of the Big Sandy River. Rivers like the Tug Fork have always been important for travel and trade in mountainous areas.
U.S. Route 52
U.S. Route 52 is a long highway that crosses several states. In West Virginia, it winds through the Appalachian Mountains. This road helps connect small communities like Stonecoal to larger towns and cities.
A Look at West Virginia
West Virginia is often called the "Mountain State" because it's almost entirely covered by the Appalachian Mountains. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, including forests, rivers, and wildlife.
West Virginia's History with Coal
West Virginia has a rich history tied to coal mining. For many years, coal was a very important resource for the state. The name "Stonecoal" itself might give you a clue about the area's connection to coal.
What is a Coal Town?
A coal town was a community that grew up around a coal mine. Many people who lived in these towns worked in the mines. These towns were very important to the economy of West Virginia in the past. They often had company stores and housing for miners.
