Woodlands, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woodlands
|
|
|---|---|
 Woodlands
Location in West Virginia
Woodlands
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  West Virginia |
| County |  Marshall |
| Elevation | 640 ft (200 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1556020 |
Woodlands is a small place in Marshall County, West Virginia, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that aren't officially part of a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the larger county it's in. Woodlands was once also called Sisters Landing.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Woodlands is a place where people live close together, but it doesn't have its own local government. Unlike a city with a mayor and city council, Woodlands relies on Marshall County for services. These services include things like roads, police, and fire protection.
How are Unincorporated Areas Managed?
In an unincorporated area, the county government handles most of the public services. This can be different from how cities work. Cities often have their own departments for things like parks, water, and trash collection. For Woodlands, these services are provided by Marshall County.
Why Some Places Stay Unincorporated
There are several reasons why a community might remain unincorporated. Sometimes, the residents prefer to have fewer local rules. Other times, it might be because the community is small and doesn't need a full city government. It can also be a way to keep taxes lower, as there aren't extra city taxes to pay.
Where is Woodlands Located?
Woodlands is found in the northern part of West Virginia. This state is known for its beautiful mountains and forests. It's often called the "Mountain State." Woodlands is specifically in Marshall County, which is in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.
Exploring Marshall County
Marshall County is located along the Ohio River. This river forms part of the border between West Virginia and Ohio. The county has a mix of small towns, farms, and natural areas. It's a place with a rich history, especially related to coal mining and agriculture.
Nearby Cities and Towns
While Woodlands itself is small, it's not far from larger towns in Marshall County. These include places like Moundsville, which is the county seat. Moundsville offers more services and shops that residents of Woodlands might use.
History of Woodlands
The area where Woodlands is located has a long history. Like many places in West Virginia, it was settled by pioneers. The name "Sisters Landing" suggests it might have been a place where boats could stop along a river or creek. Many communities in this region grew up around natural resources or transportation routes.
Early Settlers and Development
Early settlers in Marshall County often came looking for land to farm. They also used the rivers for travel and trade. Over time, small communities like Woodlands formed. These communities were important for local trade and social gatherings.
What's in a Name?
The change from "Sisters Landing" to "Woodlands" might reflect how the area developed. "Woodlands" suggests a place surrounded by trees, which is common in West Virginia. The original name, "Sisters Landing," could have been named after people or a specific feature of the land.
Life in Woodlands Today
Today, Woodlands remains a quiet, unincorporated community. People who live there enjoy the peaceful environment. They are part of the larger Marshall County community. Life in such a place often means being close to nature and having a strong sense of local community.
Community and Environment
Living in Woodlands means being surrounded by the natural beauty of West Virginia. The area likely offers opportunities for outdoor activities. These could include hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery. The community is part of the larger ecosystem of the Appalachian Mountains.
Education and Services
Children living in Woodlands would attend schools within the Marshall County school system. For other services like hospitals or larger stores, residents would travel to nearby towns. This is typical for small, unincorporated communities.
