Widen, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Widen, West Virginia
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Kanawha Street
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 Widen, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Widen, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Clay |
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
25211
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| GNIS ID | 1549121 |
Widen is a small, quiet place in Clay County, West Virginia. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it does not have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it is part of the larger county. Widen was also once a busy coal town.
The community got its name from L. G. Widen. He was an important official who worked for the railroad.
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What is a Coal Town?
A coal town is a special kind of community. It was built mainly because of a nearby coal mine. These towns often grew quickly around the mine. People moved there to work in the mines. The mining company often owned many things in the town. This included houses, stores, and even schools.
Life in a Coal Town
Life in a coal town was unique. The mining company usually provided homes for the workers. These homes were often similar in design. The company also ran a "company store." Workers could buy food, clothes, and other supplies there. Sometimes, their wages were paid in "scrip." This was like special money that could only be used at the company store.
The community in a coal town was often very close-knit. Everyone worked for the same company. They shared similar experiences. Families often lived near each other. They supported each other through good times and tough times.
The Role of Coal Mining
Coal mining was a very important industry in West Virginia. It provided jobs for many people. Coal was used to power factories and heat homes. It helped the country grow. Towns like Widen were vital to this industry. They supplied the coal that fueled progress.
The Decline of Coal Towns
Over time, many coal towns changed. New technologies emerged. The demand for coal sometimes decreased. Mines might close down. When a mine closed, it often meant the end for the town. People would move away to find new jobs. This led to many coal towns becoming much smaller. Some even became ghost towns.
Widen Today
Today, Widen is a quiet community. It is a reminder of West Virginia's rich mining history. While the busy days of coal mining are mostly in the past, the spirit of these towns lives on. Places like Widen show us how communities grew around important industries. They also show how they adapted when those industries changed.
