Willow Island, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willow Island, West Virginia
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 Willow Island, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Willow Island, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Pleasants |
| Elevation | 640 ft (200 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1555993 |
Willow Island is a small community located in Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it is a place with a shared identity but does not have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it is governed by the county.
Willow Island is found right on the Ohio River. This river forms the border between West Virginia and Ohio. The community is also located where West Virginia Route 2 meets County Highway 10. It is about 3 miles (5 km) west-southwest of a nearby town called Belmont.
History of Willow Island
Willow Island has a history tied to its local services and industries. A post office served the community for many years. It first opened on October 17, 1946. However, it later closed its doors on May 25, 1991.
Important Places in the Community
Willow Island is home to a few important landmarks. These include the Willow Island Baptist Church, which serves as a spiritual center for many residents. There is also the Willow Island Cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place for many of the families who helped found the area. It also holds the graves of other important people from the community.
Local Industry and Power
A significant part of Willow Island's history involves its industrial sites. The Pleasants Power Station is located here. This power station is a large facility that generates electricity. It was also the site of an industrial accident in 1978, known as the Willow Island disaster.
Another important industry in the area was a chemical plant. This plant was first known as Cyanamid and later became Cytec Industries. This company was a big employer for people in Pleasants County. It also helped support the local school system.
