Westerly, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westerly, West Virginia
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 Westerly, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Westerly, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette |
| Elevation | 1,211 ft (369 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1555959 |
Westerly is a small, quiet place located in Fayette County, West Virginia, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community and was once a busy coal town. Westerly was also sometimes called Keeferton.
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Discovering Westerly, West Virginia
Westerly is not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it is an unincorporated community. This means it is a group of homes and buildings that are part of a larger county. The county government helps manage services for places like Westerly.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own separate government. It doesn't have a mayor or a town council. Instead, the larger county government takes care of things like roads, police, and fire services. This is different from a city or town, which has its own local rules and leaders.
Westerly's Past as a Coal Town
Westerly was once a coal town. This means it was a community built around a coal mine. Many people who lived there worked in the mines. Coal towns were very important in West Virginia's history. They helped power homes and industries across the country.
Life in a Coal Town
Life in a coal town like Westerly often centered around the mine. Miners worked hard to dig coal from the ground. Their families lived nearby, forming close-knit communities. These towns often had company stores where people could buy what they needed. They also had schools and churches.
Why Coal Towns Were Important
Coal towns played a big role in the economy of West Virginia. They provided jobs for many people. The coal dug from these mines was used for fuel and to make steel. This helped build cities and power factories. Over time, as mining changed, many coal towns became smaller. Some even disappeared.
Where is Westerly Located?
Westerly is in Fayette County, West Virginia. This state is known for its beautiful mountains and rich history of coal mining. Westerly is nestled among the hills, typical of many communities in this region. Its elevation is about 1,211 feet (369 meters) above sea level.
