Whitcomb, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whitcomb, West Virginia
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 Whitcomb, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Greenbrier |
| Elevation | 1,706 ft (520 m) |
Whitcomb is a place in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, that used to be a town. Today, it is known as a ghost town. This means it was once a community where people lived and worked, but now it is mostly empty or has very few residents.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a busy settlement but has since been abandoned. People leave ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main industry, like mining or logging, runs out. Other times, natural disasters or changes in transportation routes can cause people to move away.
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
- Resource Depletion: If a town grew because of a mine, when the minerals run out, people leave.
- Economic Changes: New roads or railways might bypass a town, making it harder for businesses.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, droughts, or fires can force everyone to move.
- War or Conflict: Sometimes, people have to leave their homes because of fighting.
Whitcomb's Location and History
Whitcomb was located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. It was situated along the Greenbrier River, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of a town called Fairlea. Being near a river was often important for early settlements, as rivers provided water and ways to travel.
When Whitcomb Appeared on Maps
Whitcomb was still shown on maps made by the USGS as late as 1935. This tells us that it was a recognized place at least until that time. After 1935, it likely started to decline or was no longer considered an active settlement.
The Disappearance of Whitcomb
Like many small towns in rural areas, Whitcomb likely faded away as people moved to bigger cities for work or better opportunities. Without a strong reason for people to stay, such as a large industry, small communities can slowly become ghost towns. Today, Whitcomb serves as a reminder of the past and the changing landscape of West Virginia.
